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| I had a big although not very cheap adventure today. I went to a huge tree, shrub and perennial auction. I went underfunded (spontaneous decision to go) because the auction bill said cash, travelers check or business check. I bought 17 dwarf spreading forsythias, 5 Miss Kim lilacs, and 4 red astilbes. The UGH factor was once I got back home I thought I would look up the dwarf spreading forsythias. Wouldn't you know there are several different ones. One doesn't flower or very sparesly if it does at all. I hope that isn't what I got. The auctioneer said it already flowered for the year which is to be expected anyhow. I had no idea that there was more than one kind of forsythia before seeing the dwarf spreading kind and figured it was a new type and wasn't named because there was only one kind. I also was told the Miss Kim Lilacs were colored just like the ordinary purple lilacs (the lighter ones). However, later in the auction there were more and they were sort of white with a purple tinge. They almost looked faded or something. Didn't someone here recommend Miss Kim? Please let me know if you really like yours.
Even though I might have goofed big time and bought when maybe I shouldn't have and didn't when I should have, I can't wait until the next plant auction. There was so many different plants, shrubs and trees going at seemingly good prices. I passed on a lot of things I wish I had purchased now. It is hard when you have a limited amount of money knowing if you should buy what is being sold at a good price now or wait to see if something you like better comes up. Good gardening news too! My aunt called while I was at the auction. She was having a huge maple taken down. She lives about 20 miles away but wanted to know if we wanted the wood (of course we burn wood for heat). Anyhow the tree trimmer lives near us and is delivering the cut up tree for us. Hopefully this will result in a new contact for free or very cheap chipped tree trimmings. Now we are going to have to buy a tractor to flip my horse manure and tree trimmings compost (we really are hoping too and no not just to flip my compost although that is a good use for it). Yeah! Now if I can just find out if those forsythias are worth planting. Anyone have an idea? I don't want to plant more than a couple if they don't flower much. The greenery is nice but not sure I need 17 spreading shrubs just for greenery. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by flowerfarmer 5/6 MI (My Page) on Thu, May 26, 05 at 21:42
| Hind sight is always 20/20. I probably would have gone with some of the more basic perennials such as the Astilbe. Were they good prices? I don't know anything about the dwarf forsythia; however, we don't use any forsythia in bouquets just for the basic reason they usually bloom well before markets start. I think Wendy mentioned using Miss Kim lilacs. They bloom after the French, and their color fades to blue. Perhaps that is what you were observing. Shirley, are you doing a market this year? Or, are you on a waiting list? Maybe I missed it; but how did your meeting go regarding growing and markets, etc? Good news on the mulch. |
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| I bought a Miss Kim this year. IT did bloom for me but it was rather a wishy washy lavender and didn't fade to blue. Maybe that depends on your soil alkalinity or lack of...It was, however, the most fragrant and dainty lilac and I think there will be a good market for it, as it blooms after the others have finished. So many brides seem to want lilacs just after they have finished I hope that it will give them another chance. IF not, I will enjoy it just for myself! I only have one and a rooted peice that seperated out of the pot. |
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- Posted by flowerfarmer 5/6 MI (My Page) on Fri, May 27, 05 at 7:45
| LizaLily, Lavender is blue....... Step back in time and imagine Burl Ives singing the tune: "Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, Who told you so, dilly dilly, Call up your friends, dilly, dilly Some to the hay, dilly dilly, Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, Who told you so, dilly dilly, Author: unknown
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- Posted by honeybunny442 z5 WI (My Page) on Fri, May 27, 05 at 11:59
| I just finished a Landscape Design class, we seemed to use a lot of Miss Kim because it stays small and nicely shaped (I think!). Maybe you can trade them to a landscaper for some compost...dilly dilly (snerk, snort!) susan :) |
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