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Spindle Tree ……. and the show goes on and on and on…

Monday, April 7th, 2008

spindle-tree.jpg

The first time I saw this tree, I must say I was highly intrigued. This tough and very hardy mid-sized tree is just loaded with “extras”. Unique little blooms that cover the tree after it fills it’s barren dormant  branches with small elongated green leaves leaves. Easy to transplant and equaly easy to grow, this sometimes hard to find tree is worth the search. Great for small areas of interest or possibly even a larger container I don’t think you will be disapointed with it’s ever changing nature. Late season brings on the greatest excitement as the seed pods continue to develope. Their vibrant reddish orange pod will soon explode, revealing an inner core of intense lemon orange. My oh my…….. As shown in the picture they will be a standout and I am sure just about everyone who sees them will ask the typical ???????? WHAT IS THAT TREE!!! But wait…………… the show is not over……… the leaves will soon turn  a screaming bright red and orange so make sure you have your sunglasses close by. the pods will slowly loose their color but will retain the shell throughout the winter adding yet additional landscape excitement.

What else could I say. We do try to keep this hidden secret in inventory at Redmond Greenhouse. Prices usualy range from $50 to over $100.


Water Gardens

Sunday, March 9th, 2008

For those lucky gardeners that have a water feature, it may be time to do a little maintenance. Use a skimmer net to rid the pond of decaying leaves and debris.  Add fresh water to top off level. If you have fish make sure you don’t feed them until the water reaches at least 40 degrees. Use a wheat based food until early summer due to high protein content. Raise lowered water plants closer to the surface to hasten soil mass warming and dormancy break. Clean all mechanical features of your pond and waterfall. Apply a dose of Microbe-Lift “Spring” start-up to re-energize your microb base.