Posted on 11/28/2014 12:33:45 PM PST by greeneyes
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In my neck of the woods (Georgia) Fall is the best time to plant shrubs. There is less stress to the plant (less drought and heat) and the shrub has time to establish.
I would think in a dry, coastal area the theory would be the same...less heat and less drought.
If you are planting azaleas, then I’d say by all means plant now.
My yard is a large percentage of clay. Even planting stuff at normal times, we have trouble growing shrubs. Plus, there’s not many jobs pouring concrete this time of the year - so we cut down on non necessities other than Christmas presents.
Agreed ,.. and add more humus and organic fiber to the soil
Azalias and rhododendrons thrive in acidic and well drained soils, and are generally understory shrubs and plants that benefit from high sun shade,
and prefer sunshine in early morning and afternoon weakened sunshine . They do suffer from winter dessication , so an anti-dessicant spray (waxy) will prevent drying out .
The easy way to landscaping is to see what your neighbors use for foundation plantings, and duplicate their varieties.
However , since you are looking for quick turn-around, consider a sequence of flowering shrubs and annuals for that region.
Cooperative extension, Agway, or Farm Bureau could assist you in the selection of regionally appropriate flowers ,shrubs, and trees.
If you were looking for long term flowering plants , I would suggest perennials and bi-annuals, and bulbs.
Any late term planting will have inadequate root structure to support plant growth, so I would reccomend an anti-dessicant spray, or wrapping in burlap,
to prevent plant drying out, or 'winter kill'.
Remember the first rule of horticulture :" Always plant a $5.00 plant into a $10.oo dollar hole" (and add fertilizer so that it will encourage root spread and growth)
Also , late plantings need protection from drying out (anti-dessication spray)or burlap wrapping.
That’s amazing pumpkin babies.
Was this intended to answer “out of salt”s question? Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the suggestions.
That’s terrific. Great bargains and great plants.
Thanks fanfan. Nice to “see” you again.
Good job - I’ve got to do some similar work.
Newport News is in zone 7-8. Maybe 6 inches of sandy soil over a gray clay soil which is not too compacted. Today I’m tilling and admixing compost (after I powerwash the front.) I will be heading to the nursery this evening with fingers crossed.
Thanks Tex. I think I will try that as they are nearly impossible to kill. I have an ugly driveway area where that will work.
I had not heard of wilt-pruf. I love freepers. Thank you.
Thank you both! I’m afraid of the azaleas getting cooked as this is Full sun by a brick wall but the rhododendrons are likely to not mind as much. I need it to look good when it hits the market but I do want to try for happy plants long after the sale.
The burlap tarp will most likely be a painting drop cloth but that is a good suggestion for the cold snaps we get. I like the $10 hole suggestion too as I’m going to be having to spend more than $5 even with the end of season prices.
Thanks, FRiends.
Has anyone heard of a leaf vacuum rigged to put leaves in an enclosed pickup bed ? I sure could use a rig like this...
Mrs tubebender is a great cook. Beautiful turkey.
Sounds like a great idea. Everyone around here just have the leaf blowers no vacuums of any kind.
We have #1 son and his wife here for TG. We took the fishing boat out for a spin this morning and came across a flock of pelicans.
These big birds don’t usually show up at Lake of the Ozarks.
Beautiful day to be out. Next stop, Casa de Loco Winery...
Lake Taneycomo, Swan Creek, Forsythe, Rockaway Beach, Indian Pointe to name a few. Then there were longer trips to Roaring River and Lake of the Ozarks. Silver Dollar City didn't open till I was a senior in high school.
We had intended to move back there at some point, but should have done so while the kids were little. They grew up, got married and had kids and are tied to this area now. When we retired, It was a choice between the kids and the Hometown area. The kids won. Quite a few of my classmates have moved back as soon as they retired.
Lilac’s are another that are incredibly hardy. Withstands great heat and drought and comes back.
Easily transplanted.
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