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Author
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Topic: yay! I can post here! Question please!?
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pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5349
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted April 09, 2008 11:08 PM
 
~~I wasn't sure because I've never done it!~~I wonder if you can help me find the perfect shrub/small tree for my front walkway?
I live in a Canadian (Ontario) climate..ie; distinct seasons...
So I need something hearty, beautiful ( interesting foliage and bark)perennial, not too tall, as it can't grow beyond my front porch... and I think I have to plant it really soon, right?
It's turning into spring here finally....
I love big ol' blossoms like Clematis or Mallow.. but I know next to nothing about gardening ( though I love it and fully intend to nurture the gift of growth later in my life....) It doesn't have to flower, but I sure do like blooms....
I LOVE curly willows but I need something more hearty.
OH! And it is FULL Sun.
South East facing. Thank you for your help!!!
Hugs 'n love 'n junk. IP: Logged |
Eleanore
Moderator Posts: 2588
From: Japan
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted April 09, 2008 11:29 PM
What about a Buddleia? Better known as Butterfly Bush because it attracts butterflies, too.
Common Name: Butterfly Bush
Hardiness Zone: 5-9 S / 5-10 W Height: 4-5' Fragrance: Yes Exposure: Full Sun Blooms In: July-Sept Spacing: 5-6' Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
Buddleia davidii and its hybrids are fountain-shaped deciduous shrubs that produce long panicles of tiny, fragrant flowers in summer. The common name, Butterfly Bush, is inspired by the flocks of butterflies drawn to the flowers. Plants often blossom the first year after planting. Heights vary with varieties, from 4 to 7 feet. Buddleia is at its best in full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Plants flower on the current season's growth, and bloom more profusely if stems are pruned back to 12-24 inches as new shoots emerge in spring. In cold-winter climates such as ours in Connecticut, plants often die back almost to the ground; simply remove the deadwood in spring. Plants regrow vigorously and produce a spectacular show in summer, even from such a seemingly unpromising start. Fertilize once a year, in early spring, with a good organic fertilizer. Plants are generally untroubled by pests or diseases.
*******
I ran a search using the info. you provided and this was one of the results. I used hardiness zone 5 ... I didn't know Ontario had so many variations. You might want to look up your real zone here or somewhere similar to be sure.
Here's the Buddleia page from White Flower Farm where I found it. You can also run a search there or on a similar website plugging in the appropriate info. Even if you aren't going to order, you can still have a better idea for when you visit a nursery. A local nursery probably has a knowledgeable staff and may help you choosing a specimen that is, say, native to your area or help with any other concerns you might have. IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5349
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted April 10, 2008 12:32 AM
Aww, what a sweetie you are!!!! Thanks for all that prompt and excellent information!!!!I will look into that! A butterfly bush! ooooooooh, how exciting! Thanks for the tips! ( off to look, yes I know I should sleep, but I have a free lap, and that never happens.) IP: Logged |
Eleanore
Moderator Posts: 2588
From: Japan
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted April 10, 2008 09:42 PM
You're very welcome! A pixie amongst her very own flowers ... hooray!  IP: Logged |
bunnies
Knowflake Posts: 119
From: U.K
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted April 12, 2008 05:19 AM
I adore acers (Japanese maple) They are the worlds most beautiful trees.
You can get so many different varieties.
You can keep them small in a pot or let them go reach their full potential in the ground.
They are slow growing, non invasive, so damned handsome when they are in bloom and just completely......ZENIP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5349
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted April 19, 2008 01:52 AM
I agree! I love love love Japanese maples.
We had one in the same location when we first moved here, but it seemed to not thrive under the direct sunlight. I wonder if my particular tree was just not hearty enough...
I love how whispy and beautiful the leaves are. The deep colour, the scattered foliage..IP: Logged |
bunnies
Knowflake Posts: 119
From: U.K
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted April 20, 2008 01:17 PM
They are not the greatest in full sunlight but in the U.K we are not exactly sure what full sunlight is!
Dont let them dry out and either plant in ericaceous compost or feed with ericaceous plant food.
The finer the leaves the more they tend to fry but if you get a big robust leaf acer they will be "Yeah baby...full sun...bring it on!!IP: Logged |
bunnies
Knowflake Posts: 119
From: U.K
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted April 20, 2008 01:23 PM
Oh sorry! I have a new computer. It is overly helpful.
It keeps interrupting to ask me can it be of assistance in any way to help me remember things.
And when it does I keep posting twice.
The other old fella I had would only post if he was in the mood,not on lunch or was promised double time and a day off in lieu.
Sometimes I could hit submit ten times before he woud sulkily agree to do it.I am going to have to get out of the habit! IP: Logged |
Randall
Webmaster Posts: 25426
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted April 21, 2008 08:58 AM
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"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." Charles Schultz IP: Logged |
Lindaland
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