I have two huge Live Oak trees that drop thousands of acorns starting now. I have raked them up in the past and just threw them away, but decided to be Earth Friendly this year.
Any problem with throwing them into the shrub beds?
I was hoping they would rot and amend the soil. I live in Dallas and everthing around here is black clay. Every year I add landscapers mix and by the end of the season, most has rotted away.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Will adding 2 to 4 inches of acorns to my shrub beds cause any pH variances to the soil?
No, it probably won't do much to the soil pH -- if you test carefully, you may see a slight change, but soils (especially clays) are strongly buffered and tend to return to their native pH.
But you're likely to have lots of little oak seedlings...
Why not rake and compost? Then spread the compost.
Reply:I have 15 oak trees (I live in Western Oregon) in my yard---I can't imagine why I would use the acorns in my shrubs. A certain amount of them would just sprout -- they are just seeds of the oak trees. It would certainly attract mice %26amp; rats to nest there for the food, probably causing chewing damage to the shrubs. I also don't think they would rot that soon, they have a woody husk.
Reply:I don't think so if you just poured them there, but they might if they rot. Plus some will turn into oak plants, because the will get the soil, light, water and fertilizer meant for your plants. If they are crushed is an entirely different matter all together. I'm pretty sure acorn are really acdic. I know oaks are full of tanic acid. That is what they use to cure animal hides so they don't rot. I think you can fill a bucket with oak chips and water and the tanic acid will leach out of the wood into the water. You can then soak a hide in it for a couple of weeks, let it dry, then chew, pound, rub, etc.. to get it soft again and you have a cured hide.
plants flowers
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What is a good Focal point, scented, pretty, shade shrub/ tree for garden in southeastern washington?
I live in Southeastern washington which is dry and warm. I have a garden near the house that is near the front door. It is about 10 X10 foot and gets mostly shade. I would like to plant a smallish (5-6ft tall) shrub or tree that blooms and is colorful from spring to fall. Scented would also be nice. Maybe attract birds? I dont mind pruning/trimming and it will get plenty of water. Any ideas?
What is a good Focal point, scented, pretty, shade shrub/ tree for garden in southeastern washington?
Mostly shaded area will not give you the flowering plants you desire. If however there is at least 6 hours of sun in the area you describe then shrub roses, would be a great addition.Of course there's nothing better that azalea's and rhododendrons. Small understory trees like dogwoods and viburnums would be good for mostly shaded area with some sun not scorching sun. Also low growing hostas have a variety of leaf color and texture and blooms in July, they love filtered shade. Small Maple tree the mini's would work well in the space you described as well. Ajuga is great ground cover also spring bulbs scatted about would be a nice touch to fill out the space. Then if your really serious about a focal point put in a small pond or small water feature. Garden centers have an amazing variety to choose from. The water will attract birds, butterflies, and the sound of.water trickling down a spout is so relaxing. Good Luck.
Reply:Mock Orange, Sambuca, Kerria Japonica, Service Berry, Hydrangea, Acuba, Sarcococca, Red Flowering Current...
None of these plants would meet 100% of your wishes, but if you choose one and then under plant with Wintergreen, Heuchera, native Bleeding Heart, Hosta, and/or Columbine (look for varieties that have some of the characteristics you're looking for), you can have everything on your list and a nice welcoming front door garden.
What is a good Focal point, scented, pretty, shade shrub/ tree for garden in southeastern washington?
Mostly shaded area will not give you the flowering plants you desire. If however there is at least 6 hours of sun in the area you describe then shrub roses, would be a great addition.Of course there's nothing better that azalea's and rhododendrons. Small understory trees like dogwoods and viburnums would be good for mostly shaded area with some sun not scorching sun. Also low growing hostas have a variety of leaf color and texture and blooms in July, they love filtered shade. Small Maple tree the mini's would work well in the space you described as well. Ajuga is great ground cover also spring bulbs scatted about would be a nice touch to fill out the space. Then if your really serious about a focal point put in a small pond or small water feature. Garden centers have an amazing variety to choose from. The water will attract birds, butterflies, and the sound of.water trickling down a spout is so relaxing. Good Luck.
Reply:Mock Orange, Sambuca, Kerria Japonica, Service Berry, Hydrangea, Acuba, Sarcococca, Red Flowering Current...
None of these plants would meet 100% of your wishes, but if you choose one and then under plant with Wintergreen, Heuchera, native Bleeding Heart, Hosta, and/or Columbine (look for varieties that have some of the characteristics you're looking for), you can have everything on your list and a nice welcoming front door garden.
Can the Mexican lime tree be used as a shrub?
I am beginning (trying) to get a little nice garden going and I came across the Mexican lime tree and I am wonding if I can use it as a shrub? Thank you for your time!
Can the Mexican lime tree be used as a shrub?
Hey CE,
It sounds like a nice plant. The Mexican lime tree is exceedingly vigorous; may be shrubby or range from 6 1/2 to 13 ft (2-4 m) high, with many slender, spreading branches, and usually has numerous, very sharp, axillary spines to 3/8 in (1 cm) long.
With the naturally occuring size, you could use it as a shrub. A lot depends on where you plan to put it. It will be a pain in the neck if you put it just below a window, because it will want to grow higher.
You also need to be sure you are in the right Zone for it. Then provide the soil pH and fertilizers it needs. If I were a zone or two warmer I would put it on a side of my house where there is a wall with no windows - that would make it stand out against the house. Be careful to have it spaced away from the house far enough for the natural plant radius, Which you could expect to get up to 4 or 5 feet.
Can the Mexican lime tree be used as a shrub?
Hey CE,
It sounds like a nice plant. The Mexican lime tree is exceedingly vigorous; may be shrubby or range from 6 1/2 to 13 ft (2-4 m) high, with many slender, spreading branches, and usually has numerous, very sharp, axillary spines to 3/8 in (1 cm) long.
With the naturally occuring size, you could use it as a shrub. A lot depends on where you plan to put it. It will be a pain in the neck if you put it just below a window, because it will want to grow higher.
You also need to be sure you are in the right Zone for it. Then provide the soil pH and fertilizers it needs. If I were a zone or two warmer I would put it on a side of my house where there is a wall with no windows - that would make it stand out against the house. Be careful to have it spaced away from the house far enough for the natural plant radius, Which you could expect to get up to 4 or 5 feet.
Where can I buy a Melaleuca (tea tree) tree/ shrub?
Can an anyone tell me where I can buy a Melaleuca Tea Tree/Shrub. I have looked it up online and see how paople have...but I'm not finding any nurseries who actually sell them.
Thank you so much!
Where can I buy a Melaleuca (tea tree) tree/ shrub?
Try ebay. Here are some links.
Thank you so much!
Where can I buy a Melaleuca (tea tree) tree/ shrub?
Try ebay. Here are some links.
What is a fast growing and easy to grow shrub for San Jose, CA?
Maximum height for the shrub: 8 feet.
What is a fast growing and easy to grow shrub for San Jose, CA?
theres to many to mention here that will grow in your area contac your local nursery
Reply:You can find out what those plants look like and also look for other plants at Better Home and Gardens:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/gardening/index.j...
also the B.B.C. will do it for you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/pl...
and both of those places have "virtual gardens" where you can plan stuff by moving shrubs around and combining them with different plants.
i used to live in San Jose; say HI! to the Sharks for me...
Reply:Here are just a few of the many:
1.) Euonymous... (different varieties of this)
2.) Photinia... ( ruby leaves but requires alot of pruning as it grows very fast)
3.) Ceanothus (flowering)
4.) Escallonia...(flowering)
5.) Forsythia... (flowering)
6.) Viburnum... (flowering)
What is a fast growing and easy to grow shrub for San Jose, CA?
theres to many to mention here that will grow in your area contac your local nursery
Reply:You can find out what those plants look like and also look for other plants at Better Home and Gardens:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/gardening/index.j...
also the B.B.C. will do it for you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/pl...
and both of those places have "virtual gardens" where you can plan stuff by moving shrubs around and combining them with different plants.
i used to live in San Jose; say HI! to the Sharks for me...
Reply:Here are just a few of the many:
1.) Euonymous... (different varieties of this)
2.) Photinia... ( ruby leaves but requires alot of pruning as it grows very fast)
3.) Ceanothus (flowering)
4.) Escallonia...(flowering)
5.) Forsythia... (flowering)
6.) Viburnum... (flowering)
"Berberis troglodytes"--is this the same yellow-flowered evergreen shrub w/leaves like holly: "Oregon Grape"?
Seen growing in Maryland and Delaware, USA, as well as in Hessen State, Germany. Trying to identify the name of this yellow-flowered evergreen shrub that LOOKS like a member of the holly family, but is not.
"Berberis troglodytes"--is this the same yellow-flowered evergreen shrub w/leaves like holly: "Oregon Grape"?
Oregon Grape Holly is Berberis aquifolium.
I am not aware of B. troglodytes.
Reply:...don't think so...
"Berberis troglodytes"--is this the same yellow-flowered evergreen shrub w/leaves like holly: "Oregon Grape"?
Oregon Grape Holly is Berberis aquifolium.
I am not aware of B. troglodytes.
Reply:...don't think so...
How can I kill off a perenial wild shrub?
I have a number of those horrible non flowering wild shrub type things that grow as tall as they like unless I cut them back each year.I need to get rid as secretly and effectively as possible.
How can I kill off a perenial wild shrub?
Salt will kill anything and everything.
Either drill holes in the base and spike or pack around the base.
Could take some time though but works everytime!
Reply:stamp on it and quick, i can sense the urgency in that question!!
Reply:Get your dog or borrow one to piss on them regular that seems to kill everything else in the garden
Reply:Ammonia %26amp; Water or use Old Oil that Kills Everything
Reply:Spray the cursed hellweed with roundup.
Reply:whats with the nasty chemicals ???
urine (human or animal) poured into a hole drilled at the base or cut and burn the stem
Reply:accidentally spill some household bleach on it kills all the weeds in my garden. Oh make sure there's no pets around
Reply:More than likely, you will need to get down to the roots, and dig them up. You may be able to cut them off at the ground, and pour stump killer all over the exposed roots.
Never use old oil, or gasoline on the ground! Remember, whatever goes into the ground will eventually make it's way into our water system. You dump it, you drink it!
Reply:get an old paint brush and paint a number of leaves with SBK, you may have to do it more than once. you could even cut off a few branches and paint the cut ends with it too
Reply:Oh, secretly.
I was going to suggest gasoline.
Reply:There are two ways. One, girdle the tree. Two, drill a small hole and inject a systemic plant killer (go ask at a nursery which chemical is best, I don't know.)
How to girdle the tree: Cut a line in the first layer of bark, all the way around the tree. I would suggest doing it far down, near the soil, so it's not noticable. Then go at least 1/2 inch down, or an inch is better, and cut another line in the first layer of bark, all the way around the tree. If the shrub/tree is thicker than your wrist, you might want to go a couple inches or more wide. Strip off the outer layer of bark. Cover the white underlayer with dirt so it's not so noticable. If the ring is near the ground, and it's possible, dump some leaves or whatever to cover. The tree will die within 4-6 months or so. Definately by next spring. I've done this to a number of trees and it works infallibly. I like this way best because it's pretty subtle, especially if you only do one or two a month, and spread it out. Plus, there's no nasty chemicals involved, and less evidence later.
To inject a systemic chemical: cut a round plug out of the first layer of bark, preferably somewhere pretty hidden, near to the roots. Make the plug bigger than the hole you will drill. Drill a hole, probably what, 1/2 inch around or so, all the way to the center of the bush. Angle the hole downwards so gravity takes the chemical to the heart. Use a funnel or basting syringe or something to get the chemical down the hole. Be careful!! Throw away the funnel %26amp; syringe afterward- you don't want anybody using it and getting killed!!! Seriously, you can't trust on cleaning it afterward!! Then plug up the hole with the plug, you can use glue to keep it in place even, it doesn't matter. This is a quicker, but less subtle, way to make the shrub/tree die.
flower arrangements
How can I kill off a perenial wild shrub?
Salt will kill anything and everything.
Either drill holes in the base and spike or pack around the base.
Could take some time though but works everytime!
Reply:stamp on it and quick, i can sense the urgency in that question!!
Reply:Get your dog or borrow one to piss on them regular that seems to kill everything else in the garden
Reply:Ammonia %26amp; Water or use Old Oil that Kills Everything
Reply:Spray the cursed hellweed with roundup.
Reply:whats with the nasty chemicals ???
urine (human or animal) poured into a hole drilled at the base or cut and burn the stem
Reply:accidentally spill some household bleach on it kills all the weeds in my garden. Oh make sure there's no pets around
Reply:More than likely, you will need to get down to the roots, and dig them up. You may be able to cut them off at the ground, and pour stump killer all over the exposed roots.
Never use old oil, or gasoline on the ground! Remember, whatever goes into the ground will eventually make it's way into our water system. You dump it, you drink it!
Reply:get an old paint brush and paint a number of leaves with SBK, you may have to do it more than once. you could even cut off a few branches and paint the cut ends with it too
Reply:Oh, secretly.
I was going to suggest gasoline.
Reply:There are two ways. One, girdle the tree. Two, drill a small hole and inject a systemic plant killer (go ask at a nursery which chemical is best, I don't know.)
How to girdle the tree: Cut a line in the first layer of bark, all the way around the tree. I would suggest doing it far down, near the soil, so it's not noticable. Then go at least 1/2 inch down, or an inch is better, and cut another line in the first layer of bark, all the way around the tree. If the shrub/tree is thicker than your wrist, you might want to go a couple inches or more wide. Strip off the outer layer of bark. Cover the white underlayer with dirt so it's not so noticable. If the ring is near the ground, and it's possible, dump some leaves or whatever to cover. The tree will die within 4-6 months or so. Definately by next spring. I've done this to a number of trees and it works infallibly. I like this way best because it's pretty subtle, especially if you only do one or two a month, and spread it out. Plus, there's no nasty chemicals involved, and less evidence later.
To inject a systemic chemical: cut a round plug out of the first layer of bark, preferably somewhere pretty hidden, near to the roots. Make the plug bigger than the hole you will drill. Drill a hole, probably what, 1/2 inch around or so, all the way to the center of the bush. Angle the hole downwards so gravity takes the chemical to the heart. Use a funnel or basting syringe or something to get the chemical down the hole. Be careful!! Throw away the funnel %26amp; syringe afterward- you don't want anybody using it and getting killed!!! Seriously, you can't trust on cleaning it afterward!! Then plug up the hole with the plug, you can use glue to keep it in place even, it doesn't matter. This is a quicker, but less subtle, way to make the shrub/tree die.
flower arrangements
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