Sandy, I have seen giant metal culverts used in the same way. I have no idea how much a 4' - 6' diameter culvert costs or how much it would cost to cut it into usable sections. It is a neat idea and a long lasting solution too.
Hi Chrissy, glad to see you posting again.
I am throwing in the towel on cuttings
Spider, there's nothing wrong with that happening, the root ball is protected in the ground and the plant is able to renew itself.. downfall is blooms later in the season cause it is starting all over again.. Maybe if you could have just laid some lites around it, cover with something cloth it could save the newest earliest growth when there is winter die back. That could give you a month or two of extra growth to get blooms earlier in summer. If I could save mine like that, I would keep a lot of the top growth, "decorate" with the Christmas lites, and use them as holiday decor.. then if temps dip, try sheets over them to let the the heat from the lites stay contained, to deter the killing frost. But I'm in a much colder zone, my attempt to winter over a rootball in the ground with protection was not successful.
I really feel for you all with your really tough winters ...we think our winter is bad if we get frosts ...I think the difference is the prolonged length of time something may be frosted ...our frosts come just before dawn and don't hang around too long once the sun is up (must water the plants before the sun shines on the leaves if frost is present).I am lucky enough to have had blooming Angels even in Winter outside in the garden, I can't even imagine what you all go through ...I tips my hat to you all.
The 44 gallon drums we purchase from a pasta factory for only 2.00 each (they used to throw them away) and hubby cuts them down for me ...the earth warms quicker in these "instant " gardens and drainage is perfect ...does matter even if it floods. If it gets very hot you mulch with any good mulch to keep the coolness over the roots. I think it would work very well for those who need to take the plants inside as you could just cut right back and and cut under the base ...run a knife around the edge and lift the plant/ plants out and put into big heavy duty garbage bags for the Winter. If you cannot source these drums just use the idea and use something similar ...ask around as there are many food outlets and gas stations that bring stuff in contained in these drums and then through them away ...many would love to have you take them away.
happy gardening Angel Lovers ...our Spring has sprung ...the sun is out and there is much to do!
Ah Crissy, I bet the birds are chirping too! How lovely for you, Spring! Seems so far away right now for me.. I have to say you are so clever and resouceful! What a great way to recycle.. I'm going to keep my eyes and ears open for a "drum opportunity" and give it a go next spring.. I'm sure the roots would even penetrate my clay soil enough that it would prevent them toppling over in winds.. may use a lose a branch or two, but it seems a lot less risky than them blowing over and slamming to the ground. My brug inventory is growing so fast. I even tried pollinating this year... we'll see. Tubs-$7 Drum Section $.67 or maybe free if I find a good source!
The worms will work the clay and the roots will go down ...the worms come from everywhere for the moisture and manure/mulch etc and not only work the soil for you breaking it up but enrich it with their beaut manure too.
Look I am thrilled to find my very first arborea bud ...go look for those drums everyone ...
I hadn't thought of incouraging the worms to do the amending for me..... And I buy that beaut manure... I'll find the drums and let mother nature handle the clay! Might just be putting them all over the yard next spring to amend other places! Chrissy you are a jewel, and a smart brug grower! Congrats on your first bud, I'll be waiting to see your bloom pic.