Shape of Days

Propagating Nursery Plants

Propagating Plants

The process of propagating nursery plants is pretty simple to master. You take a cutting from the desired plant, apply the appropriate ratio of rooting hormones and stick the plant cutting into a planting medium, such as a peat and perlite mixture. The cuttings are then watered in thoroughly and kept at high humidity until the roots form on the cutting. The trick of the whole process is knowing the best time of the growing stage to take the cuttings. Many people have success with hardwood cuttings, while others have luck with softwood and greenwood cuttings. There are a few plants that are stubborn and refuse to root unless propagated under perfect conditions. Most of these plants are better propagated by grafting them onto a suitable rootstock, but grafting is a propagation method that few take the time to master because of the complexity of understanding what is involved. If you are interested in propagating plants, I urge you to buy a good book on the subject such as, Plant Propagation by Alan Toogood. For some, it is much easier to absorb what they are reading when the desciptive text is followed along with clear photos. With a little education and luck, you will be growing your own nursery stock before you know it. Warning: Propagating your own plants can become addictive!

Turning the Compost

Turning the Compost

After a few weeks from being started, the compost has heated up nicely. We usually turn the compost about now to make sure the outer layers are turned inwards towards the middle of the compost pile. It will take a little less time for the pile to reheat and start decomposing again. I enjoy walking outside on a cool Fall morning and seeing the steam rising off of the pile. There's always a nice earthy aroma coming from the compost bin. It shoulld never smell any other way. If the pile does smell "off", then you'll need to find out what is wrong and correct it. Gnats in the compost pile are a sign that the compost pile is too wet.

Magnolia Trees - Pictures

Magnolia Trees - Pictures

They are our favorite trees, the enchanting magnolia trees. Magnolia Trees light up your landscape every Spring and Summer with beautiful huge flower blossoms that just can't seem to be beat by any other flowers around. The magnolia tree grows at a pretty steady pace and most of the deciduous magnolia cultivars don't get very large at all, so you can fit them into a medium size yard with room to spare. They are very easy to maintain and need little care once established. You can decide which magnolia tree suits you by viewing some pictures of magnolias. One particular favorite of ours is the Saucer Magnolia. Should you become a huge fan of magnolia trees like we are, we encourage you to join the Magnolia Society.

Dogwood Tree Legend

Dogwood Tree Legend

As I was walking across the forest floor, I came upon a tree, a dogwood tree. It's leaves flittering in the wind. The white dogwood petals, the color of snow, were glowing so brilliantly in the dense forest of trees. I am reminded of a legend, of which has been told time and time again.

Dogwood Tree Poem

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue. 'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen. Seeing the distress at this use of their wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: "Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so Slender & twisted, it shall be With blossoms like the cross for all to see. As blood stains the petals marked in brown The blossom's center wears a thorny crown. All who see it will remember me Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. Cherished and protected this tree shall be A reminder to all of my agony. Th dogwood tree poem is one of my favorites and always reminds me of our blessed history.