Re: Trees
Hello Bobbi,
I see where Diane Whitehead gave you a very good description of Oxydendrum. No
need for me to repeat, other than the fruiting capsules remain over winter for a
bit more show.
Our listing of shrubs and trees is being compiled from many sources. We use
Dirr's book for final description and photos. Several book on birds, butterflies
and hummers their preferences. A backyard habitat kit from a lecture we attended
two years ago.
We have to do a lot of shopping around with our list. Over in Louisville last
year and will do it again this fall. Made a trip over to Litchfield, KY couple
weeks ago with some very good luck. Came home with a van full. Be going back
again, I think. We are going for 3 gallon pots. The Sourwood is about 4 1/2 feet.
We have a landscape architect coming in this Monday to assist us in pulling
everything together around here.
Locus trees are the first indicators of the presence of Japanese Beetles. They
hit and strip the locus first thing. The trees are not sick that you are seeing...
just being eaten alive. They will recover, but look like yuck meanwhile.
I think the guy with the dozen yellow locus was going for what is commonly
referred to as "drama". perhaps "continuity". Does sound a bit boring... perhaps
if you drove by at 60 miles an hour and glanced in that direction?
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Bobbi Diehl <diehlr@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject: Re: [SG] Trees
> Gene, by sourwood do you mean Oxydendrum arboreum? I've read about it and
> it sounds interesting, but I don't believe I've ever seen one. In most
> ways Bloomington is a great town, but it is sadly lacking in tree
> nurseries that carry anything but the most boring, common specimens.
>
> I'm collecting a list of a few good trees to add to the yard. Where did
> you obtain your specimen? What size was it when you got it and when was
> that? How large is it now?
>
> Speaking of trees, a local landscaper just planted dozens and dozens of
> honey locusts next door to my office at a site that has been remodeled.
> Talk about a monoculture! Wouldn't it be much more interesting if they had
> used a number of different species? Of course it would!! But I suppose it
> was cheaper this way. I'm a bit concerned because on a drive out in the
> countryside last week I saw an awful lot of very sick looking locust
> trees, whether honey or black I don't know.
>
> Bobbi Diehl
> Bloomington, IN
> zone 5/6
