September Musings

I am happy that my garden did not suffer any heatwave or great loss. This was the first growing season with up-potting young material and heavy fertilization. In the fall I will assess which soil or conditions fared best.

I am happy with my June SBBK acquisitions, but no more trees… (will eat those words). My ginkgo is cute and thriving.

My collected Redbud is recovering well and leaving out, thanks to better post-care regimen. Will watch and wait to see if the oak fares as well.

My collected redwoods are thriving, and pinching and deadwood give them more character.

Junipers give me less joy, but applying Jin and Shari and wiring is good practice. If I apply a Shari line at least on one side of a small trunk or two sides for a larger trunk—it should accelerate growth in coming years.

Likewise, my (too) many saplings and starter material “should” grow more vigorously the year “after” repotting. We will see, left undisturbed but heavily fed.

Pinching and initial wiring of my young Larches are promising. Good movement, most have grown in trunk size for up-potting from 4” to 1 gallon. Deciduous conifers, I will appreciate this year’s growth when dormant. Can only hope that they are acclimating to my no-frost climate.

Growing Cork Bark Elms has been successful, but young—and hope that the next year will prove more promise on growth—let them grow out!

I am hoping that next year (3) will be where I build out tertiary branches and canopy foliage—traditional style. Boxwoods, junipers, etc. Patience.

I look forward to collecting again this fall from Grace’s property. Hope to be selective on Douglas Firs (2-3) to pumice, bag, mist, heat mat. Until I have proven that they survive my collecting them. Hope to find a Coast Redwood stump with a live vein—likely a digging project, but they seem to be heartier with collection.