I've not seen any significant bug problem when I've used pine needles as mulch (or in composting)....you know,...if I'm not mistaken,...oak leaves also provide an acid (I think tannic). I use both regularly in my compost
and have used them for mulch in the past. I've been experimenting with shredded/chipped cypress (bark & wood waste) as a mulch.....witnessed the use of this in New Orleans area while working over there in recent months. Like most anything else,... there are multiple
companies providing this product.....some offer better quality than others....but it's relatively cheap (about $1 per cubic ft - at least in Louisiana) One perk is that the mulch is somewhat a repellent - especially the shredded bark (which is the most expensive of the two) Now,...it is slow to decompose...which can be good or bad , I guess,...depending on how you look at it! Anybody have any experience in using this? Comments?
So far,....I like the cypress mulch. Lee
San Antonio area Plant Swap - People and Plants
I am currently using the shredded cypress for mulch bought at Home D for about 1.89 bag. Expensive but it has worked in the past. It is slow to decompose but doesn't float away that easly.
calvin
I use the same cypress mulch from Home Depot. When it is on sale at 6 bags for $10 (12 cubic feet total), we take the flat bed trailer and load up. It does stay in place, even on a slight slope, and only during a year of abundant rainfall (not this one!) has it decomposed more rapidly than I expected. We have a lot of cedar on our ranch, so I bought a 10hp shredder/chipper a few years ago. It is a lot of work to cut the cedar, feed it through, and collect a bit of mulch. With the high price of gasoline, I think I come out ahead just buying the mulch ready to use.
I get mine in town from the brush collection place. $5.00 a truck load. Great deal. It is sometimes a bit larger cut that what you can find in the bag but for the price, when I have so much land, it is worth it.
I'm using some mulch from my own land. We had so much brush sitting around last fall that we were afraid what would happen if a fire started. So we paid someone to come and shred it. I also have some mulch from Fertile Gardens...bought by the truckload. In a dry year like this, you just never have enough mulch!
I've been to Fertile Gardens before, Linda....but I don't remember the quote that they gave us. I think it was starting at 25.00 for a small tractor "bucket" full...?
TxT, it depends on what kind of mulch you get. The last time we got some at Fertile Gardens it was hardwood mulch at $17.50 for 1/2 a cubic yard (that's one of the big bucketfuls, I believe). Pine mulch is the most expensive, I think and single-shredded cedar is the cheapest.
http://www.fertilegarden.com/bulk.asp
ohhh ok...thanks for the link.. :)
Hey Folks,...I've changed the identification of the plum seedlings I'm bringing from Mex. Plum (Prunus mexicana) to Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata). Initially,...a County Extension Master Gardener identified it as Mex. Plum (about 6 yrs ago) but as I studied Robert Vines' "Native East Texas Trees" more & more,...I began to have my doubts. I visited the C.E. office again today to see if anyone could help me become "oriented" with the correct way to ascertain the "dorsal suture" or "ventral suture" of these plum seeds...(as referenced in Vines' descriptions of the two seeds)...this info being an important bit of info to lock down the identification. Unfortunately,....the MG on hand today wasn't able to find any info on seed nomenclature that would define the above! He also
advised me that Mexican Plums aren't indigenous to this part of Texas (what?)....but are further west of this area....which is totally contrary to all information provided by Vines' references, as well as TAMU info and others.......so,....I guess I must hold the opinion that,....like Doctors, Policemen and Lawyers,.....just because they are one...(fill in the blank)...in this case a MG,...doesn't mean they're a GOOD one! Just joking!
In spite of giving what I consider erroneous info,....the MG was kind enough to take me to a Mex. Plum specimen on their location and allow me to take fruit & leaf samples for comparison.
Allowing for the differences between a "wild" uncared-for tree(like mine)and a pampered - all conditions-optimum type tree such as their Mex Plum......the Mex Plum leaf is longer, wider and thicker in cross-section than my Flatwoods...petioles are thicker & longer as well,....the drupe(plum) is a bit larger than my plum (Flatwoods drupes are normally about 1/2" in dia & length - Mex. Plum are larger...up to 1 - 1 1/4") The trees' barks are different as well -
both on the main trunk and outer limbs. Their Mx. has large rough furrows of sort-of exfoliating bark on the trunk.....whereas my Flatwoods' bark has smaller scales/sheets of exfoliation on the trunk....a little smoother than the Mex. Plum I looked at today....(BTW my tree is close to fully grown - about 15 -18 ft. tall....and their Mex. Plum is about12-15 ft tall...still growin'). The bark on the upper limbs both respectively,...match their descriptions as given by Vines.
Until I can determine the dorsal vs ventral sutures of the seeds....I can't be absolute (at least as absolute... relative to the description given by Robert Vines)....but I'm fairly sure my Plum is,...in fact,....a Flatwoods Plum
aka - Hog Plum.
Josephine.....any comments are welcome! Also,....I wonder if you have another Mexican Plum to bring to the San Antonio Swap for me? :~) Thanks!
My apologies for the mis-identification! Lee
sok... I still want one! *giggle
I'll save one for you renatelynne! Could you save some rockrose and chocolate mint for me? Thanks! I'll edit my listing to reserve a Flatwoods Plum for you!
Lee
edited for spelling
This message was edited Aug 16, 2006 5:59 PM
Willis, I am happy to inform you that Punus umbellata is also a Texas native.
http://www.wildflower2.org/NPIN/Plants/Detail.asp?Symbol=PRUM
I will try to have a Mexican plum for you at rhe swap.
Josephine.
Thanks Josephine....yep...I was aware of that...That's why I was researching my copy of Robert Vines "Native East Texas Trees" ....comparing the Mex. & Hourtulan & Chicasaw & Flatwoods & Inch & American Plums....all listed as native to Texas.(Oops....I forgot Wildgoose Plum!) Considering this info was valid over 50 yrs ago....I can only guess that some of it has changed.
I was fortunate to pick up this 2nd edition (c.1953) at an estate sale in Liberty, Texas when the DW & I lived there several years back....I've used it numerous times since my initial reading. Mr. Vines was the director of Houston's Museum of Natural History back then and was considered an authority on Texas trees.
Know anyone who could answer how to determine the "dorsal" suture of a plum seed? Lee
No I really don't, have never tried to compare them or know anyone that has.
Sorry I didn't know you knew that about your tree.
This message was edited Aug 16, 2006 9:47 PM
Nada, Lee....does Rock Rose take pretty well from cuttings? I collected seeds today...but I'd like to try cuttings first...
Josephine :~) I whole heartedly welcome all your advice,your observations and enthusiasm. Although, I've been a DG member a short while,....you've shown me, repeatedly,...your knowledge,...your love of sharing,...just by my reading and participating in the discussions you're active in. ( This ol' computer doesn't really convey my feelin's)....I wasn't offended a-tall and can now see how I answered may have appeared that I was! No need to apologize! I'm truly thankful for all I've learned since finding and joining DG....and you,...as well others,....have been so helpful...and giving! I feel like I'm talkin' to one of my Texan neighbors,...I would never want to be rude...so pls forgive me if I came across that way. I was getting too far out there with the details. :~) Guilty of too much enthusiasm!
My wife was briefly puzzled that I wasn't really disappointed that this tree turned out to be a Flatwoods instead of a Mexican Plum. I thought it was a neat surprise! It's just as unique! She's getting excited about and interested in gardening....after years of claiming she had a brown thumb. (She's doing good!)
We're looking forward to the S.A. swap - new friends - and new additions to the Garden! Lee
hey everyone,
thought I would just say hello. Things are starting to get really hecktick around my household. Kids started school and are enjoying public school (they were going to private school) Stopped sending them there for expense reasons. DW started her teacher in-service training and begins school next week. I Start school next week. Work has got me running around shift and am teaching Defensive Driving first of two classses ended tonight and have second class tommorrow (oops) Today.hehe
Don't know how it is all going to come together, I will have to put my life and family in the Heavenly Hosts hands and wait for him to work it out for me. I am following dreams, but I heard that if you don't follow your dreams then really don't end up anywhere. I don't want that to happen or look back and say, ........ Gee~ wish I had done that ............ if you know what I mean.
All-in-All, things are good, busy but good. Hope all of ya'll are the same. My best of wishes and prayers go out to everyone, even those I have not met yet.
God Bless
I am anxiously awaiting the swap to see everyones face not just names.
calvin
Dear Lee, I wasn't offended at all, I am glad that you like to delve into all the details.
Like you, I also feel that the people on DG are my friends, and feel good when I am able to help someone.
I have been helped by others too, so it works out for the good of all, learning and sharing are wonderful pursuits.
Everything is good, so let us continue having fun, I am glad that your wife is taking an interest in gardening, it is nice when you can share your hobby with your best friend.
Josephine.
Txt, I don't know... I'm the one that is cutting challanged remember! *giggle
Calvin, you are such a sweetheart, I hope all those dreams of yours do come true for you, and I am looking forward to meeting all the wonderful people in the San Antonio area.
Josephine.
Thank you,.. Josephine! I was afraid I had goofed up!Have you ever rooted cuttings from Rockrose? I just read TxT's question....I have no experience with it but I would be surprised if it *wasn't*.
I'll take a look at the PF
Calvin,....if I were to wish for something I could change about my life.......it would be to have had more courage to follow more of my dreams....instead of trying to be what I *thought* would provide me with the most money...which is great to have....but, all in all,....it's not most important. It's been my experience that "Dreams"
require dedication, focus,... an' plain ol' hard work! Did I forget ...sacrifice? I say....Tally Ho!
Lee
No I haven't Lee, it seems that Rock rose is a rather tricky plant in spite of being a Texas endemic, but then, maybe that is the reason why, it is very specific about it's growing conditions.
It has a tendency to suffer from mildew around this area, and as much as I love it, it has never done great for me.
I have one that was given to me this Spring, and it has been struggling with mildew, which I finally eliminated through repeated applications of low fat milk solution, and two very small volunteers on the wildflower slope.
So at this point with the high heat we are having I don't think I want to try it.
But maybe this Fall when things cool down I will give it a try.
Thanks Josephine!
TxTurquoise....I'm still lookin' around for info on propagation of Rock rose....will advise if I do!
lol Lee...ok....I haven't been struck with "Captain Mildew" yet, lol...on my rock rose. I've got a rather happy plant in the back...which is really suffering right now from this 102 degree day. It pops right back out in the evenings tho..along with everything else out there. I may put some umbrellas up for the more fragile things, lol...I swear, my green babies are strugglin' with sunburn!
Calvin, I can't wait to meet everyone myself...how fun this forum has been during some recent trying times. I find myself chuckling, smiling, nodding my head in amazement and downright laughing while I visit here...and I tell ya, in this day and time...those things are golden.. :)
lol Nada....I fergot that you were cutting challenged.. :) I'l probably just try germinating those seeds that I gathered yesterday...
I have ALL the supplies together to try to do something this weekend. so.... by next weekend I will either have a lot of white cups with dirt and dead plants or something cool! *giggle
lolol....too funny Nada, and here I went to HEB yesterday and got my little styrofoam cups to get started myself...lol. Its just too dadburn hot to get started! lol...
TxT....are you having to put the White Orchid seedlings in the 'fridge? :~) I hope you have great success in raisin' those babies.....and bring a few to SA swap!!
Lee
Lee, naw...they seem to be as happy as can be in those little clay pots, sides', I'll put MYSELF in my fridge before I make room for my plants, as hot as it is today, lol.....Did ya want me to try and grow a few for you? I'd be glad to...they took to a damp paper towel/ziploc baggy real well...and I've got tons of seeds from my mother's mother plant, lol.
Melanie
LOL....That would be great, Melanie.....the pictures I looked at made me think in an envious way! :~)
If you don't have the extra time.....seeds would be perfectly fine. Whatever's easiest for you! Thanks!!
No problem...Lee...I'm all set and ready with new potting soil and styrofoam cups...lol..so I may start gettin' serious tomorrow about getting some cuttings going...and start gathering and germinating more seeds.. :)
Melanie
Sent you a Dmail.
I'm just so darn proud of my orchid tree seedlings that I thought I'd show ya'll a photo of my new babies...lol (Can ya tell that I don't have any kids?)
what does this look like grown?
Take a look at a few of htop's photos in plantfiles, Nada....They can sometimes get pretty large...and the blooms are lovely....
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/130370/index.html
I'm off to the nursery before it reaches 114 degrees...type to ya'll later.. :)
:( it doesn't really show the size either *giggle... oh well.
lol..well.....My mother's tree is about 10'...lol...That's about all I know as well.. :)
Had a nice trip out to Rainbow.... Took some interesting photos...and bought this blue mist...as well as some others... :)
Great find! I've always liked the mistflower (Isn't also known as Boneset?) I think so....
Say,...would you please bring some red ruellia to the swap for me....I have purple, pink & white and would love some red! Thanks a bunch! Lee
I certainly will...Lee....I was planning to anyway...for any folks who wanted any.. :)
Melanie
Thanks Melanie!