Dave, your 'Nutans' is doing fine, this cultivar will never let itselve "tamed" I once saw a very nice older specimen in Bob's Fincham's garden and it was a very iregular specimen which grew in all directions. It's a semi pendulous form which you can't compare with other strict weeping forms. If you want a true weeping Picea orientalis form, you can better choose for the 'Pendula' aka 'Nana Pendula'. If you still want, you can also help your 'Stanley's Gold' to be an upright grower: Pick out the strongest branch and stake it and cut away all the other ones. You'll see that in a couple of years it shape will grow into the normal way... In a lot of other cases like a grafted Abies procera 'Glauca' which is staked till about 1,5 metre without making a leader by itselve, I'll adsvise to cut it back till about 40 cm above to ground. You'll be surprised how it will react the very next years, all it's lazyness will be gone... Here is a link that might be useful: Picea orientalis 'Nutans'

The mulch at the base is only about 1" thick, then becomes thicker as you go out further...probably 3-4 inches at the thickest. I know it was not hit by anything, though. As far as trunk flare goes, we didn't get any flare on our other trees until they were in the ground for about 5 years. This one has not been in quite as long.

Punk, these talented gals here have taught me so much when it comes to creating tablescapes. The best thing I've learned is to shop Goodwill and places like Marshalls for bargains.That, and almost anything can be the start of a fun table centerpiece! I hardly ever buy a full set of dishes, though. Salad or dinner plates are easier to use . . . and store! DD: I wish you lived closer, too! I wish you all did, as it would be such fun to get together for shopping excursions and for some meals, too! Betty: More pinecone plates? Oooooh . . . that sounds tempting, but I think I'm at my limit with those. Thanks so much, though. Your kind offer means a lot! And yes, please do keep an eye out for more pieces of that other set. I'd love to get some of those dishes. As for my furkids, yes they do seem to like to pose for pics. They're both sweeties and I love them. Despite the bad rap dobies get, they are the sweetest, cuddly dogs. Ronin would like nothing better than to sit on our laps and sleep in our beds. We don't go that far, though! We dobie owners call them "Velcro dogs" because they always want to stay close enough to be touching you. Lynn

I have the willow friendship girl from friend in Tn. She has flowers in her hands like she is going to give them to me(flowers are wire). They are so sweet.Love all your decor & dishes. I notice something tho, your tray is different than 1 they show in 1985 Hall book by Margaret & Kenn Whitmyer. The tray on page 37 has round handles on end like the 2 side ones on yours but bigger.I like yours much better Since it was only made in 1975-disc. in 76 both kinds would be quite rare I would think. They made so many things in Autumn Leaf, playing cards,bowl covers(shower cap looking)linens, canister sets, flour sifter, thermos( about 1 gal I think with spigot )Metal pieces the finish disappears at sight of water they said.Bread box & cake carriers, cooking pots & even a kitchen chair which is probably worth a fortune now. Jewel Tea came around our neighborhood but never stopped at my house, seemed to have appointments at 2 houses over in cul -de- sac?? I love the Aladdin teapot, it's such a neat shape. i have a 6 in tall water pitcher or maybe coffee pot(no rim indent or anything) got a few months ago for $1. couldn't pass that up! Gold little thin around top of it but in great shape otherwise. Glad you got a cabinet just for your beautiful collection!! Hope I can get this on tonight as last night when I pushed preview message the Penny's ad came up!! Jan