I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening. I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree compost
( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection creekside
immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan, empress trees,
kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there respective local. The
rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft by 40 ft so that I may
be able to tend to them in all in one place, such as soaker hoses and
weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house 2 yrs ago on a 5 acre
parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus far and after getting
them established have decided its time to prepare for some accent and
foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our fruit garden. Most of
our tree/shrub selections have been around attracting wildlife year round.
I have been googling for info on my quest and this newsgroup keeps popping
up. Any suggestions in my plan of action? What is your experience in
dealing with the direct gardening folk? Will a large compost bed be the way
to go on jump starting these shrubs? Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants
1 Kiwi Collection - (4 Female & 1 Male)
4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male
16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

I forgot to say that I am in zone 7 about 50 miles north of Charlotte NC
"Jeteye" wrote in message
.. .
I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening. I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost
( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection creekside
immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan, empress
trees,
kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there respective local.
The
rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft by 40 ft so that I may
be able to tend to them in all in one place, such as soaker hoses and
weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house 2 yrs ago on a 5
acre
parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus far and after getting
them established have decided its time to prepare for some accent and
foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our fruit garden. Most of
our tree/shrub selections have been around attracting wildlife year round.
I have been googling for info on my quest and this newsgroup keeps popping
up. Any suggestions in my plan of action? What is your experience in
dealing with the direct gardening folk? Will a large compost bed be the
way
to go on jump starting these shrubs? Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants
1 Kiwi Collection - (4 Female & 1 Male)
4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male
16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

See the Garden watch Dog at http://gardenwatchdog/c/231 . They have a bad
reputation. I found this out the hard way.

Gary

New to the North Country



"Jeteye" wrote in message
. ..
I forgot to say that I am in zone 7 about 50 miles north of Charlotte NC
"Jeteye" wrote in message
.. .
I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening.
I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost
( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection creekside
immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan, empress
trees,
kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there respective local.
The
rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft by 40 ft so that I
may
be able to tend to them in all in one place, such as soaker hoses and
weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house 2 yrs ago on a 5
acre
parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus far and after
getting
them established have decided its time to prepare for some accent and
foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our fruit garden. Most
of
our tree/shrub selections have been around attracting wildlife year
round.
I have been googling for info on my quest and this newsgroup keeps
popping
up. Any suggestions in my plan of action? What is your experience in
dealing with the direct gardening folk? Will a large compost bed be the
way
to go on jump starting these shrubs? Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants
1 Kiwi Collection - (4 Female & 1 Male)
4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male
16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

See the Garden watch Dog at http://gardenwatchdog/c/231 . They have a bad
reputation. I found this out the hard way.

Gary

New to the North Country



"Jeteye" wrote in message
. ..
I forgot to say that I am in zone 7 about 50 miles north of Charlotte NC
"Jeteye" wrote in message
.. .
I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening.
I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost
( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection creekside
immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan, empress
trees,
kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there respective local.
The
rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft by 40 ft so that I
may
be able to tend to them in all in one place, such as soaker hoses and
weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house 2 yrs ago on a 5
acre
parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus far and after
getting
them established have decided its time to prepare for some accent and
foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our fruit garden. Most
of
our tree/shrub selections have been around attracting wildlife year
round.
I have been googling for info on my quest and this newsgroup keeps
popping
up. Any suggestions in my plan of action? What is your experience in
dealing with the direct gardening folk? Will a large compost bed be the
way
to go on jump starting these shrubs? Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants
1 Kiwi Collection - (4 Female & 1 Male)
4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male
16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and give
recommenations based on your needs. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Then shop. Get good plants. Good plants are much better than ones which
are on sale or cheap. Cheap plants are usually cheap for a reason.
Stressed plants won't survive.

It's best to have a 5-yr master plan that is manageable and affordable.
Stick to the plan but remain flexible enough to shift gears when something
doesn't work.











On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 10:53:15 -0500, Jeteye wrote:

I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening. I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost ( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection
creekside immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan,
empress trees, kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there
respective local. The rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft
by 40 ft so that I may be able to tend to them in all in one place, such
as soaker hoses and weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house
2 yrs ago on a 5 acre parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus
far and after getting them established have decided its time to prepare
for some accent and foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our
fruit garden. Most of our tree/shrub selections have been around
attracting wildlife year round. I have been googling for info on my quest
and this newsgroup keeps popping up. Any suggestions in my plan of
action? What is your experience in dealing with the direct gardening folk?
Will a large compost bed be the way to go on jump starting these shrubs?
Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants 1 Kiwi Collection - (4
Female & 1 Male) 4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male 16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and give
recommenations based on your needs. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Then shop. Get good plants. Good plants are much better than ones which
are on sale or cheap. Cheap plants are usually cheap for a reason.
Stressed plants won't survive.

It's best to have a 5-yr master plan that is manageable and affordable.
Stick to the plan but remain flexible enough to shift gears when something
doesn't work.











On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 10:53:15 -0500, Jeteye wrote:

I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening. I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost ( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection
creekside immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan,
empress trees, kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there
respective local. The rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft
by 40 ft so that I may be able to tend to them in all in one place, such
as soaker hoses and weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house
2 yrs ago on a 5 acre parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus
far and after getting them established have decided its time to prepare
for some accent and foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our
fruit garden. Most of our tree/shrub selections have been around
attracting wildlife year round. I have been googling for info on my quest
and this newsgroup keeps popping up. Any suggestions in my plan of
action? What is your experience in dealing with the direct gardening folk?
Will a large compost bed be the way to go on jump starting these shrubs?
Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants 1 Kiwi Collection - (4
Female & 1 Male) 4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male 16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

Sounds like you have it planned out real well. One word of caution: I
believe Empress tree is on some restricted or advised list. Paulownia
tomentosa is considered a rampant grower taking over huge areas rapidly from
underground shoots when something happens to the top growth. If the tree is
cut down, struck by lightning, dies of olld age or insect infestation such
as borer, or even limbed up more than it likes, the resulting growth can be
difficult to control. For this reason, it is not adviseable to plant it,

"Jeteye" wrote in message
.. .
I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening. I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost
( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection creekside
immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan, empress
trees,
kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there respective local.
The
rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4 ft by 40 ft so that I may
be able to tend to them in all in one place, such as soaker hoses and
weeding for a year or two. We have just built a house 2 yrs ago on a 5
acre
parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees thus far and after getting
them established have decided its time to prepare for some accent and
foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our fruit garden. Most of
our tree/shrub selections have been around attracting wildlife year round.
I have been googling for info on my quest and this newsgroup keeps popping
up. Any suggestions in my plan of action? What is your experience in
dealing with the direct gardening folk? Will a large compost bed be the
way
to go on jump starting these shrubs? Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants
1 Kiwi Collection - (4 Female & 1 Male)
4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male
16 Burning Bush, Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

Whew close call on the direct gardening idea, thank you Gary and Karen for
sharing the website. I have also read some conflicting information on
establishing raised beds using compost. Information from the local Extension
website suggests using a 25 to 33% mixture with existing soil. Also a soil
test is highly recommended. I am playing in the infamous NC red clay!
Looks like I am back to square one in my procumbent of shrubs.
Having a 30 yr mortgage and not being part of the Got to have all of it now
crowd, I still think buying large quantities of small healthy plants still
has merit. Any recommendations of suppliers that specialize in mail order
baby plants?

"WiGard" wrote in message
news
Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and give
recommenations based on your needs. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Then shop. Get good plants. Good plants are much better than ones which
are on sale or cheap. Cheap plants are usually cheap for a reason.
Stressed plants won't survive.

It's best to have a 5-yr master plan that is manageable and affordable.
Stick to the plan but remain flexible enough to shift gears when something
doesn't work.











On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 10:53:15 -0500, Jeteye wrote:

I am contemplating the purchase of the following from Direct Gardening.
I
am aware that these items make be a little on the small side and will
require some TLC. I have purchased 2 dump truck loads of 150 degree
compost ( 8 scoops) . I plan on planting the winterberry collection
creekside immediately, because of the moisture requirements. The pecan,
empress trees, kiwi, and blueberry collection w/AL Sulphate in there
respective local. The rest I am considering placing in a raised bed 4
ft
by 40 ft so that I may be able to tend to them in all in one place, such
as soaker hoses and weeding for a year or two. We have just built a
house
2 yrs ago on a 5 acre parcel, we have planted approximately 150 trees
thus
far and after getting them established have decided its time to prepare
for some accent and foundation plantings.Just beginning to research our
fruit garden. Most of our tree/shrub selections have been around
attracting wildlife year round. I have been googling for info on my
quest
and this newsgroup keeps popping up. Any suggestions in my plan of
action? What is your experience in dealing with the direct gardening
folk?
Will a large compost bed be the way to go on jump starting these
shrubs?
Thanks in advance.


2 Baby's Breath, Pink & White
18 Barberry, Redleaf
24 Forsythia
1 Walking Stick
4 Firethorn
20 Lilac, Old Fashioned
18 Spirea, Bridal White
3 Lavender, English
6 Purple Leaf Plum Hedge
40 Hawthorn, Washington
4 Pecan, Hardy
3 Royal Empress Tree
1 Blueberry Collection - 3 Year Old Plants 1 Kiwi Collection - (4
Female & 1 Male) 4 Almond, Pink Flowering
60 Privet, Hardy Amur 1-2'
2 Fuchsia, Hardy
6 Weigela, Variegated
1 Christmas Holly Collection, 4 female/1 male 16 Burning Bush,
Dwarf
3 Beauty Berry
1 Winterberry, Collection
3 Myrtle, Crape
24 Rose, Rosa Rugosa

Being in NC means you are in one of the best places to buy your plants
relatively locally. The North Carolina Association of Nurserymen can probably
give you info about growers in your area that specialize in the plants you
seek. Also, many garden clubs in the state hold plant sales where "babies" are
sold to raise money for scholarships or garden improvement in the state. For
example, the Raleigh Garden Club will be holding its sale Apr 9-11 at the State
Fairgrounds. Many of the botanical gardens sell native plants (UNC Botanical
Garden in Chapel Hill does, I know.) There are such gardens in the Charlotte
and Boone areas. If you'll give me more specific info about your location,
maybe I can find more local sources for you.

Happy gardening...it can be done in Carolina clay.

"WiGard" wrote in message
news
Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off
more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant
selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting
areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth
the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and
give
recommenations based on your needs.

True, but your local Extension Office can get it done as well,
and for less. And with the same good recommendations.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.

"WiGard" wrote in message
news
Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off
more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant
selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting
areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth
the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and
give
recommenations based on your needs.

True, but your local Extension Office can get it done as well,
and for less. And with the same good recommendations.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.

On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 19:25:55 -0500, Jeteye wrote:

Any recommendations of suppliers that specialize in mail
order baby plants?


How clever are you?

Get yourself a resellers' permit from your state and set yourself up as a
plant business. Then approach wholesalers online and pick those with
minimal order requirements. You'll hae to buy your plants by the flat,
but it does work. Make friends and ask gardening friends to split the
flats. You'll be amazed how many plants you can amass quickly and cheaply.

The keyword here is "clever"... You are only limited by your imagination
and ingenuity.

On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 19:25:55 -0500, Jeteye wrote:

Any recommendations of suppliers that specialize in mail
order baby plants?


How clever are you?

Get yourself a resellers' permit from your state and set yourself up as a
plant business. Then approach wholesalers online and pick those with
minimal order requirements. You'll hae to buy your plants by the flat,
but it does work. Make friends and ask gardening friends to split the
flats. You'll be amazed how many plants you can amass quickly and cheaply.

The keyword here is "clever"... You are only limited by your imagination
and ingenuity.

"Jim Lewis" wrote in message
...

"WiGard" wrote in message
news
Personally, I would work on one area at a time. Biting off
more than one
can chew is certainly the fastest way to a disaster.

Consult your local county extension specialist as to your plant
selection
and preparation. It will pay to first prepare the planting
areas. Even
if it takes a season to get the beds prepared, it will be worth
the delay.
Have soil tests done. A good lab will analyze the soil and
give
recommenations based on your needs.

True, but your local Extension Office can get it done as well,
and for less. And with the same good recommendations.

Depending on whre you live, extension offices don't necessarily perform soil
testing any longer. Mine hasn't for years - soil tests must be sent to a
commercial lab.

pam - gardengal

True, but your local Extension Office can get it done as
well,
and for less. And with the same good recommendations.

Depending on whre you live, extension offices don't necessarily
perform soil
testing any longer. Mine hasn't for years - soil tests must be
sent to a
commercial lab.


Goodness! What DO they do? Here in Florida, Extension hands out
the collecting kits, and the samples are sent to Extension HQ at
the University of Florida (along with $20) and a detailed soil
analysis and recommendation is forthcoming -- and quite soon,
too. They'll also ID bugs, odd plants, diseased plants, etc. if
the local extension office can't.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.