It is a wonder of Nature that, as plants prepare themselves for the winter ahead, they produce some of the most spectacular, eye-popping color of their life cycle.
If you are like Cheryl and me, you love to see the glorious colors. The change seems gradual at first, then almost overnight, everything between the ground and the sky is a flood of gold, red, crimson and claret.
If you enjoy driving out to the countryside to take in the fall colors, or if you look with envy upon your neighbors’ colorful fall displays, this could the perfect time to select some trees and shrubs that you can plant now and enjoy for many autumn seasons in the future.
Today, I have a few colorful suggestions; trees that seem to come into their own each fall, saying, “Hey guys! Look at me! I’m dazzling!”
Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
If you’re looking for pistachio nuts, keep looking because you won’t find them on this tree, despite its name. However, you will find a delightful tree whose color changes quite gradually, allowing you truly to enjoy the different hues. It’s a hardy tree, quite tolerant of drought and soil conditions. We started growing some from seed about 20 years ago and found them easy to grow; but I suggest you look for them in gallon pots.
Cleveland Select Flowering Pear
In the spring, the Cleveland Select bursts out with snowy white blooms; in fact more blooms than just about any flowering pear I can think of. Then a few months later, the foliage changes from glossy green to purplish red and orange. This makes a real delight for lovers of colorful trees, and is ideal for yard or street planting.
China Snow Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus)
“Huh?” I hear you say. Yes, an unusual plant, but worth seeking out, particularly if you like something that will probably be unique in your neighborhood. This particular variety was developed by the renowned horticulturist Don Shadow and is one of the most beautiful of the small flowering trees in spring, summer AND fall. If you’re having trouble locating this rare find, drop me an e-mail at steve@landsteward.org and I’ll reply with some shopping information.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
> From a rarity to a perennial favorite among fall color fans! You can’t go
far wrong with a Sugar Maple. The majestic height and conical shape provide the ideal canvas for a vast display of gold and orange every fall. Be aware, though, that maples need some room to grow. This one can reach 75 – 100 feet at maturity, so you need to be thinking parkland or large lawns to provide the right scale.
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum)
For really vibrant colors, you can’t beat Sourwood. When the drooping white panicles of brilliant white flowers finally begin to fade at the onset of autumn, you are treated to a foliage show that runs the gamut from orange-red to brick red to flaming scarlet. This one can be tricky to transplant successfully, so I recommend buying container-grown plants rather than bare root. You’ll get the best results when you plant Sourwood in moist, acid, well-drained soil that has quite a bit of organic content.
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
With a name like this, it sounds more like a 19th century author than a tree. However there are no literary connections. Growing to a manageable height of around 25 to 35 feet, the Washington Hawthorn tends to bloom a little later than many other trees, producing clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by red berries that remain through the autumn as the foliage changes to an attractive mix of orange and red.
Next time, I’ll take a look at some shrubs that brighten up fall landscapes with their brilliant colors.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Crape Myrtles bloom with a dose of Epsom Salts
QUESTION: “I have eleven Crape Myrtles in my front yard, Last year they flowered. This year there was limited flowering, and my white Crape Myrtle did not flower this year. What plant food can I give them to make the all bloom for next year? Can you give them spike slow release food? What would be the best, and when do I start to feed them?” – Diane B.
ANSWER: There are two things to bear in mind. One: If you fertilize with a heavy nitrogen you will produce foliage but no blooms. Two: In order for your Crape Myrtle to bloom you may want to try this cocktail (for the Crape Myrtles, not you) Mix one tablespoon of Epsom Salts into one gallon of water and pour around the roots of the plant. Repeat for the others, using one gallon per plant. This works by stressing the plant causing it to bloom. I would try the Epsom Salts now and perhaps nip back the tips of the tree or even trim if it needs shaping.
QUESTION: “I just moved into a new home that has a Dogwood and it doesn't seem to be doing well. Many of the leaves are turning red. The leaves that are entirely red are shriveling up with the tips of them brown, and it looks like the tips of those leaves are dying. The other leaves have purple spots on them. Some of those have some tan spots that have dark rims but not all the leaves have this. However, all of the leaves have purple spots or blotches on them.
One section of the tree has what looks like a white residue on some of the leaves that are on the ends of the branch. Most of the leaves are not fully open. Also the bark is all green on the main trunk and there are light green, and whiteish-green blotches on the trunk and branches. There is some yellow on the trunk near the base of the tree. Its early September so some of the leaves could be changing early, but most look sick. The tree sits in full sun in the front yard. Please help! Is there anything I can do?” – Chuck S.
ANSWER: I’m sorry to say that I don’t think there is not a whole lot that you can do. From what you tell me, one of two things is most likely happening. The first of these is that the tree has developed anthracnose and, sadly, there is no cure. It is a disease that I believe will eventually wipe out the regular native Dogwoods as we know them. Fortunately, there are new hybrids being developed that are anthracnose resistant. One successful variety is named Appalachian Spring.
The second possibility is that your tree is displaying powdery mildew which again is common to Dogwoods. You can spray with a fungicide such as Cleary about 3 times during the growing season to control that. Good luck!
QUESTION: “I enjoy your column very much and have learned a great deal from it. Now I have a problem not only with moles/gophers throughout the entire garden and yard but also white stuff that has appeared on my zucchini, other squash, phlox and even wild roses. Is this Scale? and if so, what can I use to get rid of it? I have also found it in other areas around Wisconsin. Thanks for your good columns and helpful advice.” – Janet F.
ANSWER: I don’t know for sure, but it just sounds like powdery mildew which is spread by wind. Since humidity encourages it, late summer with cool nights and warm days is when you are likely to see more of it. If you think that this is what the problem is, you can spray your perennial plants with the following mixture.
1 gallon water
2 ½ tbs horticultural oil
1 tbs baking soda
Mix and store in labeled closed jar. Spray as symptoms appear on into cool weather.
There isn’t much to say about moles/gophers. They are a pill to deal with! There is a product called Mole Stopper which works with the taste and smell of the critter to keep it away.
These q&a's were taken from the Plant Man Column.
ANSWER: There are two things to bear in mind. One: If you fertilize with a heavy nitrogen you will produce foliage but no blooms. Two: In order for your Crape Myrtle to bloom you may want to try this cocktail (for the Crape Myrtles, not you) Mix one tablespoon of Epsom Salts into one gallon of water and pour around the roots of the plant. Repeat for the others, using one gallon per plant. This works by stressing the plant causing it to bloom. I would try the Epsom Salts now and perhaps nip back the tips of the tree or even trim if it needs shaping.
QUESTION: “I just moved into a new home that has a Dogwood and it doesn't seem to be doing well. Many of the leaves are turning red. The leaves that are entirely red are shriveling up with the tips of them brown, and it looks like the tips of those leaves are dying. The other leaves have purple spots on them. Some of those have some tan spots that have dark rims but not all the leaves have this. However, all of the leaves have purple spots or blotches on them.
One section of the tree has what looks like a white residue on some of the leaves that are on the ends of the branch. Most of the leaves are not fully open. Also the bark is all green on the main trunk and there are light green, and whiteish-green blotches on the trunk and branches. There is some yellow on the trunk near the base of the tree. Its early September so some of the leaves could be changing early, but most look sick. The tree sits in full sun in the front yard. Please help! Is there anything I can do?” – Chuck S.
ANSWER: I’m sorry to say that I don’t think there is not a whole lot that you can do. From what you tell me, one of two things is most likely happening. The first of these is that the tree has developed anthracnose and, sadly, there is no cure. It is a disease that I believe will eventually wipe out the regular native Dogwoods as we know them. Fortunately, there are new hybrids being developed that are anthracnose resistant. One successful variety is named Appalachian Spring.
The second possibility is that your tree is displaying powdery mildew which again is common to Dogwoods. You can spray with a fungicide such as Cleary about 3 times during the growing season to control that. Good luck!
QUESTION: “I enjoy your column very much and have learned a great deal from it. Now I have a problem not only with moles/gophers throughout the entire garden and yard but also white stuff that has appeared on my zucchini, other squash, phlox and even wild roses. Is this Scale? and if so, what can I use to get rid of it? I have also found it in other areas around Wisconsin. Thanks for your good columns and helpful advice.” – Janet F.
ANSWER: I don’t know for sure, but it just sounds like powdery mildew which is spread by wind. Since humidity encourages it, late summer with cool nights and warm days is when you are likely to see more of it. If you think that this is what the problem is, you can spray your perennial plants with the following mixture.
1 gallon water
2 ½ tbs horticultural oil
1 tbs baking soda
Mix and store in labeled closed jar. Spray as symptoms appear on into cool weather.
There isn’t much to say about moles/gophers. They are a pill to deal with! There is a product called Mole Stopper which works with the taste and smell of the critter to keep it away.
These q&a's were taken from the Plant Man Column.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Garden goodies lure birds to your backyard
What makes a garden into a welcoming club room for birds? Simply put, food,
water and shelter. Provide these three basics and your landscape can quickly become an avian haven. Today I'll have a few more suggestions for plants that you might want to consider if attracting birds is one of your priorities.
If you missed last week's column, which was the first part of a two parter on bird-friendly gardens, you can find it under the Plant Man heading at my Web site, www.landsteward.org
Food will always be a major motivator. Essentially, plants that provide fruit, nuts or seeds are the ones that are the most likely to attract birds.
Additionally, plants that provide nesting materials, shelter from the weather or a comfortable roosting location will make your landscape even more bird-friendly.
Here are some more plants that appeal to both birds and bird lovers:
American Bittersweet (Calastrus scandens)
Plant some Bittersweet and watch birds and other wildlife as they enjoy the clusters of yellow-orange fruit when it ripens around October. If you can harvest any before the birds have pecked it all away, you can make delightful fall floral arrangement with the boughs. Bittersweet adapts well to most soil conditions and can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet at maturity.
Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
I like the highly fragrant reddish brown flowers on this dense, rounded deciduous shrub. The birds like the urn-shaped fruits that are really seed capsules, developing in early fall and often lasting well into the winter.
By the way, this shrub is sometimes called Strawberry Bush because the blooms smell a bit like a combination of strawberries, bananas and pineapple. Even the leaves are pleasantly fragrant when you bruise them to release the aroma. Planting Carolina Allspice near a window or around a patio would be a good way to enjoy the fragrance and the birds.
Flowering Crabapples
I particularly like two varieties named Robinson Crabapple and Centurion Crabapple. The former is the faster growing of the two and sports distinctive pink blossoms. The Centurion has a rose-red flower and, with a mature height around 25 feet, is a good choice for landscaping or alongside a driveway.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush produces shiny red berries (called drupes) that are attractive to a variety of birds including American Robin, Northern Bobwhite and the Great
Crested Flycatcher. Spicebush can make a very pleasant hedge when planted about 3 feet apart. It has a mature height of 3 to 6 feet and produces fragrant yellow-green flowers in early spring.
Viburnum Cardinal Candy (Viburnum dilatatum)
Yes, I've told you about this one before, but definitely worth mentioning again! This Viburnum produces masses of shiny scarlet-red fruit that really is "eye candy" and seems to be a bird's version of a candy treat, too. The fruit starts appearing in late summer and quite often can still be seen in early spring the following year. By May, the branches are covered by creamy white flowers and the process begins all over again.
Red Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
This dense, thorny shrub produces both leaves and fruit that are delightful shades of red. As well as food, this bush can provide a safe haven for birds as the thorns will usually deter the neighbor's kitty from plunging in too recklessly.
Arnolds Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera arnolds red)
The birds and the bees - well, definitely the bees anyway - will be drawn to this Honeysuckle that seems to grow well in just about any soil type short of a swamp. With bright red blooms in spring, it is tough as well as attractive, and makes an ideal screen or hedgerow with a mature height between 6 and 10 feet.
And be sure to provide fresh, clean drinking water for your birds to enjoy after all their munchies!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
water and shelter. Provide these three basics and your landscape can quickly become an avian haven. Today I'll have a few more suggestions for plants that you might want to consider if attracting birds is one of your priorities.
If you missed last week's column, which was the first part of a two parter on bird-friendly gardens, you can find it under the Plant Man heading at my Web site, www.landsteward.org
Food will always be a major motivator. Essentially, plants that provide fruit, nuts or seeds are the ones that are the most likely to attract birds.
Additionally, plants that provide nesting materials, shelter from the weather or a comfortable roosting location will make your landscape even more bird-friendly.
Here are some more plants that appeal to both birds and bird lovers:
American Bittersweet (Calastrus scandens)
Plant some Bittersweet and watch birds and other wildlife as they enjoy the clusters of yellow-orange fruit when it ripens around October. If you can harvest any before the birds have pecked it all away, you can make delightful fall floral arrangement with the boughs. Bittersweet adapts well to most soil conditions and can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet at maturity.
Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
I like the highly fragrant reddish brown flowers on this dense, rounded deciduous shrub. The birds like the urn-shaped fruits that are really seed capsules, developing in early fall and often lasting well into the winter.
By the way, this shrub is sometimes called Strawberry Bush because the blooms smell a bit like a combination of strawberries, bananas and pineapple. Even the leaves are pleasantly fragrant when you bruise them to release the aroma. Planting Carolina Allspice near a window or around a patio would be a good way to enjoy the fragrance and the birds.
Flowering Crabapples
I particularly like two varieties named Robinson Crabapple and Centurion Crabapple. The former is the faster growing of the two and sports distinctive pink blossoms. The Centurion has a rose-red flower and, with a mature height around 25 feet, is a good choice for landscaping or alongside a driveway.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush produces shiny red berries (called drupes) that are attractive to a variety of birds including American Robin, Northern Bobwhite and the Great
Crested Flycatcher. Spicebush can make a very pleasant hedge when planted about 3 feet apart. It has a mature height of 3 to 6 feet and produces fragrant yellow-green flowers in early spring.
Viburnum Cardinal Candy (Viburnum dilatatum)
Yes, I've told you about this one before, but definitely worth mentioning again! This Viburnum produces masses of shiny scarlet-red fruit that really is "eye candy" and seems to be a bird's version of a candy treat, too. The fruit starts appearing in late summer and quite often can still be seen in early spring the following year. By May, the branches are covered by creamy white flowers and the process begins all over again.
Red Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
This dense, thorny shrub produces both leaves and fruit that are delightful shades of red. As well as food, this bush can provide a safe haven for birds as the thorns will usually deter the neighbor's kitty from plunging in too recklessly.
Arnolds Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera arnolds red)
The birds and the bees - well, definitely the bees anyway - will be drawn to this Honeysuckle that seems to grow well in just about any soil type short of a swamp. With bright red blooms in spring, it is tough as well as attractive, and makes an ideal screen or hedgerow with a mature height between 6 and 10 feet.
And be sure to provide fresh, clean drinking water for your birds to enjoy after all their munchies!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Fall planting to create a “bird friendly” garden
For most of us, one of the joys of creating a garden or landscape is watching the birds that are attracted by the plants that we have so carefully nurtured. As the fall planting season approaches, amateur ornithologists can feed their interest by selecting plants that act as “bird magnets.”
Today, I have some suggestions for plants that could make a great bird garden. But first, here are a few tips that will help you create your own bird sanctuary.
First of all, get a pencil and paper and roughly sketch out your existing landscape, showing the position of the house, garage, driveway, etc, as well as any significant trees and groups of shrubs. By doing this, you’ll have a “birds-eye view” of the natural and artificial resources you already have.
Here’s a good idea: Are there any wildlife sanctuaries, parks or botanical gardens within driving distance? If so, it’s certainly worth a visit. Why? Because you’ll be able to see what kind of natural bird habitats “work” in your area. If you can find one of the employees or volunteers at the park or garden, so much the better. I’ve found that they’re often eager to talk to visitors and give you the benefit of their experience.
Another good resource is the Web site hosted by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. You can read an excellent article titled “Twelve ways to design a bird-friendly garden” at http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/wildlife/handbooks/birds/3.html and you can click on a direct link when you find this Plant Man column at my Web site www.landsteward.org
Among the idea described in the article:
Re-create the layers of plant growth found in local natural areas. You’ll be putting the odds in your favor if you provide plants that are proven to attract birds locally.
Select plants with an eye to providing nutritional foods during different seasons. A no brainer: birds will go where the food is!
Plant small trees and shrubs in same-species clumps. One good reason is that you’ll increase pollination and fertility, providing more fruit for birds to eat.
Provide at least one clump of conifers. You’ll be furnishing shelter, nesting and roosting sites.
Spare a dead tree (snag) for the birds. Great perches for songbirds and ideal locations to hang birdhouses.
The Brooklyn Botanical article goes into considerably more detail than we have space for here and is an excellent primer for anyone planning a bird-friendly garden. Investing a few minutes to read through it could definitely pay dividends.
And now, some plant ideas that will look good and attract birds to your garden.
Fragrant abelia (Abelia mosanensis)
This is an abelia that is both fragrant and hardy. How hardy? Well, it was found growing on the land of the Latvian-Russian border, so you can bet it’s pretty darn hardy! The rich pink flowers can “out-fragrance” even lilacs and seem popular with many species of birds.
Hummingbird Clethra (Clethra alnifolia hummingbird)
As you might guess from its name this fast-growing deciduous shrub hits the spot for hummingbirds as well as butterflies. The fragrant white flowers are bottlebrush-shaped on glossy green densely mounded foliage that turns a pleasant shade of yellow in the fall.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Sometimes known as juneberry or shad bush, it can be grown either as a multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree, reaching a height of about 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. The berries are very popular with birds and can be eaten by humans, too (or so they say; I let the birds eat my share). The flowers are both showy and fragrant, growing in lush white clusters, and are among the earliest of the flowering shrubs each spring.
There we have just three quick suggestions that would be attractive elements in your bird-friendly garden. If you’re looking for more plant ideas as you plan your fall plantings, drop me an e-mail with some brief details about your landscape and what you’re hoping to achieve and I’ll reply with some suggestions.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
Today, I have some suggestions for plants that could make a great bird garden. But first, here are a few tips that will help you create your own bird sanctuary.
First of all, get a pencil and paper and roughly sketch out your existing landscape, showing the position of the house, garage, driveway, etc, as well as any significant trees and groups of shrubs. By doing this, you’ll have a “birds-eye view” of the natural and artificial resources you already have.
Here’s a good idea: Are there any wildlife sanctuaries, parks or botanical gardens within driving distance? If so, it’s certainly worth a visit. Why? Because you’ll be able to see what kind of natural bird habitats “work” in your area. If you can find one of the employees or volunteers at the park or garden, so much the better. I’ve found that they’re often eager to talk to visitors and give you the benefit of their experience.
Another good resource is the Web site hosted by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. You can read an excellent article titled “Twelve ways to design a bird-friendly garden” at http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/wildlife/handbooks/birds/3.html and you can click on a direct link when you find this Plant Man column at my Web site www.landsteward.org
Among the idea described in the article:
Re-create the layers of plant growth found in local natural areas. You’ll be putting the odds in your favor if you provide plants that are proven to attract birds locally.
Select plants with an eye to providing nutritional foods during different seasons. A no brainer: birds will go where the food is!
Plant small trees and shrubs in same-species clumps. One good reason is that you’ll increase pollination and fertility, providing more fruit for birds to eat.
Provide at least one clump of conifers. You’ll be furnishing shelter, nesting and roosting sites.
Spare a dead tree (snag) for the birds. Great perches for songbirds and ideal locations to hang birdhouses.
The Brooklyn Botanical article goes into considerably more detail than we have space for here and is an excellent primer for anyone planning a bird-friendly garden. Investing a few minutes to read through it could definitely pay dividends.
And now, some plant ideas that will look good and attract birds to your garden.
Fragrant abelia (Abelia mosanensis)
This is an abelia that is both fragrant and hardy. How hardy? Well, it was found growing on the land of the Latvian-Russian border, so you can bet it’s pretty darn hardy! The rich pink flowers can “out-fragrance” even lilacs and seem popular with many species of birds.
Hummingbird Clethra (Clethra alnifolia hummingbird)
As you might guess from its name this fast-growing deciduous shrub hits the spot for hummingbirds as well as butterflies. The fragrant white flowers are bottlebrush-shaped on glossy green densely mounded foliage that turns a pleasant shade of yellow in the fall.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Sometimes known as juneberry or shad bush, it can be grown either as a multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree, reaching a height of about 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. The berries are very popular with birds and can be eaten by humans, too (or so they say; I let the birds eat my share). The flowers are both showy and fragrant, growing in lush white clusters, and are among the earliest of the flowering shrubs each spring.
There we have just three quick suggestions that would be attractive elements in your bird-friendly garden. If you’re looking for more plant ideas as you plan your fall plantings, drop me an e-mail with some brief details about your landscape and what you’re hoping to achieve and I’ll reply with some suggestions.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
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