Entries by Cherie (74)
A quick and easy blog post!
Just a reminder to anyone who still has American Elm trees growing around their property.
In Regina, the pruning ban extends from April 1st to August 31st. Please check with your municipality, the ban may be different in your area.
--- Also please remember to band those Elms!
Ohio Buckeye
"If you can not identify this tree, we have a great dental program, that might be a better program for you to take."
That is the phrase our horticultural tree identification class heard during the introduction of the Horse Chestnut. I would have to say the same thing of it's close, prairie hardy relative, the Ohio Buckeye. This tree should be easy to recognize in any landscape. Although, you may not want to plant it in just "any" landscape. This is another one of "those" trees. The Ohio Buckeye needs a large landscape to spread it's wings. And please, never ever place a swing set under this tree.
Ohio Buckeye
(Aesculus glabra)
- Grows full sun
- Prefers alkaline soils
- Slow growth rate
- Showy yellow green flowers
- Large fruit do fall before the squirrels can get them (remember the swing set)
Zone 2
Height: 12m x 6m (40' X 20')
Crown Shape: rounded
Landscape uses: Large park, or acreage tree
So, if you cannot identify this tree or are not really interested in dental classes, I have one hint for you. Only Aesculus species have,
--- the five finger or palmately compound look!
One of those trees
After my rant last post, the next tree (actually an overgrown shrub) is one that has very mixed reviews. It has some amazing characteristics and some not so amazing ones that you need to look past.
In my mind, there is no greater fragrance from any prairie hardy tree. I used to have an apartment balcony over a row of these trees, the smell would waft up and I could sit there for hours.
Russian Olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia)
- Grows full sun to part shade
- Adaptable to soil conditions
- Medium growth rate
- Fragrant flowers, silver berry like fruit changing to brown
- Silver Leaves
- Interesting bark
Zone 2
Height: 6m x 6m (20' x20')
Crown shape: Depends on what you want, can be a tree or a shrub
Landscape Uses: hedges, highways, parks, specimen, birds love the fruit.
This tree was used extensivly as a wind break along Saskatchewan highways. It is highly adaptable to many soil conditions. It does great in Canada because unlike our neighbours to the south, this tree is not agressive in our cold climate.
If you want to smell this wonderful scent, visit Larry in June. I know he is not happy with his tree, but that is only because someone previous wanted to smell this tree in the house. So they planted a 20' tree under the eve-troughs of the house.
--- Just another case of 'nos-scents' besting common sense!
Think like a child
One summer, when I was about 10, my father was cutting down a poplar. The tree did not survive the drought and had to be removed. During the felling, the poplar tree clipped and brought down a live spruce tree. I cried, I actually cried.
I was fortunate enough to have a large yard with many trees. I did not care what variety or what weedy characteristics each possessed, I loved the natural beauty. I have dear memories of building forts in and eating the sweet nectar of the Caraganas. We climbed the Cottonwood Poplar tree and had an amazing tree house in a Manitoba Maple. We travelled through the Choke Cherry patch, as if we were in another world. There was always an adventure.
Now that you know my personal feelings for trees, I want to address some common requests from potential tree buyers.
Everyone strives to find the perfect tree for their situation. Someone with a pool wants a tree that is clean. I have one tree to recommend. Here it is the perfect tree for over a pool are you ready. 'Plant a dead one!'
I know that may be a bit harsh, but really all trees have leaves which must fall. Every tree has characteristics that may be unpopular but if you can just look past that, you may find the real beauty of trees.
While biking with my son the other day we came upon a very fragrant 40 ft magnolia. It was absolutely marvelous. Quite possibly the best display I have ever witnessed. Next time we biked passed, the owner of the tree was out raking the front lawn. Those beautiful 4 inch petals had to fall somewhere.
When shopping for trees, there are many things to consider. I understand yards are smaller, yes people today book less time for yard work, but there is a wonder to behold. As with everything, you just have to look past the negatives to see the real beauty.
--- Because we all know, every lovely 'rose' still has 'thorns'!
Double flowers!
While I'm on the topic of spring flowering trees. This fragrant double flowering tree deserves mention. There are two prairie hardy varieties of Hawthorn. 'Snowbird' blooms white, 'Toba' starts white then turns pink. As an added landscape bonus, it has a twisted trunk appearence in the winter. Great photos of both at Potter's Nursery.
'Snowbird' and 'Toba' Hawthorn
(Crataegus x mordenensis)
- Grows full sun to part shade
- Adaptable to soil conditions
- Medium growth rate
- Beautiful fragrant double flowers turning to red fruit
- Is described as spiny
- Glossy green leaves
Zone 3
Height: 5m x5m (15' x15')
Crown shape: Upright, rounded
Landscape Uses: Specimen, spring flowering, winter interest, red fruit
One great feature of these trees, they do better in colder climates. In zone 7 the tree suffers greatly, But,
--- what else would you expect from a Manitoba native!
His aha moment...
My husband came home last night and said "I have the perfect plant for our front yard."
"Oh, what's that?"
"We should plant a Prunus triloba 'Multiplex'
What you just witnessed is what every greenhouse owner witnesses when anyone sees this plant in the spring. They want one or more. We currently have a smoke bush that is suffering from heat and drought. Let's just say, it is not what it could be. In our case, this could be the perfect plant for our spot and we may just do another plant shuffle to add it in.
Double Flowering Plum, Rose Tree of China
(Prunus Triloba 'multiplex')
- Grows full sun
- Adaptable to soil conditions
- Medium growth rate, slower on the prairies
- Beautiful double flower in spring
Zone 2
Height: 2.5m x 2.5m (6-8' x 6-8')
Crown Shape: Round
Landscape uses: Buffer strips, specimen, back of bed, can be a tree (if pruned) or a shrub
This plant is perfect because we want a little shade for the scorched lawn but can not plant a tall tree due to wires overhead.
Patmore Ash
Patmore Green Ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Patmore')
This special ash, which Mr. Patmore discovered in northern Alberta, has been tested at the Morden Research station and has been found to have superior qualities. It was patented and today it is being grown in many parts of Canada and the United States.
Patmore Ash:
- Grows best in full sun
- Very adaptable to soil conditions, tolerates drought
- Fast growing
- Seedless
- Yellow fall colour
Zone 2
Height: 18m x11m (60' x 35')
Crown Shape: oval when mature
Landscape Uses: streets, parks, yards, and fall colour
And what I like:
It tolerates a wide range of conditions, from zone 2 to 9, and the complete range of moisture amounts avalible in those zones.
--- See, many great things do come from the prairies!
A green ash that's....yellow!
Foothills Green Ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Heuver')
This seedless hardy ash has an upright oval shape.
This tree is highly recommended for use in Calgary, Brooks, Coaldale and Edmonton (the mountain foothills zones).
Foothills Ash:
- Grows best in full sun
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica is used as a grow anywhere plant.
- Tolerates high pH, salt, drought, wind and sterile soils
- Fast growing
- yellow fall colour
Zone 2
Height: 12m x 9m (60' x 30')
Crown shape: Oval, prune in fall if needed to maintain tree shape
Landscape Uses: streets, lawns, fall colour
Trees were shrubby when tested in Fairview Alberta, producing many branch leaders and it is not recommended for growing there.
--- Apparently it only likes real foothills type weather!
Ohh, my kids are doomed!
So, my husband came home after his 15 hour day at the tree nursery and had to unwind. He started telling me about his day. Lucky for him I am schooled in latin (horticulture latin at least). His story went like this... "so on this cart I had to load number two hydreangea, prunus cistena, corylus and" something else I can not remember. He carried on with his story and I was thinking about a blog post.
No wonder my children were fighting like this earlier in the day....
My two children, a two and three year old were arguing about a name of a plant. The two year old said that is "Forsyia" and the three year old said no "Forsytha." The two year old gave up the arguement and said "look look the red tulip, it's beautiful."
We may have to stop talking in front of them, they seem to pick up the most unique language.
A White ash thats....purple!!.
Northern Blaze White Ash
(Fraxinus americana 'Jefnor')
This Jefferies Nursery introduction is seedless and is notable for its winter hardiness. It is being marketed as a great city tree, watch for it on a corner near you.
Northern Blaze
- Grows best in full sun
- Prefers moist deep soils but quite adaptable
- Purple fall colour
- Vigourous growth rate
Zone 3
Height: 15m x 7m (50' x 25')
Crown shape: Upright oval then open-rounded when mature
Landscape uses: fall colour, residential, streets
My husband has a great beech, birch and ash joke but this is not the time, you might have to stop in and ask Larry,
--- or you could just google it.
Acer ginnala 'Durglobe' aka Atomic Maple
In keeping with the current maple theme, this next plant is deserving of any Regina landscape. It is a slow growing shrub that I could add to my Southern Ontario garden.
(By the way, the 'Dur' in Durglobe is Rick Durand, and this is him describing the development and selection of a new cultivar.)
Atomic Maple:
- Grows best full sun, partial shade
- Prefers well drained medium
- Red Fall colour
- Slow growing
Zone 2
Height: 1.25m x 1.25m (4' x4')
Crown shape: globe shaped
Landscape uses: fall colour, residential plantings, hedge
I would use this plant instead of Euonymus alata 'Compactus' (Winged Burning bush) which is a little tender for Regina. The slow growth rate appeals to me because I would be able to add the texture and colour without having to hack it back. 
Acer x "Ventura"
Ventura Maple
(Acer x 'Durone')
The last two maple trees are gorgeous in their own right but they are large.
If you are like most home owners and have a small yard, but still want the beautiful colour of a maple, Ventura Maple is for you. (Introduced by Prairie Shade Nursery.)
Ventura Maple
- Grows best in full sun, partial shade.
- Prefers well drained medium
- Orange-yellow fall colour
- Fast growing
Zone 2
Height: 6m x 5m (20' x 15')
Crown shape: An upright tree form derived by crossing Tatarian and Amur Maples
Landscape Uses: Fall colour, fast growing, small tree
Just another example showing that, you don't have to be real big,
--- to be real good!
Syrup, without a Sugar, try this!
Autumn Spire Red Maple
(Acer rubrum 'Autumn Spire')
So you still want beautiful red fall colour and you are not really sheltered. Once again, there is an introduction for you. The best part, I say this with my tongue in my cheek, 'IT'S MALE'. Now, before you get all sexist on me, this is great news if you own a maple. That really means it can not produce fruit. That's right, no more seeds germinating in your gutters, sidewalks or any other place you do not want them.
Autumn Spire Red Maple:
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade.
- Prefers well drained acidic soil, amendments needed in Regina.
- Red fall colour
- Superior cold hardiness
- Slow growing shade tree
Zone 3
Height: 12 x 8 m (50' x 25')
Crown Shape: Broad, columnar
Landscape uses: Spring flowers, shade, fall colour
I have two red maples in my front yard. I wish the first was a male tree. If it was, I would not have the second tree. It seems one of the previous owners forgot to pluck the tiny seedling.
The red flowers just finished here, they appear before the leaves. Yes they are red, beautiful red. My son could look out his window,
--- and see a great display of red against a blue sky!
Canada' s National Tree now prairie hardy!
Unity Sugar Maple
(Acer saccharum 'Jefcan')
Finally, a sugar maple that promises to be strong enough to handle the Canadian Prairie. This tree is a new introduction from Jefferies Nursery. It is classed as a Zone 3 but best in a sheltered location.
The Unity Sugar Maple:
- Grows best in full sunlight or partial shade.
- Prefers well drained medium
- Yellow to orange red fall colour.
- Slow growing shade tree
Zone 3-4
Height: 12-15 m (40 -50')
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Landscape Uses: fall colour and shade
This plant may take many years before it is a large shade tree but eventually it will be the talk of the town. I know one tree nut that most likely has this on his list, he will probably also like to tap it for Maple Syrup too.
--- Am I far off Larry?
Look at that squirrel go!!!
I was once told, "a squirrel could run from the east coast of Canada and not touch the ground until eastern Manitoba." Once it got to the prairies, the squirrel would run out of trees.With the help of great prairie tree breeders the landscape is changing. Many new species are now prairie hardy.
In the coming days, while the people of Sherwood Greenhouses are very busy, I will look at, and post about, some of these prairie hardy selections.
Spring has sprung
You can tell there is a change of season. Larry spent time playing in the dirt, my husband was busy chasing kites and I spent the day going in circles.
I tend to rake that way. At the end of the day, it looks like strange crop circles.
The sad part, the leaves did not get raked up before the snow fell. In fact, the leaves fell at the same time as the snow. Today, I gathered 11 large bags of leaves and that was only half the back yard.
During the raking, my son said to me
---"Mom, why do you think the walnut leaves are wrecking the grass?"
Oh, was I glad to hear that question. It was much easier to talk about Juglone then answer the theology question he asked me last week!
But my real question to you is this:
The school of thought, about walnut leaves, they still contain too much juglone to mulch or compost back into the ground. I would like real experience, has anyone ever composted or just mulched the leaves without any negative effects?
Communicate "Part Two", A diffent story from the East.
We have the pleasure of eating lunch everyday as a family. My husband works 0.7 km from work at a large tree nursery.
This week, they started wearing "two way radios" for communication. That only means shipping season has started for the year. The radios help shippers verify orders. The two way radios are on all the time and yes, we can hear the conversations at our table.
This is the conversation that happened over the radio in the middle of our lunch yesterday. And, no, it was not an April Fools Joke!
---static, crackle----"Base to Travis, or Dave"
---"Yes, Base?"---
---"House 75 is up in the air!!!!"---
My husband just looked at me and said "I gotta go!"
As you can imagine, it was rather windy here on the Niagara Penninsula yesterday.
Cherie
in Greenhouse
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Plasticus discustiacea var. 'not normal'
When commentor 'Kate' talked about plastic plants being used outside, I knew I had to get a picture of this.
No, it is not an early leafing variety of tree. It is actually a plastic tree that has been PLANTED in the ground. I first noticed it last fall. Since then, I have noticed three, painfully obvious, plastic plants used in the landscape.
I personally know a lady who uses fake roses mixed in with her real roses. She regularly gets comments on her amazing rose garden.
To be honest, this technique is not uncommon. Kate, being from Ottawa, you must have witnessed the beautiful 'tulip festival'. The tulips are absolutely perfect, lined up row after row, square metre after metre. Imagine, how is that possible with all the 'tulip bulb' hungry critters? Or, what if a yellow tulip bloomed in a red bed? The NCC (National Capital Commision) could not allow such a gastly mistake, I mean, there is a reputation to uphold. We do not want to put a blemish on our relations with Holland. You quessed it, they use the same plastic technique.
I have an another instance of bad taste. I live very close to a city called 'the rose city.' Two summers ago, the flower baskets that lined the downtown streets were fake. They were the worst display I have ever seen, a real eye-sore.
--- But, I often wondered to myself, who really noticed?
Cherie
in Just Dumb
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Looks like I've got a princess!
I don't know how it happened or when, my daughter wants to dress and act like a princess. She turned two last week and wants to wear skirts and tights everyday. When I finally get her dressed, she prances around the house doing twirls and princess moves.
I have no idea where those thoughts came from. I certainly did not make her that way. I can not stand tights or nylons for that matter. The only real use I have found for nylons is for tying up tomatoes or trees. I can only imagine, she is not going to be a gardener, she will not want to get her fingers dirty.
Cross posted at Tales from the Crib.
Cherie
in Funny
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Not really applicable to gardening, but funny!
I read this on a sign last night and thought I should share.
Modern women do not get 'hot flashes',
--- " they get "power surges."
Cherie
in Funny
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