i cleaned the house..

i put it somewhere special.. important..

now i cant find it ... lol.. SEE!!! ... that is why house cleaning is frowned upon ...

congrats dave .. didnt know you were a rock star ....

ken

I had no idea Sara was going to high five me on the GW.

What's a rock star??? LOL Does an old man with dirt under his fingernails qualify?

I am just one who always enjoyed growing the green stuff. I like to pass on my success stories with those who are looking to successfully grow a special cultivar but need a little help to do it.

When I became addicted to conifers 15 years ago I started small as most do. In time, if truly committed, you expand and move to the more expensive offerings. Doing this comes with a price if you are not well informed as to each plants needs.

My first 'Skylands' I purchased was planted and I prepared myself for years of enjoyment from this cultivar. Man did it look good out there in the hot Kansas sun. Six months later it was dead. Yes it had adequate water and all the after care associated with new plantings. The sun just flat scorched the tender yellow foliage.

Deciding I wasn't going to throw in the towel I gave some thought to protection. Two years later after I finished another planting area with 'Skylands' as the featured focal point conifer I gave it another go with the addition of a simple portable screen I made that gave it the protection it needed to acclimate.

The rest of the story is in the CQ. It does work. One thing not mentioned, I leave the screen up for three years. By then it will take care of itself with plenty of new root growth laid down to make the transition to free range.

Now if any of you can tell me how to grow Abies here please return the favor and share with me what worked for you.

Dave

This post was edited by Davesconifers on Tue, Nov 19, 13 at 10:45

Always happy to give a shout out to someone who has good ideas! And to pump the ACS. You can join for only $38 a year and if you ask him nicely, I bet that Dave will autograph the article for free!

Here is a link that might be useful: ACS

Now if any of you can tell me how to grow Abies here

==>>

remove fence.. add foundation ... and start glassing in the yard ... then add a giant air conditioner for night humidity ... and cooling ... maybe just a dehumidifier ....

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: something like this ... money is no object ...

Dave has certainly achieved "rock star" status in my book!I've seen some of the rocks this semi-senior citizen has moved.Hes certainly a star of "stage and screening"!
Okay ,I'm through now.......nice article,Dave.

I got busywith a kids and all so lost time dedicated to gardening in general, inlcuding renewing my membership.

For those without a membership see the link. Bam! Nice work Dave. I used this advice in some shape or form myself.

Here is a link that might be useful: Skylands Screening

Wow that great! As far as the Abies question you might want to talk to Pam at Evergreen Nursery in Ames Iowa.She is great and grows Abies in your general region. I have been able to grow Abies nordmanniana 'Golden Spreader' in full sumertime shade. Also another whose name escapes me. Both have done quite well for about five years now.Since they survived the horrible 100 degree three month drought for me I think it is quite possible for you to grow them. Both are under deciduous trees.

The answer to growing abies successfully is well drain soil (subject to winter root rot) and the post at the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Abies rootstock

whaas now really you should re-up. We need you and it is only $38 bucks!

Sara