Toxic Plants to horses?

North Louisiana, want to landscape around horse breeding barn, but what can I plant that is not toxic to horses. Would like to plant crape myrtles and bradford pears down drive way, but have a 750' concrete trough that runs along the outside of paddocks that I want to plant flowers in. Also plant hedges along outside of barn. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Toxic Plants to horses?
http://www.whmentors.org/saf/poison.html

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/tox...

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/live...

http://www.jupiterhorsemens.org/recogniz...

click on the above links and they will tell you what you need to know!hope they help you!
Reply:The only nes I'm certain of are yews. All yews are toxic to livestock.
Reply:YEW IS DEADLY.....SO ARE LOTS OF OTHERS IN DIFFERENT DEGREES OF TOXICITY......THEY WILL TRIM ANY TREES NEAR ENOUGH TO STRETCH THEIR NECKS TO.....CASTOR BEAN IS DEADLY AND YEW ....AND MAKE THE PLANTER S FAR OUT FROM THE PADDOCK FENCING LIKE PUT RR TIES TWO SIDE BY SIDE THEN PLANT....
Reply:The only plant that comes to mind quickly is larkspur. If it even falls into water, it can leach toxins that will kill animals.



Check out this site:

HorseNetwork Tools - Poisonous Plants

... Poisonous Plants. The following is a list of plants known to be toxic to horses ... Yellow Star Thistle: Russian Knapweed. Back to Charts and Tables ...www.horsenetwork.com/reference/poison... - 4k - Cached -

Dog Teeth

Gardening frost?

we had a severe frost april 7-9 and wilted or killed most of

the new growth on crape myrtles , rose of sharon and some

of the trees such as oak. will they survive or what damage

control can i do? i am in atlanta, ga area.

Gardening frost?
Don't do anything now wait and see what was killed and remove it later. If it was frost thats not to bad but if you had a freeze then some stuff will die. You may not get blooms this year.

I need planting ideas for heat and drought resistant plants.?

I’m thinking about moving the Azaleas I have planted in front of my house. My house faces the southeast and it has been to hot and dry for them here in Arkansas for the last few years. What would be a nice low growing plant for this flower box? I need one that can tolerate heat and drought and would be low maintenance. I’m thinking about one of the dwarf Crape Myrtles called Tight Wad. Would this be a good choice? Anyone have any other ideas?

I need planting ideas for heat and drought resistant plants.?
I wouldn't consider crape myrtles drought tolerant.



Rather you might consider Burro's tail ( a type of Sedum) and other Sedum. There are many varieties, and many do not look like the other.



There are some forms of Rhapheolepis indica that are dwarf. Ballerina is one. Some might know it as India Hawthorne.
Reply:I agree with the Burros Tail.. I have one and it is thriving on such little water.It get the most awesome flowers on it a few times a year. And i would say it is the best for a dry environment.
Reply:I recommend bashams party pink crape myrtles.

fast growing, great shade and color in 3-5 years, annual care.

http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/trees/crape...
Reply:CACTUS
Reply:Crape Myrtles is the best plant I've ever planted. Maitenance free except for a little pruning. Blooms all summer long. My soil type is clay and I don't even water it.
Reply:Try delosperma (Ice Plant)

Making a cedar walking stick?

Hi there, so this year we are making Christmas presents for each other. I have made my dad a fine and beautiful walking stick from Crape Myrtle and now I have cut a small cedar down to make a walking stick for my brother. Going to make one for his wife out of a holly tree. Does anyone have any experience making walking sticks from these two woods?

Making a cedar walking stick?
If you just cut it recently, you'll want to give the wood time to cure. My geocaching friends are into making their own walking sticks.

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.p...

.
Reply:A great idea-----a hand made gift that will last for years and promote healthy living. Something that you spent time on and did not rush at the last minute to the mall for.

-----I smile when I think "there is a few dollars Walmart will not get!!"

Lantana question?

First of all...I just purchased 55 plants such as crape myrtle, shrubs, oleander, hibiscus, texas mountain laurel, plumbago, etc at Lowe's. All for $3.25.

You should call your Lowes to see if they have this stuff on the clearance racks too and go take advantage of the cheap prices! They need a little TLC, but still look great!



My question is...the lantanas I purchased did not come with directions. how big do they grow?



thanks!

Lantana question?
Some are ground covers such as New Gold only grows 9" to 12" high and 18" wide, some grow from 3' to 5' high and as wide. After the word lantana, did it show the sub-species such as Lantana aculeata L. ; Lantana camara L. var. aculeata (L.) Moldenke

Lantana camara L. var. flava (Medik.) Moldenke

Lantana camara L. var. hybrida (Neubert) Moldenke

Lantana camara L. var. mista (L.) Bailey

Lantana camara L. var. mutabilis (Hook.) Bailey

Lantana camara L. var. nivea (Vent.) Bailey

Lantana camara L. var. sanguinea (Medik.) Bailey

Lantana tiliifolia ; each one of these grows at varying heights and widths.

Thanks for the Lowes tip; we're going to head in there tonight!
Reply:Lantana's growth patterns depend on the water they receive and the sun they get. In full sun, they will be a bush and will be about 2' tall to about 4' depending on the variety. They all love full sun and will do well as a driveway edging because they love the heat and full sun.



They can grow long and scragly if they are in shade. They can get taller in the shade as they look for sun but you will not get a bush...more of a vine.
Reply:You got a great deal at Lowe's.



I purchased a Lantana at Lowe's two days ago. It grows 3 feet high, 4 feet wide. They like arid conditions---not much water.



JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:Don't you just love the Lowe's clearence? I just purchased 8 Rose of Sharon for 50 cents each because they were root bound and looked nasty. I asked the manager if she could give me a discount on them because they were ailing and she asked me what I'd pay for them. I got the great deal and all they need is a little TLC. I buy lots of my plants that way. Anyhow, as for your question, Lantana can get about 4-5 ft tall and they spread out really wide. I'm guessing mine has about an 8 foot spread. They like full sun and seem to thrive on neglect. I rarely water mine and it grows like a weed. Make sure you have a large area for it to grow in and don't plant anything too close because it will smother it. If you have the area then don't be afraid of it's growth habit because it is a beautiful plant that flowers all season long. Oh, it dies back each winter and comes back fuller every year.

Good Luck

flowers and gifts

Septic & tree planting help. How far from the disposal field should my trees be? How far from septic tank? ++

And, how far from dosing tank (whatever that is). I planted some holly bushes and scotch broom close to the tanks (within 3 feet of the covers). Will this be a problem. I have a crape myrtle about 10 - 15 feet away. I want to add a dogwood, cleveland pear and a red maple around the yard - what is the closest that they should be to the field and the tanks? Thanks in advance!

Septic %26amp; tree planting help. How far from the disposal field should my trees be? How far from septic tank? ++
I have the same problem, I have a septic tank in the middle of my property. You need to know that the spread of roots from a tree or shrub equals the spread of the shrub or tree at maturity. So, what ever you buy, besides needing to know what the height of the plant will be at maturity, WHAT WILL BE ITS SPREAD OR WIDTH?. That's how far out the roots will come, thus, you take that into consideration when figuring out how far away it needs to be planted from your tank.
Reply:that is a very hard question to answer what you need to know is what is the ROOTING of you plants and trees

do the produce small shallow roots or large deep roots

and never plant any WATER seeking roots near the tank the roots will seek the water out and destroy your system
Reply:well it all depends where you live, because different states have different codes. I think that you should put the trees at least 7ft from your septic tank, that way the sprouts of the tree won't give you any trouble with the septic tank.

Wiccan advice needed: How to make a wand?

For a while I've been looking into acquiring a wand to see if I "click" with it. Lucky for me, a limb from one of my Crape Myrtle trees fell off recently due to a rain storm. I also have a quarts point I've been saving. Problem is that the quarts point is as big around as the thickest part of the tree branch, so I can't embed the crystal into the branch as I would like.



Do any fellow Wiccans or Pagans out there have a creative way to bind the crystal and branch together without it falling apart? I realize I need to use silver wire, but will that be sturdy enough?



Detailed answers are greatly appreciated!

Wiccan advice needed: How to make a wand?
you mite just want to get a smaller crystal. The crystal you have now . you could put it in a small leather bag and keep it with you. it is best to make sure your crystal is embedded into the wood/ branch. if you really prefer this crystal to be used with your wand some like to dangle them on with leather bands and silver wire.... just remember that you will be moving this wand about much so what ever you do make sure it is sturdy. Good luck and

Blessed be...
Reply:do you have a broom yet? if so is it as good as harry potties?
Reply:e mail me
Reply:We have detailed instructions in my church....come look!



Just kidding, I am Christian, but I'm a true Christian who loves everyone for who they are. And so I will try to help you.



Take a look at some of the beautiful silver jewellery that is being created by wrapping the silver wire around the gem in a haphazard, chaotic fashion. These pieces hold through wear and tear but are spectacularly beautiful in their organic nature. Also, a bauble of silver or a secondary gem on the tip would work well to anchor the gem. This is all assuming that it would be inappropriate to drill a whole through the gem, which might alter its properties.



Good luck!

--Ginny

What kind of ground cover?

I just put in a Crape Myrtle in an area that is in full sun and very slanted, I wanted some suggestions as to what kind of ground cover to put around it, I also have some lavender planted at the edge (pretty far away from the bush) I want something pretty that is not to aggressive as to kill anything else that I might plant, any suggestions?

What kind of ground cover?
One of the prettiest groundcovers that would suit full sun going into shade is Alyssum. This groundcover comes in a variety of shades. White, Lilac, Purple, Magenta. Very easy to grow, it will either grow flat, or it will cascade out of a pot.There are plenty of others. Ajuga is another one. Very close to ground, and comes in a variety of shades. Both very easy to grow. Good Luck!
Reply:I just love ice plant. It can come in different shades, I like the dark purple, you plant it in full sun, and it blooms all summer long.... check it out and see if it would work for ya!!
Reply:There is a vinca on the market that is green with yellowish markings. It is very attractive and doesn't like shade. Good luck----
Reply:Most ground covers can be aggressive growers, because that's what they do. With a little attention, however, they can all be easily controlled. We have a bed of Lilies-of-the-valley that wants to take over our yard. Its easily controlled just by mowing, however. We planted daffodils around the perimeter of the bed for some early spring color before the lilies come up. The lilies are just starting to bloom and spread, and the daffodil plants are dying back, so the next time I cut the grass, I'll just cut over to the daffodils and the bed will be the proper size again.



Check out our website for more groundcover ideas at-

http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...



Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

How far away do I plant my tree?

I haven't actually bought the tree yet. I'm thinking about buying one of the following trees: a) autumn cherry; b) white dogwood; c) red dogwood; d) okame flowering cherry; e) red rocket crape myrtle; or f) scarlet red maple. I want to plant it near the back rear corner of my house. How far away should I plant the tree so there won't be any foundation problems or the tree looking funky because the corner of the house is shaping it?

How far away do I plant my tree?
Most of those trees will get about 15'-20' diameter when mature. I'd go at least 10' away from the house. Consult your local nurseryman when purchasing the tree for accurate dimensions on planting.
Reply:every tree is different, need to consider the size it will become, how the roots grow and whether or not the roots will be drawn to your water/sewer lines, some trees have caused costly damage because the tree was put where it shouldn't be .. on something like this i would be sure before i plant
Reply:At least 4-5 yards away. The farther the better. Other things to think about is plumbing, water, and light.



If you plant it too close not only does it cause constant foundation problems but plumbing too. The roots will break through your pipes and cause blocking and damage.
Reply:A dogwood tree can be planted closer to the fence than a cherry tree. I personally would look at the length of the branches of a full grown tree and plant it that distance away from the fence. You don't want the majority of the tree going into your neighbours yard or the branches hitting the corner of your house/roof. You would be forever pruning it then.
Reply:It really doesn't matter if you prune the tree actively.



I mean some Japanese people have no problem with their trees because they only get two feet tall.



You failed to state what you wanted the trees for. You failed to state your land's dimensions. You failed to state your idea of what a foundation problem is, or what kind of foundation you have. With all this missing data, who could tell?



You failed to state if you will be building additions. Of course, who knows I suppose.



Trees take a very long time to grow. Trees can be moved (sometimes). Trees look different in comparison to the house at different times in their life cycle. Houses also move as they as added to.



I'd move the house.



The best rule of thumb is to keep it away from the house as far as is practical (for your intended use). IE: form follows function. Perhaps if you cannot afford to rebuild a basement foundation you cannot afford the tree you want.



One must also have a dry basement with no water leaks coming or going from it as this will in some locations draw the tree roots farther than normal towards the house.



If water leaks develop later they might draw the roots in too. So there really is no telling.



My wife put a tree "too close" to the house. I was a tad unhappy with it. But the basement really needed to go. There were leaks pouring water into the basement. She was right; I was wrong. The tree might have saved our marriage; had it only grown fast enough...
Reply:enough it can grow i would say about 3-4 feet
Reply:A general rule of thumb with trees....the roots will achieve the same diameter as the branches.... So, when your tree is mature and the branches will span about 12 feet, so will the roots...
Reply:when planting trees: you have to consider the root base at a mature level of the tree. It also depends on the where you want the shade to be in your yard, along with any property lines that my create any issues with neighbors. many things to consider for short term and long term. so before you buy know the chraracteristics of the trees you want and it will give you a more specific idea on where to plant and how far to plant. have a great day.

Rubber Slippers

How far from my foundation should I plant this small tree?

I am doing some foundation planning and have settled on a crape myrtle that will grow 7-10 feet at maturity. How close can I plant this to my house without having to worry about its roots and my foundation?

How far from my foundation should I plant this small tree?
There are three basic sizes of crapes - small medium and large. if you have one of the smaller ones (i do in my backyard) i'd plan on about 6-7' out. I don't believe they have a real agressive root system but i understand your concern. The ones in my hard are only about 3-4 feet off my house but i wish they were a few feet more because the branches hit my gutter, giving critters an access into my gutters. One thing to remember - crapes branch up up up and then out.
Reply:The general 'rule of thumb' for most trees is 5 metres (approx 16 ft) from the house and this is for large trees. Even if it gets to 12ft it really isn't a large tree. Crepe myrtles do not have particularly obnoxious roots, so if yours is only a medium one at 7-10 feet I wouldn't worry too much if it was quite close to the house its really only medium shrub size.



I agree with the answerer about the 'crepe myrtle murder' syndrome. It's been recognised as a waste of time for producing flowers and has been gone for years but the people with tree phobias still keep this monstrosity making habit going.
Reply:NOT SO MUCH WORRY OVER THE ROOTS BUT I WOULD PLANT IT AT LEAST 4 FOOT OUT FROM THE HOUSE, IT WILL GET BIG
Reply:I agree with everyone on the root system. I don't think you have to worry about your foundation.



The distance you choose from the house will allow the tree to form its canopy (branching) properly. The closest to the house I would consider is 6-8 feet. Ideally 10 or more.



If it comes down to pruning... again, I agree with almost everyone else. Proper pruning goes a long way to making your landscape look good, longer.



Good luck
Reply:Are you sure this tree only gets 7-10'? I have them all over my yard and I had to transplant 2 I had in the front of my yard.

Depends on how you want it to look years from now.

Also a lot of people create "Crape Myrtle murder". This is when someone clips the tops of the trees about this time of year. That is not the correct way to prune a Crape Myrtle. Select the main branches of the tree, all of those little brances can be cut off, but actually the tree really doesn't need pruning at all.

But back to your question. This tree's branches WILL probably

reaches out a good 15 ft from the middle of the tree. I would go out 20' from the house. Just so it looks good when it is mature.

Some people, not all, can't visualize the tree at maturity, so they plant it right next to their house.

Crape Myrtles don't have a "mean" root system either. Not like Maple, Oaks because they don't get huge.

Hope this helps.

And if you pull it out of the ground you will have some little ones come up and you can transplant these as well.

Happy gardening!

What is this plant with bells hanging from it?

There is a plant in the edge of my woods that I'm sure no one planted there. It must be some wild shrub but I'm not sure what it is. I live in the NE corner of Mississippi. The size and leaves look very similar to a crape myrtle but today I noticed it has several clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from it. Anybody have an idea of what this might be? Thanks!

What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
The plant is "lilly of the valley" and its smell so nice.





Amelia Petre/nannapetre
Reply:Lily of the Valley, my grandmother had a huge bed of them.
Reply:Could it be American snowbell (Styrax americanus)?

http://www.virtualplanttags.com/img/.jpg...



It is native to Mississippi, and looks like little bells.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symb...

I need help w/ a tree that was proclaimed dead, but now has life?

I have a crape myrtle in my front yard that was proclaimed dead by our urban forestry departement. I was told it would never grow green. Well, I took it upon myself to drench it with miracle grow and plenty of water, it now has leaves and stems, but they are all around the bottom of the trunk. What should I do? Should I cut off the top of the tree to promote it to grow up, should I just leave it alone and let it do its thing...I am stuck. My hubby and I joke that it is now a bush and not a tree.

I need help w/ a tree that was proclaimed dead, but now has life?
That's weird that they proclaimed it dead because, in my experience, crepe myrtles are as bad as a weed when it comes to getting rid of it. I have 5 crepe myrtles and there is one that I have tried to get rid of for the past 3 years. I can't kill it. I've tried everything. I've dug so deep, taken a chainsaw to it, and even used stump killer, and it won't go away. It's in a really bad place. Anyhow I've decided to just live with it and keep it trimmed to a manageable size. Your crepe myrtle is making a come back and will in no time at all become a beautiful plant so just let it go. The new stems are coming from the roots and are probably entirely new plant. The tree will look strange for a while, but in time you will have an ordinary crepe myrtle. Don't forget to remove all the dead parts because they tend to suck energy from the living parts.
Reply:Yes, cut the top of it off, because the "growth" is at the bottom and "there" is where your growth is happening. The top is dead!



Cut the tree within a foot of the bottom, and let the "green" start up and take over.



I wish you well...



Jesse
Reply:Cut the dead wood from it and continue to water and feed. It has died back to the roots but you have regenerated it with food and water. It may grow at an extremely fast rate because the roots are used to supplying a much larger plant.
Reply:This is how with the plants. As long as the roots are intack underground, even though the leaves and branches are brown and dried dead, they get water all the time, one of the roots will seek sunlight and of course water, it will start to become another plant because every seconds, they grow like human being. And if you will give it a plant food, growing will be much quicker and the plant will be healthier. Don't forget to remove weeds around it but very carefully pulling the weeds because you don't want to disturb the baby plant.



If the city or who ever cover the jurisdiction where you live and said you cannot have a tree at that certain spot,, then you have to remove the tree - for the purpose of safety among the people who live in the neighborhood including you of course.

Which trees are easiest to grow in Illinois?

Weeping Cherry

Siren Red crepe

Pink Flowering Dogwood

Natchez Crape Myrtle

Yoshino Cherry

I would love to grow from seed but never grew anything in my life! I would like to start a new hobby with my kids and we are looking to grow a tree. Any advice?

Which trees are easiest to grow in Illinois?
The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree is easily the most showy of all Cherry Trees. Its flowers aren’t just pink… but “Double Pink,” meaning you get twice as many blooms as you would on other trees.



Your new Kwanzan Cherry Tree blooms in clusters of 3-5 flowers! These clusters are the thickest of all pink flowering trees and look similar to carnations.



These double pink blossoms last longer than other cherry flowers.



Your Kwanzans will begin to bloom in April. Also a great tree in fall, where it will give you golden autumn leaves that will grab everyone's attention.



The hardiest of all Cherry Trees… rapidly grows to a mature height of 20-30 ft. spreading into a unique vase shape.



One of the easiest flowering trees to grow! Thrives in almost any soil and climate.



A tree for many seasons!!
Reply:You should determine which zone you are in before you purchase anything. I don't think the Crepes do well in the cold in IL. It also depends on how large you want it to get. I would not tell you to start a tree from a seed. It will take FOREVER to grow.



If you want to start something with the kids do tomato or other vegetable seeds. When they are large enough they can plant them outside and then eat them. That would be more fun for kids than a tree.



If you want to do a tree get one in a 5 gallon container and plant that.
Reply:You can't grow wrong with a Red Oak. Find some acorns.
Reply:sometimes the department of natural resources will give out seedlings of native trees. check them out. arbor day earth day etc
Reply:Money Trees

get well flowers

What is this plant with bells hanging from it?

There is a plant in the edge of my woods that I'm sure no one planted there. It must be some wild shrub but I'm not sure what it is. I live in the NE corner of Mississippi. The size and leaves look very similar to a crape myrtle but today I noticed it has several clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from it. Anybody have an idea of what this might be? Thanks!

What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
Did a little searching. I think it might be a maleberry, Lyonia ligustrina.



http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/lyli.h...

What is the name of the small green leafed plant at the **bottom** of this photo?

It's not the pink tinted cladiums at the top... I'm looking for the name of the small leafed bushy plant at the bottom of the photo.



http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...



They are often planted around crape myrtles in the South as a low lying bush. Here's another photo from further away (again, I'm talking about the green bush in the lower right corner, not the pink-colored cladiums):



http://www.clemson.edu/scbg/images/plant...

What is the name of the small green leafed plant at the **bottom** of this photo?
Looks like Vinca



http://images.google.com/images?q=vinca+...
Reply:First is definitely vinca vine....great and hardy groundcover....but in the second photo it looks like vinca vine planted on small hills to give it the illusion of heighth...
Reply:It looks to be variegated Hosta
Reply:Undoubtedly, in the first photo that is a Periwinkle vine.



The second photo appears to have a low growing shrub. Periwinkle grows as a groundcover. Of course, it might have grown up and covered a shrub in the second photo. I've not seen Periwinkle do this, but I suppose it's possible.



Periwinkle has a root sysrem like cast iron so wherever you plant it, expect to pretty much leave it there. If the vine starts expanding beyond where you want it, simply pull those wandering bits of vine and set them in the ground elsewhere. It roots easily and grows readily. I love it, can ya' tell?? :)
Reply:Carolina jasmine.
Reply:Go with the vinca minor answer. That one is correct. Other nicknames are periwinkle vine and jasmine, but not Carolina Jessamine (not Jasmine).
Reply:Number 1 and number 5 are both right. It's Vinca Minor in the periwinkle family!!
Reply:It looks like the ground cover Wintercreeper. I live in the south and have used it for erosion control. The second image looks more like a bush. Wintercreeper is more of a vine and is green all year.
Reply:Sure looks like the periwinkle I have in my garden. Gets litlle purple 5 petal flowers and loves shade and good soil. Won't grow and flower unless I fertilize early in spring-then the shoots start going crazy! (We are in zone 7 with poor soil)

Hope it helps-check the garden seller papers like Direct Gardening-they have a web site too and more pictures.
Reply:Coleus

Is it OK to continue to use Miracle Grow fertilizer....?

...on trees (crape myrtle) and bushes that are currently blooming? The crape myrtle didn't bloom too well last year and is getting a late/slow start this year.

Is it OK to continue to use Miracle Grow fertilizer....?
Flowering trees and shrubs seldom need fertilizer once established. If you provide them with too much nitrogen in fertilizer, the plants will mainly grow leaves and not flowers.



Generally, one should not fertilize trees and shrubs in summer. The fertilizer will stimulate new shoot growth which may not have a chance to harden off before winter, leading to branch dieback.



So, if you are going to fertilize a flowering shrub, choose one with a low first number and higher second and third number and use it in the early fall when the plant is dormant, not in summer.
Reply:Sure, every 2 weeks with the full strength solution, every watering with a weak solution (1/4 tsp per gal of water.)
Reply:It is ok to use it on anything. I use it on roses.

I need ideas for winterizing my southern plants and enjoying them yearround in upstate NY.?

i have tropical braided hibiscus trees, crape myrtle trees, and a few others. I prefer doing things in pots cause the soil is lousy here. I have limited indoor space and alot of shady areas outdoors. most of my hibiscus trees are only about 3ft high and the crape myrtles are about the same. I brought them all in this winter, but the hibiscus isn't blooming like it should. I'm new to NY and just looking for advice on enjoying my trees yearround. I thought about a portable greenhouse, but i think height would be an issue, and again theres lots of shade around here.

I need ideas for winterizing my southern plants and enjoying them yearround in upstate NY.?
You can create small protected enclosures for them, using some wooden frames, potentially with some plastic stapled onto them - ensure there are some holes to allow air to enter and leave.



You can then fill the area inside with straw, dried leaves etc, that will keep the inner temperature several degrees higher than in the garden outside. You can also surround plant stems and trunks with pipe insultator too, within this structure. Garden fleece is good for a few degrees of extra protection, and this can be wrapped around some plants, which will help.



Overall, as with humans in the cold, layers adds warmth, or prevents loss of heat.



There's a link here to someone who uses their own protective enclosures:http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/... as well as pictures of their garden in summer.



Otherwise, it's possible to use something like christmas lights, that will increase temperatures during the night time.



Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:No way to winterize and keep outside all year. The NY winters will kill them. Also, these will grow fairly large, so potting and bringing in each winter will become problematic. The only way to go would be a fairly tall, heated greenhouse.
Reply:Yikes, you don't want much %26lt;G%26gt;. I think a heated greenhouse may be the only way to go.

Is there a public botanic garden around? If they have a house for tropical plants? They may, but it probably is glass and in the sun. Yup, heated greenhouse for you.
Reply:maybe you can extend your house with a green house. you can make it large so you can fit all your plants. maybe you can also dedicate a room in your house to your plants
Reply:A greenhouse is what you need. Remember that they need to be heated. Learn all about greenhouses here:



http://www.greenhouses.com/



Happy gardening to you.

Where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free?

I want to beautify my yard for my grandma as a surprise...

where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free [preferably free]

Empress Tree

Cleveland Pear

Red Rocket Crape Myrtle

Pink Dogwood

Tulip Poplar

Pink Velour Crape Myrtle

Siren Red Crape Myrtle

Okame Cherry Tree

White Dogwood Tree

Autumn Purple Ash Tree

Burning Bush

Forsythia

Butterfly Bush 'Lochinch'

Red Twig Dogwood

Viburnum 'Roseum'

John Cabot Rose Bush

Camellia 'Shi Shi Gashira'

Spirea 'Vanhouttei'

Camellia 'Mine No Yuki'

William Baffin Rose Bush

Dwarf Bing Cherry Tree

Gala Apple Tree

Yellow Delicious Apples

‘Bartlett’ Pear Tree

Burbank Plum Tree

Red Raspberry Bush

Strawberries

Thornless Blackberry Bushes

Pussy Willow Tree

Where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free?
Sometimes on Craigslist people post that a house is being demolished or something and you can go dig up their plants.
Reply:I have no idea of where you live but I will bet that you have a local group of greenies... contact one of the them and ask where you may be able to get supplies to help you out. They love to see people add to the vegetation in my area... we have planting weekends where volunteers get together to plant out native plants in our area to counter what has been removed or ruined over time.



Best wishes and I hope you achieve it for your Gran.



Cheers



Lisa
Reply:arbor day foundation gives out free trees
Reply:Purchase the seeds online. and plant them out in newspaper pots http://www.nuganics.com.au/2008/01/18/ho...



Cheers

tim
Reply:this my fav place i am a very happy customer the stuff comes in great condition too .http://www.directgardening.com/ check out 1 cent sale too.

When is the best time of the year to plant crape myrtles. I live in west texas.?

I've heard early spring, I've heard early fall. Any suggestions?

When is the best time of the year to plant crape myrtles. I live in west texas.?
***Hello, I'm a Certified Master Gardener***



You can plant crepe myrtles now.



Plant in early morning or evening (when it's cool.)



Green thumbs up to you.



JUDGE'S JUNGLE

beaded necklace

Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in GA?

No, right now is the best time. Dont prune them during witer, because they bloom off of the old wood. Wait till they have leaves then trim them. Then by June-ish they will start to bloom. I have 2 6 year old trees and they are at the height of 7 ft now and bloom great, and now have 5 baby trees.

Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in GA?
Yes; it's better to wait until they have bloomed for the summer. If you prune them now, you'll be pruning off the parts that are about to bloom this summer. It won't hurt them, but they won't have any blooms. If you wait until after the first freeze in the fall, you will effectively be pruning them when they're dormant; then, next spring, they will have plenty of time to make new growth and produce flowers.