Crotons Move Inside

 This week we started preparing plants for winter.  Our experience tells us the first frost will happen by November 1st so we must act early.  As we've done for a number of years, our huge Croton plants take up residence in our living room. The plants have grown taller ever year taking up more space than ever.  Joining the Crotons is our prize Pineapple plant sporting it's growing fruit.  The last time we had a Pineapple fruit, the plant was on the deck and the fruit was stolen by an unknown critter - I suspect it was a Raccoon. This Pineapple will get extra protection as we hope to harvest it sometime.

Clam Shell Air Propagator Update

 On June 15th I wrote about the Clam Shell Air Propagator system I was using on 4 plants.  After removing the propagators from the plants, the results are mixed.  The top picture shows the massive amount of roots that were produced on the Oak Leaf Hydrangea.  The second picture is the Azalea after we transferred it to a pot.  The root ball wasn't nearly as prolific as the Oak Leaf but with luck it will turn into a new bush.  The Rhododendron roots were even smaller and the dirt fell off when opened.  We planted it just in case it wants to grow.  The Crape Myrtle failed growing no roots at all.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree

 After removing the Sweet Gum tree, I was left with a large hole in the yard.  Rather than just fill it in, we decided to plant another tree that we hope will be better than the last one.  We chose a Kwanzan Cherry tree since we've been so pleased with the Cherry tree next to the pond.  The Kwanzan Cherry has pink flowers to which should be quite beautiful in the spring.

Remove the Sweet Gum Tree

 Eight years ago, we transplanted what we thought was a Maple tree next to our deck.  Two years ago, it produced Sweet Gum seed pods.  That's when I realized I choose the wrong tree and with it now over 40 feet tall it was time to go.  Here is the tree before I attacked it with the chain saw.  I cut it leaving about 6 feet of the trunk.  The next step was to dig a circle about a foot deep around the trunk cutting the roots to that level.  Finally hook a chain to the pickup truck and pull the tree over and drag out the root ball. 

Frog Death Investigation

 This morning I was presented with a rather sad sight.  When I went out to feed the Goldfish, I noticed a frog floating on the surface.  Sometimes they do that and finally swim away as I approach but this one didn't move.  I scooped him with the net and noticed some yellow innards sticking out of his left side.  When I turned him over, there was a blob of brown innards sticking out.  I remembered we disturbed a large owl last night near the pond so I wonder if the owl had attached this little guy but flew away without his treasure as we approached.  I don't know for sure but something attacked and left in a hurry.