Sand, pumice, perlite, D.G., the list goes on for inorganics. Anything that will shed (rather than hold) water, but be careful NOT to introduce BEACH sand or MASONRY GRADE sand (too salty). Since you are using drip emitters, you can adjust the flow to each plant by changing the emitter to one with more or less flow. I DO NOT recommend using "variable flow" emitters, as they have a tendency to leak horribly. I have LOTS of experience installing and REPAIRING drip systems as a landscape contractor. I imagine you have tapped into the system formerly used for watering the lawn. Make certain this area is on a separate control station than any lawn area. You want complete and separate control, and certainly don't want to set your timer based on one area, only to have too much or too little time for the other.

oops, just remembered there is already a thread for this. Ignore this one.

Tony is correct on the nomenclature of Scot's vs. Scotch pine. Although these two words seem to be used interchangeably when used as a common name to describe this particular tree. Setting that discussion aside; Pinus sylvestris is a poor choice for a landscape tree in the Midwest. Yours is getting to about the size where it's existence is doomed. Virtually every one of these trees dies when they become mature enough to really look good. As young trees, they make fine Christmas trees but are generally too short lived to be planted in the landscape. Quoting from the Home & Horticulture Pest News: "In the last 10 to 15 years, pine wilt has become a serious disease of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Iowa and other Midwestern states. Pine wilt is a fatal disease that quickly kills infected Scotch pines. Other pine species that are occasional victims of pine wilt include jack (Pinus banksiana), mugo (Pinus mugo), Austrian (Pinus nigra), and red (Pinus resinosa) pine. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for the prevention or control of pine wilt. The best strategy is to contain the disease by promptly removing and destroying dead or dying Scotch pines. Because of pine wilt, Scotch pines are no longer recommended for windbreaks and home landscapes. White pine, spruces, firs, and arborvitae would be better choices..." One way or the other, you WILL be getting rid of this tree. IronBelly

Shocking story, Anele, so I had to run find out more. :) It's very unfortunate that the doors will no longer fit, but otherwise it looks like it's all improvements. Shelves will be deeper. The Economist has a silly story saying this proves books are on their way out, that people don't buy them for books anymore, but when did they always, or even usually? Fact is, the shelves are currently reportedly 10.5" deep, and books have been getting larger for a long time. Too many of my books are deeper than that. Shelves will be stronger -- and that alone should indicate they still expect people to purchase them to hold books. Photographs tastefully interspersed among some tzotskies from Tuesday Morning don't need more strength. Being written about in The Economist does show what an icon this old friend is, though. Some things a more sensible article pointed out: "So why is IKEA changing the Billy? And how? The furniture giant says it isnâÂÂt messing with the classic Billy look but is making a few upgrades to improve the quality of its you-bolt-it bookcase line. Here is what Ikea is adding to the Billy starting in August 2014: ⢠A more durable and scratch-resistant veneer that looks more like real wood. ⢠The white finish will look whiter. ⢠Shelves will be stronger. ⢠Edges will be rounded to be more child-friendly (and more clumsy-adult friendly, too). ⢠More ways to customize your Billy, including glass shelves and extensions that allow you to adjust the height and door placement. ⢠Fewer screw holes will show." You know, Anele, other changes might not be retro-fittable, but the depth at least could still be sliced down to whatever's needed.