With regards to your Navaho plant if I read your question right, you were simply curious about the "branched stick" (probably about 8-12" long) with the one bud on it. As long as it has a viable root system attached to it, you should be fine as the new primocanes will grow for next year's crop from the crown/root system. The "stick" you are referring to is the plant's "floricane" and may even produce a few berries this year from that bud. Remember, blackberry plants for the most part are 2 year cycle plants. The first year it will produce a primocane (i.e., the stick) which will form new buds (i.e., the bud) in the fall which after its winter rest (now) and it gains enough chill hours, will open in the spring and produce new growth with blossoms forming on the ends of that new growth. So, you should be OK if there is a viable root system attached to "the stick". As far as your rabbiteye's go, I would recommend pruning your plants back 25% right after you plant them and remove all buds this coming spring. Pruning the plant back allows the root system to acclimatize to its new environment without having to work so hard right off the bat once its ready to wake up. The reason for removing the blossoms the first year goes along with that same theory. My friend last year decided not to remove the blossoms from his rabbiteyes because he wanted to take the berries to the fresh market and make his money back from purchasing the plants; and he did and then some! However, because of the weight of the berries and the weakness of the plants that first year (i.e., because the new plants were focused on growing the berries rather than the growing the plant itself), most of the plants after harvest were leaning over with their canes and leaves a "stressed" yellowish brown in color rather than strong and upright and a good healthy green. In addition, and this is the most important part since the buds form in the summer and fall for next years crop, the buds were either very small and not very healthy looking or simply non-existent. This year, my friend bought some more blueberry plants and the first thing he did was prune them back approximately 25% and he plans to remove all the blossoms when they appear in a few weeks. I don't want to take anything away from jellyman's or fruitgirl's write-ups, but this has been my experience down here where it gets HOT in the summer. Hope this helps.

Below is a link to the squirrel trap. I did not mean to take credit for the trap, and I haven't even built one yet, but it seems like it would work rather effectively. I like it because it is the most inconspicuous one I have ever seen, which is a major selling point for me, living right next door to two families. trapping and drowning them seems like a quick way to get the ASPCA called on me, and relocating them seems like a major hassle, also seems safe for neighborhood cats. Yes, I meant PINE BARK. Thanks for the comment, I will edit accordingly. No, I water them with the hose. I had a drip line set up for about a day until I realized I put it on the blueberries to, and the way I coiled it around the plants, I had to remove the whole line to get it off the blueberries. Also, watering with the hose, by hand gives me an extra excuse to examine them without looking like a weirdo staring at his plants all day :) Brady, funny you posted that link, I saw that before and was planning on doing something similar to that but now that I need to keep the branchwork of the trees higher up, to allow sunlight/airflow to the bushes below, I am going with an elevated espalier form. This tree seems like a trouper though, so I think I can afford to experiment with it a bit. Here is a link that might be useful: squirrel trap

Today at 06:52 PM Reply with quote #2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Joe, yes it was picked to early for sure looking at inside and outer skin, but i understand the temptation, hey if not this year wait till next year as the taste should improve as tree matures along with good weather and you pick when fig is darker and drooping nice on tree, and soft too touch and has a beautiful nice color, and to the touch feels like squeezing a babies cheek,you give fig a gentle twist and it comes off willingly for it wants to please its grower then you cut open and see what looks like a liquid gel on the red meat and seeds, you slowly bring it to your mouth with anticipation, now dont drop it whatever ya do (remember the 10 second rule if you do ) its in your mouth and you chew slowly very slowly and savior the moment for its a fig your fig what you grew and now you get to enjoy the accomplishment, after the taste wanes in your mouth you say to yourself i want more for this is truely something. Best Health

Hi All. To answer some of the questions...YES...we get some critters from time to time...mainly deer but don't think they all know we're here yet. The deer found my three Rose of Sharons late in the season and they have been back a couple of times now....ditto on some burning bushes.....but hey haven't found my hostas....yet...but I'm optimistic they will next year. Yes, Christie...you are right... those are dogwoods. I couldn't believe how many we have on the property. Two years ago when we purchased the land we were living in Springfield and was not around to see them blooming. We asked our realtor if we had any since he lived in the area and he told us there were lots. Last year not much of show because of the drought...but this year...wham! The colors so far this fall have been something and all the berries too. It's been a good year for rain this year and the woods show it. Ann- I feel for you with all the shade. Having a bunch of shade too I'm still struggling with shade and sun loving plants. Trying to find the rights areas. It's amazing but as the season progress I find areas that were once strong sun are now all shade. It's been a learning process. Helen- I had to laugh at your comment about good drainage. It wasn't until my hubby installed a drain that emptied out on the backside of that large mound in the back. We would get large standing puddles. The drain has been great and NOW allows for good drainage. I guess with most things you have to make it work for you. Would love to see some gardens transformations pictures from you all. I just love to see what everyone else is doing in the world of gardening. Best Regards, Pam