When it comes to cross pollination in general, and Malus in particular, here's a simple rule of thumb: cross pollination provides for best fruit set. Some of the best pollinators for fruiting apples are certain crab varieties, Dolgo being one. That being said, any Malus, fruiting or ornamental that flowers at the same time will work as a cross pollinator. Unless you happen to live in a vacuum, odds are there are pollinators near you. As far as I am aware, the only fruiting Malus variety that is completely self-infertile is Mutsu (sp?). Nearly all are partially self fertile (also meaning partially self-infertile)...perhaps acceptable if you are merely looking for some fruit for fresh eating, as even one tree can produce far too much fruit for even a large family to eat. If you are looking to can, make large amounts of sauce, butter, etc, you may want a larger yield...but that would also mean enough trees you don't need to worry about how many to plant to ensure pollination. Unless you happen to ordering from a place that has just about every apple variety available, don't expect them to have a complete pollination chart...why would they list a pollinator they don't carry? While you may cherish the information (in some cases, more is not always better), a company quickly learns to provide only information for those plants they actually carry.

I would never order from this company. They refused to honor their advertised sales price when I tried to place an order and changed the excuses as to why they were not going to be able to sell an item for the sale price several times while talking to the customer service rep. This company has no idea as to the proper way of dealing with the public. I told them to take me off their mailing list. If any of you have a Growers Supply catalog that has an offer expires date of 3/26/11 and catalog pricing expiration of 4/15/11 why don't you see what price they give you for the garden starter greenhouse, stock number 104207. The catalog says "SALE $129.00" . The price they really are selling it for is $185.00 when you try to order it. The first excuse they gave me was that the sale expired. I corrected the customer service rep and let her know the sale price date in the catalog and the next excuse was that they could not guarantee their prices due to worldwide fluctuations in the price of steel. GIVE ME A BREAK! If you are going to make up excuses, at least stick to just one and make it a believable one. I don't have the time or the desire to deal with a company that will not sell items for the price they advertise.

I think I would go with another manufacturer. I bought a Serta for my guest room and no one has complained. You just need to find the right fit for you.

Also, while reviewing previous messages prior to posting mine, someone mentioned that their contractor had specifically said not to use Ornamental Rail, but there was no detail or context given in the message. :-) Are there any specific reasons not to use Ornamental Rail? Would those same reasons apply to the Builder Rail as well, since the composite materials are the same? As a further thought, I was considering using the TT Radiance Rail (PVC coated) as an alternative if the Ornamental/Builder Rail materials fade too much for my liking. Any comments on this logic? Thanks again in advance for all replies. :-) /dzmyth.