Pear Problems

'Bradford' Pears (Pyrus calleryana) are a popular tree in our area for good reasons: beautiful early flowers, high tolerance of stress, and a stand-out fall color on glossy leaves that stay on the tree longer into the fall than most other species. 

However, there are some very important unfavorable qualities in the species: its invasive nature and narrow branching angles that result in unstable limbs. Bradford Pear's are widely planted across the Triangle, including this specimen in our front yard which, judging by its size, was planted when the our house was built. We originally had two trees, planted side by side along the road. Last summer, we noticed severe canopy die back on one of them. Upon further inspection of the base of the tree we found the culprit: circling roots that are slowly girdling the trees! What a tribute to breaking up the roots before planting! We cut one down last year, and this one will too die, possibly this year as its blooming is becoming patchy and frequent water sprouts are a sure sign of stress. The possibility of picking a new full-sun specimen tree is exciting, as there are so many wonderful choices. Two I've been eying are 'Thundercloud' Purple-leafed Plum (Prunus cerasifera) and Golden Rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods.  But he cannot save them from fools."  ~John Muir

Starting Seeds

With 6 weeks until our last frost date, and plenty of warm, sunny weather, the clock is counting down to get the garden started. Our seeds are well on their way, with the first signs of spring life appearing.

My first crop of seedlings just popped up over the last couple weeks.  These are greenhouse babies, as one of the perks of working in the horticulture business is you can always find some free space for your own projects. 


In years past I have stuck to only starting herb seeds. The things I use most in the kitchen: parsley, basil, and chives I choose to grow from seed so I never run out of herbs to cut. This year, however, Ive gone a little seed crazy (initially as a way to save money, now I just want to experiment with what I can grow). In the greenhouse, Ive started my usual herbs: Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil, Parsley, and Dill. But, I also added a flat of veggies: Bush beans, Pickling Cucumbers, and Jalapenos.  Everything seems to be up and growing, their cotyledons (seed leaves) just unfurling show signs of the first real leaves. 

 

 Two flats was the limit of my greenhouse space, and wanting more I decided to try a type of grow box at home. In this flat I started a mixture of some interesting veggies and perennials. When we went to visit Jesse Israel and Sons Nursery in Asheville, NC I could not help grab a few seed from their huge collection. I'm most excited about the tomatoes, an heirloom 'Black Krim' variety from Russia that is supposed to have a unique salty taste. Also at the Nursery in Asheville, I grabbed this great topper for about 1 buck, which fits a standard flat, and in a sunny location its working its magic. No sprouts in these yet, although its been about 10 days. I attribute the delay to the luke-warm temps and rain we've had latley, but they still have plunty of time to build up that energy and sprout.

And then this is where I got a little seed crazy. Watching the birds start their spring courtship made me think of sunflowers. We always have a feeder full of sunflower seeds that the birds devour. I just couldn't resist these mammoth sunflowers. I'm a sucker for anything tall in the garden. Plus I've actually never used a jiffy seed starter. I figured its worth a shot as they are so popular, and the windowsill version was only about 3 bucks.


"Adopt the pace of nature:  
her secret is patience." 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

In The Pines

"If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."  ~Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is obviously not from the garden, but it is my Longleaf Pine research site, the Harris Tract near Holly Springs, NC.  It was a beautiful warm day, but windy with a storm rolling through, and I just had to share. I always feel lucky to work in such a beautiful place, minus the blackberry thickets.

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship." ~John Muir

Familiar Sights

Its officially March, and the Variegated Winter Daphne is in full bloom and spreading its intoxicating scent throughout the garden. I always forget what it smells like until I get the first whiff of it in the spring, but somehow that's what makes it so special.

Otherwise this post is pretty much just pictures... but makes a great opportunity to note that you can click on any of the images to see the higher resolution image in another window.

'Winter Hazel' Corylopsis

Crocus vernus 'Jeanne d'Arc'

'Endless Summer' Hydrangea

Camellia japonica 'Crimson Candles'

'Bradford' Pear beginning to open

Narcissus

'Reeves' Spirea leafed out and setting buds to bloom

Brian shot this one of a frog in the stream behind our house

 
"Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson