| Author | Content |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 04, 2009
08:03 PM Post #6907817
| I am thinking that the gold color would look the best with my flowers this year. |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 04, 2009
08:08 PM Post #6907839
| I try to reserch your question earlier this year when trying to decide what to buy and came up with nothing. They say the dyed mulches have no affect on the plants.
I do not know. Something made my plants look bad, I don't know if it was the late move, the dyed mulch or the preen I used this spring.
I decide to get red mulch, on a huge bed because it was much cheaper by the truckload. I don't like it , I thought it looked gaudy, not natural. That is just my opinion on red. Gold sounds kinda purdy. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 04, 2009
08:16 PM Post #6907881
| I researched it on the Internet but couldn't find any pros and cons about colors also. lol However, one thing I found out at the garden center the other day, Preen or similar additives will also kill off flower seeds. And I didn't want that for sure. My neighbor gave me some black mulch and I put out half that bag. But I don't like it so much with the colors of flowers I have this year. I thought the gold seemed like it would have more contrast and be kinda purdy also! Lol Thanks! |
grannymarsh
Marquette, MI
(Zone 5a)
August 04, 2009
10:18 PM Post #6908476
| Preen prevents seed germination. Weed seeds or any others. |
barhea7
(Bre) Sellersville, PA
(Zone 7a)
August 04, 2009
11:33 PM Post #6908858
| I use the black dyed just because i like the contrast of the flowers against it  |
imzadi
Jackson, SC
(Zone 8a)
August 05, 2009
12:10 AM Post #6909004
| i havent found any difference in the color of mulches. i have used tan and red and non colored and no difference in the plants. the red will fade with age and look browish after awhile. also found the red runs too when wet. i rather use pine straw but the mulch comes in handy too. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 05, 2009
07:56 PM Post #6912058
| My neighbor has red mulch. It really does look a bit garish and fake because their flowers aren’t very full. I bought the gold last night and put it down today. It is not a yellow gold exactly. I would call it more of a yellowish tan. The bag said something about the color coming off if you leave it on the sidewalk, maybe if it is wet. I think it looks better than the black with my flowers. It has many fine pieces in it than black and it is much easier to lay down. That for sure is a plus with me. I am not sure what cypress is like, but it could be that. The bag was beside the cypress. The bag didn’t say though.
By the way Crashbandiscoot, I think Schuler’s Bakery has the very best doughnuts! The twisted ones with chocolate and the long ones with chocolate and cream filling are my very favorites. They are always so fresh and no one makes them like they do!
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 05, 2009
09:38 PM Post #6912475
| LOL that is funny, my daughter works at Schulers! Venice, she bring me the chocolate cream filled all the time, and chocolate chip cookies when they are fresh. I am gonna miss it, she will be leaving soon.
You will have to show us a pic of your mulch, please. :~) |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 06, 2009
10:05 AM Post #6913935
| one thing i did read somewhere is that rubber mulch (made from recycled tires) contains lead and other contaminates and eventually leaches into the soil with negative effects on plants.
i found the red very garish also and switched to plain pine bark. i would never use cypress, as it is a non-renewable resource and the cypress forests are being laid barren around the world for this foolish fancy of ours. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 06, 2009
01:47 PM Post #6914839
| Trackin - I can't stand that rubber mulch crap. When I moved into my house, one of the prior owners had used rubber mulch all over the property. I was digging up along the house to plant, and found it even layers under the soil. It doesn't break-down and provide nutrients for the soil like wood-mulch does. It even killed the grass in patches and prevented it from growing because it was saturated just below the surface all over the yard. It took months of scouring my lawn to get most of it out. I wouldn't recommend that crap to anybody, and agree with you on the contaminates - first-hand experience with grass-killing properties! |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 06, 2009
03:43 PM Post #6915227
| but grantman, tell me how you REALLY feel! LOL |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 06, 2009
04:23 PM Post #6915403
| Hahaha sorry for the tyrade - you get the picture! I'll go take my meds now...LOL! |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 06, 2009
04:33 PM Post #6915449
| lol |
dp72
Woodway, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 06, 2009
09:48 PM Post #6916644
| Mulch already has the color that nature gave it. Who would want to tart it up with artificial colors? PLEASE! |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 06, 2009
10:00 PM Post #6916692
| i know one thing, if i put down black mulch, my plants would cook! |
dp72
Woodway, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 06, 2009
10:46 PM Post #6916980
| Isn't THAT the truth! Maybe in the Arctic circle...All mulch is ugly- it covers up the earth- although it does without doubt hold in moisture and keep weeds from proliferating. Ugliness is relative though- the colored ones that look like dyed ground-up tires are unspeakably horrible looking- shredded anything, such as cyprus, is atrocious; unmulched pine needles within sight of the public should be against the law, and large chunks of any bark are coarse and gauche. The least visually objectionable is finely ground bark mulch. After the sun does its bleaching in a few months, it is tolerable. I won't even mention HAY. |
DanKistner
Winter Haven, FL
(Zone 9b)
August 07, 2009
08:42 AM Post #6917992
| DON'T USE ROCKS! When I moved in the house, the perimeter was surrounded with a strip of rock about 2 feet wide. The rock was maybe 3" deep and laid over a layer of plastic. Well don't even try to dig because your shovel won't go anywhere with that rock there. Try to pull the plastic up, it is so old it just breaks off. A nightmare! pay a kid $100 to dig it all up some weekend! |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 07, 2009
09:38 AM Post #6918148
| don't get me started on plastic...
down in the keys, everyone puts down black plastic and then rock...it's the "normal" way to do it down there. unfortunately most "landscapers", and i use that term loosely, used thick, in-permeable plastic and trees, huge and totally established for generations, began dying. the plastic had been laid right up to the trunk in most cases. it was a very slow death, but death nonetheless. it also made them more vulnerable to hurricane force winds.
i think rock has its place in certain instances and i do use pea gravel to top off my pots. i also use it around certain roses, on top of pine bark mulch. i've found that it prohibits blackspot and other diseases to varying degrees.
the rock in the keys was snow white and totally hideous. i have rock down in my garden pathways and the garden sprinklers come straight from the well, before it goes through the de-ironizing system. eventually the already natural rock color takes on a subtle rusty color which looks great, imho.
i'm also a big fan of groundcovers for mulch, although it's hard to find ones that don't totally take over and start climbing into other plants. i recently researched a Lantana 'Samantha', a really nicely variegated leaf, lemon and lime color. it was supposed to stay small and be a fairly slow grower...not in florida. arghhhh. i spend more time than i care to think about yanking plants! lol |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 07, 2009
11:57 AM Post #6918651
| I love you , tracks! |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 07, 2009
12:40 PM Post #6918836
| hey crash! long time no see! i love ya too!!! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
04:37 PM Post #6919650
| Glad to hear all your opinions on mulch!!!
Crash -- I can't believe you get home delivery on Schuler's doughnuts! You are so lucky.
Ok, since I started this I think it is time to give you a look at my mulch!
The mulch I have is made by Mulch Manufacturer in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. I looked at their site and sent them email asking what type of wood is in Golden Rose, the type I have. Here is the info I found.
(email) “The Golden Rose is a mixture of soft woods and hardwoods. It does not contain cypress. The texture of cypress is more dense. It will have larger pieces of wood than the Golden.” (site) “Unlike other mulches that compact and smother plant roots from water and nutrients, Softscape™ allows water and air to penetrate the soil.”
I would not on purpose get cypress mulch, certainly no synthetic mulch, and absolutely no rocks!
My flowers are a bit puny this year because we had damaging hail a couple of months ago and apartment landscapers sprayed weed killer too close to my flowers and seedlings. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
04:38 PM Post #6919656
| This is a close up of my mulch. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
04:40 PM Post #6919662
| This is what my flowers looked like after the hail! : ~ ( 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 07, 2009
05:05 PM Post #6919767
| oh good! i was hoping it would look like that. very natural and fine textured, i love it and so will your plants. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
05:32 PM Post #6919878
| Hey thanks! I was having second thoughts after reading what everyone had to say. But since I don't have many blooming flowers, I think the green plants and purple sweet potato vine look good with the contrast. Everything just seemed so dark with the black. |
trackinsand
mid central, FL
(Zone 9a)
August 07, 2009
07:06 PM Post #6920243
| ya know, every once in a while i think that blooms are over-rated. i love to see the hundreds of different shades of green and then the purple/red foliage and golds...on and on. then there is texture! i love that lush feel of healthy foliage.
here is a spot to the right of my front door. i think it's as pretty as any flower i have in the garden.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 07, 2009
09:02 PM Post #6920657
| I love your mulch venice!! That bed is really pretty.
Love the pic tracks, that is pretty too. That is a nice plant there the light green succulent looking one, what is it?
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
09:11 PM Post #6920689
| Crash, you mean the little moss roses? I think those are the ones you mean. I received those starts from someone a couple of weeks ago. The better looking ones are out of site. Also, I potted some earlier. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 07, 2009
09:14 PM Post #6920709
| Wow those are nice ! I could never get them to look like that in a pot. You have the touch1 |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 07, 2009
09:27 PM Post #6920774
| Thanks!
I am such a seed saver. I save those seeds and from all other flowers I have. I dry them, put them in a sealed container, and in the fridge until spring. I gave hundreds of packages away this year. |
barhea7
(Bre) Sellersville, PA
(Zone 7a)
August 07, 2009
09:55 PM Post #6920890
| My black doesnt cook my plants although it does fade a little.
Until you try... |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 08, 2009
01:17 AM Post #6921552
| I enjoyed reading through this thread. Very interesting. Seems everyone has their likes and dislikes. A common thought seems to on the colored mulch. Liked all the reasons you gave. I don't care for them either. One thing wasn't mentioned about the cypress mulch is it makes a mat that water runs off of. Instead of holding in moisture, I think it holds it out. What one thinks is ugly others might like. Me, I don't think mulch is ugly. I use pine bark compost for mulch. I have somebeds I can hardly get any under the flowers because of the types they are. Where I can mulch about 2 inchs. I use it to define the edges of the beds and also to help hold the grass back. Works for me. |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
12:39 PM Post #6922729
| Venice62, I moved lst year, had a whole shoe box filled with mainly annual flower seed, ornamental peppers ect. well , i have never found that box, i think it was thrown away.
If you have an abundance of seed would you keep me in mind please.
barhea7. i have used the black, I loved it, believe it was my favorite.
Venice is right tho, that color just made her bed pop, the plants look beautiful, esp the blackie, sweet potato vine.
Like Jim said, to each their own. I have had 2 comments on my red mulch, one loved it one really hated it so... |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
01:01 PM Post #6922808
| Crash, sorry you lost all of your seeds!
I just have flower seeds.
If I send you a D-mail, could you send me your email address? Then I will put it with my saved files and if it is possible I will send you an email in the spring or whenever about the seeds if you are interested in just flowers.
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
01:43 PM Post #6922941
| Crash, do you have a photo of the red mulch you used? |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
01:55 PM Post #6922982
| Sure thing venice!! yes i just do flowers with the exception of some maters and cukes, onion, that is about it. No one but me likes the fresh veggies, it's a shame too, they just don't know what they are missing. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
02:00 PM Post #6922997
| Ok better pic of the mulch, I had full bed shots but, where'd they go? lol 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 08, 2009
02:14 PM Post #6923036
| I like that first day lily crash. Beautiful. I have one just like the second. Found a picture of it on some thread for a guy in England. Seems it is a real old one. Wish I had wrote the name down. |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
02:35 PM Post #6923102
| That is Frans Hals.That first one is a no id that grew up in the middle of a daylily, I have had for 3 years! might have been a seed. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
02:51 PM Post #6923136
| You sure were lucky about growing that first one. They are beautiful!
Can't see very much of your red mulch in the photos. But looks ok from what I see. |
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
03:19 PM Post #6923233
| When the plants were very small, and the mulch was new, it was ok, because it was early and it was the only color besides green out back, but as the plants grew, the less and less I liked the mulch. I don't even like the texture.
This message was edited Aug 8, 2009 3:20 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
03:21 PM Post #6923239
| another
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
03:23 PM Post #6923245
| I'm not stressing it because, in a couple years it will be faded and, and new mixed in m alot of it probably won't even be visible |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
04:09 PM Post #6923390
| I can understand if you only had green in your yard and wanting some color. The red looks a little chunky. Your lilies look very nice. One of these days that whole area will be filled with lilies. That coneflower sure has long stems. Mine didn't survive very well.
Just by chance I got this Softscape mulch that is so easy to put down and around my little plants. It is just what I needed. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
04:39 PM Post #6923494
| I found this info about cypress mulch. I knew there was an environmental concern about using it but never quite understood it.
The Virgin Cypress trees are related to the Sequoia and the Redwood and can live to be over 1000 years old. We shall never see a forest of virgin cypress in our lifetime. Most of the trees are only about 100 years old and are what grew back after the logging days. There are just a few trees that survive when seeds are planted now.
Only a few of them remain and the ones that were left only because they were hollow and weren't worth cutting down. Many different types of wildlife use these trees. The Bald Eagles build their nest on their tops, the wood ducks, barred owls and many other birds nest in the holes. Raccoons and other critters take shelter in them and black bears hibernate in them.
Many mulch manufacturers say that they only use what is left from cypress lumber. But they have been observed using only the whole tree. Also, cypress mulch has been labeled as a different type of mulch in order to sell it.
Wal-Mart has decided to stop selling cypress mulch from Louisiana January 1, 2008. This is a huge step toward saving our cypress forest for future generations, wildlife, as well as our protection from hurricanes as a storm barrier on the Gulf Coast.
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crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 08, 2009
05:32 PM Post #6923688
| I think it was about time Wal-mart showed some enviromental conscienceness. (hope I spelled that right, LOL.
I try never to use cypress, then again, how would a person know, if it were labeled improperly?
I bought the red because it was much cheaper, and I needed a huge amount. I will not do that again. I thought the chunky might help with the weed dilemma I was having , but it has been quite the opposite. I think I should have used something much finer.
should have would have. Oh well , lesson learned. |
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 08, 2009
06:49 PM Post #6923939
| Hmmmm, this gr8 thread reminded me and got me to thinking about a sack of "mulch" I have awaiting a "spread-around." I actually requested it from a friend who has a bunch of pine trees on her property. I thought it might be a good ground cover, rather than mulch, as I understand it doesn't decompose in the sense that bark mulch does.
I have two options where I thought it would be helpful. The photo attached shows one option; the length of a wire fence upon which I've loaded Star Jasmine to provide something of a visual architectural barrier from the street corner. I thought it would provide an attractive ground cover under a 50-or-so yo Fruitless Mulberry tree, under which little will grow due to the dry soil and the sun reaches seldom.
The other option would be to simply use it on the surface of the bed opposite the fencing/tree you see here. I have some 20 YO azaleas, sadly neglected over the past 6 years as I struggled with my cancer recovery and lacked the energy to keep up with the entire yard. But they're still alive and flowering and I think that with encouragement they'll "blossom," as it were, ultimately.
The next pic is of the contents of one of the sacks of material.
What'cha think, guys'n gals? Any wisdom?
Linda and The MopTops
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 08, 2009
06:53 PM Post #6923946
|
Here's a pic of the pine needles'n such.
Linda
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
07:36 PM Post #6924075
| I am just going to throw out ideas and maybe it will stimulate more ideas from others.
First of all, you have a difficult area, as you already know.
If you use that mulch under your tree on the other side of the fence, I would think something to define that space from the street would look good, like one row of large stones, pavers, brick, etc.
Have you thought about using a ground cover that grows in the shade? You could make a path with pavers or brick and then alternating areas of that mulch and different ground covers that grow in the shade. That would break up the space a little. You could use that idea around your tree also. Also there are some vines that could grow on your fence until your plants and bushes flourish.
I am sure some of you out there can give her some suggestions also.
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Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 08, 2009
09:09 PM Post #6924380
| Aaah, Venice, difficult indeed, LOL. I love hearing your ideas. And there's more to the story and my landscape planning work. I don't want to hijack this wonderful thread so invite you to take a look at my ongoing work, if you'd like.
I've already started some of the hardscape you describe. You can see it at http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/899514/#new
As for planting under the tree I've several concerns, all of them related to encouraging the roots of this aging tree to rise to the surface. Probably 10 years ago I had an arborist come out and take a look at "her." I was told that she's already gaining water from the water table. And when I actually did cover the area in a grass the need to water was relentless. The tree's roots are absolutely hairy and suck up all the moisture.
I've planted Star Jasmine, which should "burst forth" next spring. And the pavers? Aaah, a long story >> short >> old clay pavers from a locally-owned history-maker in this area, now out of business several years ago following the man's passing. A couple living probably a quarter mile from me gave them to me just for the taking >> 600+ square feet. They are un-fixed clay, which makes them relatively fragile, but what needs to be done is what I should have planned on in the beginning . . . they need to be laid on a very thick layer of sand to protect them. What I've laid in a side walkway on top of the ground has already resulted in several of them cracking/breaking. My parents had a home about another 1/4 mile from this family made with large, heavy clay bricks from this maker. I used to tease my father that his house was going to melt when it rained heavily, LOL. In fact, many many years ago a house actually did melt and collapse in a heavy rain with some flooding from the canal nearby. Quite a story.
Take a look at my thread if you'd like. You'll see the work I'm doing. It starts at http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=5505554
BTW, the photo attached is of my backyard patio. I just laid out some more bark/ground cover. So I went to look at the sack they came in and the only identification other than the maker's web site url is that the material is "forest product." Not very descriptive, is it? But what I do and has helped to keep the weed population down is lay the larger size nuggets on the pictured right side of the walkway and they smaller size on the left. No weeds when I stay on top of changing it every couple of years. If an area is not covered, weeds proliferate. I'd call it red and always figured it was just redwood bark. And it's a nice warm color. I'll go check out the composition.
BTW, this now-60-YO woman spent an entire summer covering the non-patio area by mixing, pouring, setting, and sometimes pressing a decorative leaf or dog paw into the top of the paver. A lot of work, but it's a job with an outcome I am quite proud of.
Some great ideas from you and your advisers, thanks so much.
Linda and The MopTops
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 08, 2009
09:33 PM Post #6924448
| Well! All what you have already planned is overwhelming! Am I right in saying that your biggest concerns are your tree and your soil? Your ideas are great! It seems like you are getting very good info over on Landscaping from your CA and UK friends. I would say you are on the right track! Good luck!!!! |
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 09, 2009
12:09 AM Post #6924956
| Thanks, Venice. It's a big job, but I've spent last 15 years working on the two rear yards (divided by a driveway into the garage) to bring them into line with my first loves; roses and garden rooms. The front yard was a mass of bermuda grass from the 1950's and bland shrubs at the house foundation. It's been my last frontier, as it were. It took a trip 6 years ago to England and my family's home in Cirencester to help me crystallize my ideas. And as a corner lot with its unique consideratins, it's required considerable thought for this novice gardener. I would welcome any ideas you might have.
BTW, I went out to the Scotts.com web site to learn about my "bark." Perhaps it's bark is worse than it's bite. There's a total absence of any description of the materials. Such lack of information always makes me suspicious, given today's environmental concerns. Phooey! This thread has helped me pay more attention. Thanks to all for that.
Linda and The MopTops
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
08:58 AM Post #6925500
| You are right to question your "mulch." Tree mulch is usually shredded pieces of similar size, material, and color with selection based on appearance. In my opinion, what you have appears to be more like tree leftovers or trash. I think you would be happier without it than with it! |
quiltjean
North Chelmsford, MA
(Zone 6b)
August 09, 2009
09:18 AM Post #6925556
| I have been on our condo's landscape committee and have learned a lot. Our mulch certainly isn't made of shredded bark. It's wood, and if the pile sits too long in the rain the color washes off! I suspect they shred the trees from winter pruning and put them back as mulch. I have heard of landscapers who shred old pallets, dye them, and sell them as "red mulch". It's a blind item.
I just leave my shredded leaves. They keep most of the weeds down.
Incidentally, I love the idea of using pine needles under pine trees. (my ex used to rake them all out so he could preserve his worshipped green lawn. Pah!) As a child I lived in the city and my idea of bliss was a pine grove floor to have a picnic on. There is nothing like that smell. I think your acid-loving azaleas would thrive with pine-needle mulch. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
09:25 AM Post #6925584
| Mulch should give your garden a tidy look.
This is a good site showing the different types of mulch. Even though they service the eastern US, their photos are good. Look under "Products."
http://www.mulchmfg.com/
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venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
09:36 AM Post #6925618
| I agree pine needles look great around pine trees and plants, especially the long needles. When I was in SC, I saw a lot of that.
Linda, from what I saw in your photo, it looked like you had bare twigs, some twigs with a few short needles, a little bark, some leaves, and something that looks like moss. Perhaps that is only what is on the top of your bag and maybe it is different under that.
This message was edited Aug 9, 2009 8:40 AM |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
10:08 AM Post #6925722
| I love pine needles too, unfortunately my pine trees are babies like everything else in my yard lol so it will be a while! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
11:08 AM Post #6925897
| Except for your boulders! Pretty big babies! lol |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
11:35 AM Post #6926018
| yup, those babies are big 'uns |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
11:42 AM Post #6926047
| Can't wait to see how you use them! Take some photos when you move them so we can see how you did it. Wow, what a job! |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
11:48 AM Post #6926074
| I know, I have to walk around & look & think...I want one or two near the pine trees and I got some great ideas from someone on the mint thread (that super long thread on plant ID). I put pics there too. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
12:06 PM Post #6926133
| Where is that mint thread anyway? I have been on the slug site! |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
12:52 PM Post #6926296
| "need help to identity this plant" on the plant ID thread, it has over 1300 posts, come on over & say hello! |
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 09, 2009
05:13 PM Post #6927271
| Quiltjean, our local City street tree maintenance folks actually sell shredded wood from their "product" once it dries some. Sell, not give! Bummer.
Venice, good pics at your site. Thanks.
Linda
|
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
06:52 PM Post #6927645
| Linda -- I found someone giving away mulch on freecycle last year. However, when I got there most was chopped up wood pieces of all different sizes with some trash! You sure don't want any of that either. Maybe that would look good somewhere, but around my little flowers it would look very coarse and chunky. I think it would hurt my flowers also just trying to put it down! |
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 09, 2009
07:10 PM Post #6927698
| Venice, I am purchasing bagged "walk-on bark" from an upscale nursery in town. I would have expected that the product would be an appropriate product for its intended purpose and the price. It would seem that it was not. With the information and advice from y'all, I'll be more informed next time I purchase material. And . . . I'll do research in advance.
Keep in mind that the product I purchased was only intended to be used around the cement walkway and not to snuggle up to plants. Moreover, I purchased the lighter material, more finely ground/shredded, for the bed side of the walkway. Thus, what I expected was same color, same product with a different shred, and appropriate for my setting. The purchase met all the aforementioned criteria, except . . . Next time I will know what to look for to refine my purchase.
Y'all are awesome-full of information.
Linda
|
dp72
Woodway, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 09, 2009
09:58 PM Post #6928354
| freshly cut wood ties up a tremendous amount of nitrogen from the soil if it's mixed in the soil or used as a mulch. It should be thoroughly composted before using it as a mulch. It doesn't matter if it's been ground into sawdust- the same principle applies. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 09, 2009
10:37 PM Post #6928471
| I found this info on the Internet but several sites said basically the same thing.
Will mulch deplete soil nitrogen?
Generally mulch does not decrease soil nitrogen. When organic mulch is applied over the soil surface, there is no evidence in numerous studies that the mulch will significantly deplete soil nitrogen levels.
However, if organic mulch, especially mulch with a high carbon to nitrogen ration such as sawdust, straw or ground wood pallets is mixed into the soil, nitrogen levels can be depleted temporarily while the organic material decomposes. The time could be several weeks to several months or more depending on soil temperatures and the geographic location of the tree. Organic matter decomposes faster in warmer climates. Then the tied-up nitrogen used in the decomposition process is returned to the soil.
|
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 10, 2009
10:59 AM Post #6929957
| Twincol, question. Would you be offended in any way if the hubby and myself copy your pavers?? I am thrilled to see someone who has done this and it turned out so beautifully!
We had tossed around the idea of making stepping stones and making a path, but I think you pavers look so much nicer. |
Hemophobic
Kannapolis, NC
August 10, 2009
08:12 PM Post #6932111
| We switched to pine bark mulch (not pine bark nuggets). I like to get as fine a mulch as I can find; pine bark fines are great. I also like the look of the plants against the mulch, really makes them pop!
No rock, no plastic, no colored mulches for me, although DH likes to use the landscape fabric (which I hate).
Here's Tulipa `Negrita' against the pine bark mulch this spring:
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 11, 2009
12:52 AM Post #6933323
| Crashbandiscoot, I'd be thrilled to have encouraged another to follow his/her own heart-felt creativity, girl! Please feel free. I'll send you an email with some little details I learned over time with my project. You might find some of them helpful; you might not. But at least I've passed my hard-earned lessons along. BTW, I just checked out my "signature paver" and learned what my memory forgot; I completed this in October, 2000. I was 52 years old the summer I laid this out. Not bad for a senior, eh? Whew! Summers get hot here, though, and I was truly afraid I might not finish it, as it was one of our hotter summers and our temps can run 5-6 weeks at near-100+ in a hot summer.
I just went back through the thread to make sure I hadn't missed something. I did. DP72, your post made me chuckle. Thanks!
Venice, here's a better, I hope, photo of my pine needles/trash. I like the look to snuggle up to the fence on the inside until I figure out what else to do with that space. It'll just be a transition from the fencing fabric to the bare dirt to the pavers. And I hope it will help to keep the soil from moving downhill. And If I decide to do so, I can just rake it up next spring after I remove the Fruitless Mulberry leaves I'll leave down through the rainy season to initiate decomp and protect from weeds.
I'm off to bed. Up too late last night.
Linda and The MopTops
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
crashbandiscoot
Springfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
August 11, 2009
09:40 AM Post #6934004
| You rock Twincol!!!! Thanks.
Hem, your tulips are beautiful! |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2009
09:49 AM Post #6934033
| I think your pine mulch beds will give a forest look and be really nice to fill in areas. All the materials in it are consistent rather than chucks here and there, and those little pine cones are cute. Can't wait to see it. |
dirtworks
New Haven, VT
(Zone 4a)
August 11, 2009
10:37 AM Post #6934151
| It's a good idea to stray away from dyed mulches. Although many are probably safe there's no way to know for sure. the dyed mulch business has been caught using construction waste for the product, no all wood and not all safe either. People have been poisoned by the mulch they buy. Stick with natural, untreated mulches to be certain what you have is a safe product. I've seen piles of bright red mulch at condo sites that upon inspection you could see the lumber marks form the ends of the framing lumber still on the larger pieces in the pile. Who knows what else they put in there and kiln dried lumber will acidify the soil and and draw the nitrogen out of the soil as it decomposes even if no toxins are present. It's how the natural composting process works. Natural mulch made from untreated bark from trees breaks down much faster and doesn't cause these problems.
Pure pine mulches or pine/spruce mulches are best for acid loving plants like blueberries and azaleas etc. although they accept any type of mulch you use.
If you really like the color schemes for landscaping try using stone mulches made from washed stone from 3/8 to 1 inch. See what colors are available in your area. Stone mulches don't need replenishing every year. all you need to do is clean out the beds once and while.
Crowding plants together and using ground cover plants can eliminate the need for mulches too and save you a lot of money. You can vary these techniques through out the landscape and come up with some beautiful textures and colors. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 11, 2009
10:41 AM Post #6934165
| I suppose it's also based on where you purchase your mulch. I buy from HD and have always bought red-dyed mulch and have never had problems with it. It's always been real wood. You can tell by the look and the smell of it. |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2009
11:00 AM Post #6934222
| dirtworks, that's a good point, it isn't that long ago that wood was being treated with arsenic & I wouldn't be surprised if some of that ended up as mulch. |
Hemophobic
Kannapolis, NC
August 11, 2009
06:43 PM Post #6935997
| Crash: Thanks. They really did perform well this spring, so I will add more.
Angie
|
newtonsthirdlaw
Arlington, TX
August 12, 2009
02:41 PM Post #6939056
| I do not know anything about colored mulch except that I would never buy it. What is wrong with natural mulch? I pick mulch based on what good it can do, not by color. As for rubber mulch OMG how can that be good for soil, soil critters or ultimately plants. Sorry to sound so mean but if seems odd to worry about mulch color. It's all about the plants... |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 25, 2009
07:00 PM Post #6987933
| I've enjoyed all the beautiful pictures in this thread your plants look great!! I have a delimma that maybe some of you can relate to. I jumped the gun and paid 300 bucks to have mulch brought in for a long bank in my yard. Dummy me didn't put down landscape fabric so there fore the weeds are taking over again. I'm afraid to use weed killer as I have lots of stuff planted that I don't want to see die. Any suggestions? |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
07:07 PM Post #6987951
| I guess you have to pull your weeds! Maybe someone else has a solution for you. The mulch should prevent some weeds. Fortunately, I bought the golden mulch and the weeds show up well so it is easy to see and pull them.
By the way, will the mulch be washed down your bank? |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 25, 2009
07:13 PM Post #6987987
| well I have no trouble seeing mine for sure lol. So far it hasn't washed, it is fine natural mulch that will work into the soil. I'm thinking pulling back a little each week and laying newspaper down until I get it all covered. That should take about 10 years. |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
07:24 PM Post #6988014
| LOL! Good luck! |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
07:49 PM Post #6988111
| flowers some people "paint" the weeds with round up, seems more work than pulling them, though. Me, I'm tempted to just wait for snow ;) |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
August 25, 2009
07:53 PM Post #6988126
| Maybe you could cover the good plants with nursery pots, turned upside down, and then spray for weeds. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 25, 2009
08:02 PM Post #6988167
| I have lung problems so painting those weeds are out of the question but is a good idea. I'm talking about a bank that is probably 250 feet long and a good 15 ft wide. I don't think there are enough paint brushes to cover it anyway lol I did spray with roundup but it didn't kill anything must have gotten a bad batch of it. I read where it will not kill anything that you don't spray. Will probably try another type weed killer come spring. Right now taking the riding lawnmower up the bank in between what plants I can. Have Azaliazs, peonies,blanket flower,irises, ornamental grasses, a plum tree, a cherry tree and God only knows what else is on this bank. Love it |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
08:02 PM Post #6988169
| I once tried using a tube from Saran Wrap then spraying down the tube so I wouldn't get the Round Up on the flowers. DON'T DO THAT! I probably killed a dozen plants doing that.
Lynnie -- Did people actually use a paint brush to put it on the weeds? |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
08:06 PM Post #6988186
| I have found it really effective. Just spray the green part of the weed very well then it goes to the roots. |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 25, 2009
08:08 PM Post #6988197
| well I sprayed weed killer around my fenced yard on a windy day and killed the grass about two foot in all the way round. So wait for a calm day for sure lol |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
08:39 PM Post #6988313
| I believe some people do use a brush.
Yes, my husband just waits till there's no wind and I'm not home to yell at him lol
flowers maybe you should just wait till spring then use preen (I'm feeling absolutely lazy today) |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
09:08 PM Post #6988416
| Lynnie -- Sorry you aren't your perky self today. Hope tomorrow is better.
Have a question. If you put preen on in the spring, does that also kill any flower seeds that may have fallen off earlier? |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
August 25, 2009
09:09 PM Post #6988424
| It prevents seeds from germinating so I would guess it kills all flower seeds. It MUST be watered in - that's one thing I've seen people omit doing and then they blame the product. |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
09:25 PM Post #6988491
| I think there are 2 different kinds, one kills "pre-emergent" so that would kill seeds...
I was my perky self, I did 7 hours of errands and now I'm tired lol |
venice62
Indianapolis, IN
(Zone 5b)
August 25, 2009
09:48 PM Post #6988585
| Understandable!!! |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 25, 2009
10:37 PM Post #6988789
| I mix round up in my sprayer and just pump it a couple of times. That way I don't get a spray, just a dribble. Just dribble right on the terminal bud good and it should kill the weeds unless they are excessivily woody. Don't buy the pre-mix that you buy at wal mart. Buy the concentrate. I am fortunate to live in a farming area and I buy what the farmers use. Have to buy 21/2 gal. at a time but it costs less than half of wal mart prices and it will keep forever if you don't let it freeze. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
08:02 AM Post #6989708
| Any time you need to use Round up in a tightly planted area, it is best to use Jim's method of dribble rather than spray. You actually have more control over where it goes. Also, round up works best in areas that get at least a few hours of sun. It has to dry completely on the plant.
Yes Ma'am, people do indeed use paint brushes for round-up. I have 3 sizes of paint brushes, a paint tray with smooth nap roller and one of the paint pads that has a reservoir for paint. The roller makes it easy to get between plants without the risk of splashing/spraying them. I also have an old hair color applicator bottle with a fine tip for applying directly to small stubborn plants that would disrupt good stuff by pulling it out. For really stubborn stuff I use a mix of Round up and a broadleaf herbicide...works like a charm. |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
August 26, 2009
08:12 AM Post #6989730
| I've heard that new leaves take up the RU faster than older leaves. Makes sense to me. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
08:20 AM Post #6989751
| Round up is formulated to act on actively growing weeds. Those are the leaves that are absorbing the most in the way of nutrients to the roots. |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
August 26, 2009
08:21 AM Post #6989755
| Precisely. You said it far better than I. |
Twincol
Fresno, CA
(Zone 9b)
August 26, 2009
09:07 AM Post #6989914
| Yeah, but, how do I kill a rose bush, long gone but leaving its grafted-root cousin? All that's left is the root stock and new growth keeps coming up on it. I can't seem to kill this guy off and I want to use the spot to plant another next spring.
It's making me crazy!
Linda |
pirl
Southold, NY
(Zone 7a)
August 26, 2009
09:24 AM Post #6989964
| We've gone through that nightmare. We tried many douses of Round Up - useless. The only answer is to keep digging and digging. Boring and long job but it's the only way I know of that will insure you get every bit of the root stock. It took us years! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
09:26 AM Post #6989973
| Linda. Take a small container with a small opening and put a little undiluted round up in it. use your pruners to cut back a bit off of each non producing cane and immediately put a couple drops on the fresh cut. On the new growth, apply a drop or two to the leaves and allow to dry. You may have to do a second application, but two apps were all it took to get rid of a maple that persisted in trying to regrow. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
11:04 AM Post #6990318
| Dig and pull! When I moved in, our landscaping was atrocious. The house was foreclosed and empty for 2 years, so you can imagine. There was a hanging basket of some sort on the side of the house. It had fallen to the ground due to the weight of a tree that was growing from it. I have oaks a couple of other unidentified trees that spread like wildfires, and one of the seeds had fallen into this basket. The tree was 5' tall growing through the wire basket and into the ground. I dug all I could then yanked the sucker out of the ground. Took a while, but I got most of the main roots. I suppose if it's situated amongst other plantings, you wouldn't want to take this route. It was a workout, nonetheless. |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
11:21 AM Post #6990379
| Boy I envy you guys your unwanted plants & trees lol I would love to find a 5 foot oak in my yard!
I did have some junky roses here when we bought this house, I excel at killing plants though so there's no sign of them now lol |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
11:24 AM Post #6990387
| Haha I wouldn't have minded the oak if it weren't growing 2" from the side of my house lol...besides I have too many trees as it is. My full-sun spots are precious commodities in my tiny yard... |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
11:38 AM Post #6990431
| Grantman, please! Don't tease! My yard is an acre of baking hot sun...not a tree for 3 acres when we bought this rectangle of a house on this field of weeds. I planted I don't know, over 20 trees...they're so little it looks empty still. And a ton of shrubs, also tiny. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
12:04 PM Post #6990527
| LOL! I wish I had 3 acres of fun - now you're the tease! My lot including my house is 1/4 acre. Talk about space conservation! I wish I could ID the other trees I have. One has strange-shaped leaves, gind of like a double leaf-heart shape, grows pink flowers in the fall, and drops foot-long seed pods. The other 2 are extremely annoying and drop 10's of thousands of "flowers" (quite an overstatement since they don't bloom and are a pain in the rear to keep up with sweeping them up), and hundreds of seed pods (that sounds like rocks falling on the roof of my car!). I've never seen so many tree seedlings growing from these trees! I have to pull them up by the dozens. These trees both lose all of their leaves shortly before spring comes. Then I have 3 oak trees that lose their leaves and berries and I have to yank these from the ground as well. Other plants include banana plants (white bird of paradise-type), hibiscus, cannas, oleander, mango, papaya, gardenia, ficus hedges, some miscellaneous purple and multicolor landscaping shrubs, croton, bouganvillea, palm tree, and some other interesting plants I've yet to identify. All in my tiny yard! |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
12:11 PM Post #6990549
| Now I'm getting zone envy as well...sigh...
my yard is only 1 acre, the neighbors have no trees either lol
used to be a tobacco farm |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
12:14 PM Post #6990559
| Tobacco farm sounds interesting. I forgot to mention the container adenium and roses (not having much luck with roses). I was considering getting some knockout roses as they are more resistant than others. I also have a shade garden I haven't yet started. I tore out all of the liriope (sp?), since I couldn't stand the sight of them. Now I need some shade plant ideas. I have a running list, but not many places around me carry the plants I want, and hostas don't survive in my zone (now I'm zone envy to you!). |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
12:18 PM Post #6990582
| they use a lot of chemicals tobacco farming, I had to amend and amend and amend...bought more soil/compost than I thought possible.
I have knockout roses and they are living up to their name, just planted them a few months ago (June) and they're blooming machines. Treated once for japanese beetles, that's it. I got double pinks. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
12:21 PM Post #6990596
| That sucks about the amend job. I take it you did a good job since your plants are growing! I was told they can stand my zone (10) so I think I'm going to go for it! I just need to figure out where I'm going to put them lol...I have very little full sun. How tall do they get? Do they climb? |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
12:30 PM Post #6990632
| Here is alink from Knockout...http://www.knockoutroses.com/rosegallery.htm
Grantman, you are gonna have to break down and get a digital cheapie under 30 bux...and take pics for IDs. I have a hard enough time with pictures...useless without. Grin |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
01:01 PM Post #6990739
| they're shrubs but you can prune them any way you want, or they can get 6 feet (I have seen them that tall here, anyway) I think they generally between 4 & 6 feet tall & wide. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
01:27 PM Post #6990803
| Grantman, they are Rugosa roses, so they are really rugged plants...my neighbor killed aspidistra (cast iron plant) but her Knockouts are thriving...grin |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
01:44 PM Post #6990862
| That sounds great. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the room! I'll have to think on it and possibly make some sacrifices... |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
02:13 PM Post #6990957
| I happened across the identity of the mystery tree growing in my front yard. It is the Bauhinia blakeana, or Hong Kong Orchid. Imagine that, an orchid tree in my front yard lol...I wondered why it produced such beautiful pink flowers! One down one left to identify! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
02:19 PM Post #6990974
| Now I have zone envy...rats Lynnie it is contagious...grin
Grantman I'll bet that puts on quite a show...fortunately the previous owner's had some taste...grin
I know you are a Python fan, but do you know Fawlty Towers? |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
02:24 PM Post #6990993
| It does a nice show in the Fall/Spring! Yeah they had some decent taste with that tree, but I want to strangle them for the one I'm trying to ID... |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
02:27 PM Post #6991005
| orchid tree, that sounds gorgeous. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
02:46 PM Post #6991069
| Let's take a look at it Lynnie..
http://toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/plant_wk/bauhinia_... |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
02:49 PM Post #6991078
| Haha that's the tree. I was trying to describe those double-leaves...perhaps the word butterfly-shaped-leaves would have been a better indicator. |
Lynnie6868
(Zone 5b)
August 26, 2009
03:14 PM Post #6991162
| wow how pretty! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
03:24 PM Post #6991197
| What a historical little tree...I certainly have a touch of Lynnie's zone envy here. Now you have the whole story on the orchid tree. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 26, 2009
03:25 PM Post #6991201
| Yeah a pretty tree with historic and intrinsic value...how interesting! Perhaps I found a new source of bookmarks lol... |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
03:28 PM Post #6991218
| A brag link...chuckle, snort |
flowers_delight
Leicester, NC
(Zone 8a)
August 26, 2009
07:06 PM Post #6991938
| twincol, take a chain with a hook, wrap it around the rose bush and hook it to the bumper of your car or 4 wheel drive if you can get to it and pull that sucker out of the ground.. I moved several shrubs from the old homestead and they are still doing great in their new home. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2009
07:17 PM Post #6991976
| Linda, since you are not interested in keeping the plant, that could be a possible solution...squeeze a little round up on the left over roots...grin |
Jim41
Delhi, LA
August 26, 2009
10:11 PM Post #6992619
| Knockout also has out a patio rose if you can find them. They don't get very tall. |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 27, 2009
08:24 AM Post #6993538
| Yeah I found a nursery very close to my house that sells many varieties of knockout roses. I believe a visit is in order!
On another note, I think I'm going to do the stop sign next! Not far from the eyesore of a light pole that I beautified with oleander is an eyesore wooden stop sign lol...why is everything in my yard? Any ideas on some shorter zone 10 plants that would go nicely around it? I want something compact, not leggy, easy to maintain and keep discrete (I'm not sure whether the HOA would mind), and possibly a bloomer. The spot is full sun. |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 27, 2009
08:56 AM Post #6993618
| Surround it with Chrysanthemums. low growing, evergreen, blooms twice a year for a fairly long time and only need to be cut back twice a year...never have to worry about blocking the sign. Just need full sun and moderate water, good drainage...and there are hundreds of varieties and colors galore |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 27, 2009
09:22 AM Post #6993700
| moonhowl - those Chrysanthemums are beautiful! I've never really seen flowers around here like that, except for annuals. I'll definitely look around at something like that. I'm the type of person that likes evergreen "woody" type shrubs and plants. I'm not one to plant annual and I'm having a pain in the arse time with my cannas so I guess those types of plants don't like me or something lol... |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 27, 2009
09:38 AM Post #6993745
| Cannas require a fair amount of attention if they are going to look good...here they get infested with a leaf-roller worm that prevents the leaves from unfurling so they can nest inside...by the time you notice the leaves aren'y opening, the little buggers are everywhere and you have to open the leaves by hand to get insecticide on them...by then they have eaten away the surface of the leaf...I am just not diligent enough...
There are many perennial varieties of Chrysanthemums and some of them form nice shrubby plants.
http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/flowers/perennials/c...
the second link has links to pictures within..
http://perennial-plants.suite101.com/article.cfm/chrysanthem... |
Grantman31
West Palm Beach, FL
August 27, 2009
09:47 AM Post #6993771
| Yeah I've been treating these cannas since day one. I've had leaf rollers, caterpillars, snails, and slugs. If there's a pest cannas are susceptible to, I've had it. I cut them to the ground and had them re-grow, and experience the same problems. I've got them growing back to about 2' high now and they are looking good for the most part. Hopefully I can keep them healthy enough to grow tall enough for some bloom stalks!
By the way, thanks a bunch for the links. I'll look into it! |
themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)
August 27, 2009
10:35 AM Post #6993931
| That's why my cannas are all the way in the back of the property...just not going to invest major time catering to them...
You are welcome for the links, I think Chrys.'s are a near perfect plant for the not a lot of time gardener |
