Re: Arisema sikokianum (and others) under maple trees?
Hello Gerry,
The answer is yes, not and all of the above.... I taught myself to garden, so
there are lots of old mistakes that are not being corrected. Some areas I dug into
like an oversized mole, turned all the soil over and added peat, turned some more.
Almost killed two of the mature trees severing roots. Much of the garden is on a
hill side, so I quickly came to using something to place at the bottom of the hill
and then back-fill until I reached the clay of the hill, then another retainer of
some kind and back-fill once more. On the upper level, I turned it all over and
incorporated lots of compost, leaves, etc. Most of the new areas are raised beds
constructed from stones, cedar logs. I never try to keep only one approach to a
problem in my mind... kind of an "all depends upon" approach. Makes it easier for
me to stay flexible and go with the gardens needs rather than rigid rules.
If I am in an area that is close to a mature tree with a massive root system,
my fist inclination is to build a raised bed of some kind... simply because it is
easier to get things established, in spite of the up front construction work.
Nicer looking plants as well, in my opinion.. I also try to mimic nature.. keep
the ephemerals up close to the tree as they will be gone by July when the trees
suck up ever drop of moisture. Further out shrubs, perennials that take root
competition.
Sorry, one seldom gets one simple answer from me... don';t think there really
is one in gardening. Just depends upon where you are gardening and what you want
to accomplish. Garden is a canvass, you are the artist. Choose your colors and
brush, use your techniques,
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Gerry/Bob O'Neill <eoneill@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: [SG] Arisema sikokianum (and others) under maple trees?
> At 08:40 AM 3/24/01 -0500, you wrote:
> >Hello John,
> > My woodland garden is about 14 or 15 years old now and was created around
> >existing mature trees.<snip>
>
> >Marge has give good advice already and no need for me to duplicate her
> fine words
> >of wisdom.
>
> Gene,
>
> Hope this doesn't qualify as repeating Marge's excellent advice, but..
>
> Did you also spread a layer of soil when you established your bed under
> trees?
>
> Gerry
