tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24609130832786438802024-03-12T21:38:53.210-04:00EverWinterThomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-7695268756027043252014-03-03T16:32:00.001-05:002014-03-03T16:33:39.495-05:00Winter 2014 The Snow Machine Must Be Set On Overdrive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow!!<br />
What a long cold Winter it's been. It's March 3rd and here in the northeast, we just had another major snowstorm come through the region. This one skirted us to our south just a bit so we didn't get it with both barrels but, we got enough to turn everything white again. This winter has been 180 degrees different from last year where we only had approximately 1 foot of snow all season. This one we are on the edge of moving 2014 into the third snowiest winter on record. I think this blog makes it evident that I like snow, but being someone with a horticultural background and large interest in specifically evergreens, I also understand the need for clear season breaks from one to another. All plant life needs the change of the seasons to properly maintain their internal life-cycles. Evergreens are a great example, they put forth new growth in the spring only. When the new branch shoots emerge they are tender like the wings of a newly hatched butterfly and as they progress they harden off and look more like their older counterparts behind them. If winter hangs on too long it can throw their internal clock out of balance so that the new shoots appear later than usual. Evergreens depend on those cooler spring months to get off to a good growing period. Once Spring is over evergreens don't really add too much new growth. I don't know how much more snow mother nature has planned to send our way, but the way this Winter has been going I would not be surprised if we get some more before it's over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY901Utg3FBxr7-XMqBM4XpygtNZOyBqCiFQWaSl5_GEuzXmrRQticDUje897hRIYyepLUPXDilOOPJqL-aO758w8wK468d0ego-b5fbVkDHZDJfmfBERbVoGEkE2Wg_HoPY3bHU7yahJv/s1600/PICT0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY901Utg3FBxr7-XMqBM4XpygtNZOyBqCiFQWaSl5_GEuzXmrRQticDUje897hRIYyepLUPXDilOOPJqL-aO758w8wK468d0ego-b5fbVkDHZDJfmfBERbVoGEkE2Wg_HoPY3bHU7yahJv/s1600/PICT0617.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-36138855239267541242012-02-29T17:30:00.000-05:002012-02-29T17:41:02.101-05:00The Winter That Wasn't<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been away from my blog for a while and am taking a renewed interest in updating and going in new directions with it. Just to get my feet back in the snow again I have to talk about this past Winter or more the lack of it. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania and Winter here has eluded us this season. After two banner years for snowfall, we have come up considerably dry this time around. This type of<br />
Winter is hard on plants because they lack the truly cold spell that triggers a deep winter sleep. Typically their growth is stunted the season following an unusually warm winter. For conifers Spring fertilizing is very important. In a future post I will provide information on the best types, timing and how often. In the future I would also like to set up a forum to answer questions from you and offer up advice in your landscape designs. I would also like it to become a centralized place of communication and information exchange. Please, comment and let me know if you think this would be helpful. I'll leave you with a picture from Winter 2011.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNfuOnDoQWsShh51Y41RbF_ISWjfWHTFQ5yGJPW5BR6vpcNGJPI0UOKQm5Ecx-PwK6DbqnK6mG1ndN9OMeKAJ2QS-UXWkvUsWfNxHFhD7miHrDCpZI1kFMF_exMD5PI7ChZLiuFn5ayvQ/s1600/snow-covered-trees1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNfuOnDoQWsShh51Y41RbF_ISWjfWHTFQ5yGJPW5BR6vpcNGJPI0UOKQm5Ecx-PwK6DbqnK6mG1ndN9OMeKAJ2QS-UXWkvUsWfNxHFhD7miHrDCpZI1kFMF_exMD5PI7ChZLiuFn5ayvQ/s320/snow-covered-trees1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-63091838781768361212010-11-23T14:40:00.007-05:002012-02-18T22:54:40.140-05:00Evergreen Care: Fall Cast-OffIt's late fall now and the thoughts of the holidays begin to take hold. Many are still raking up the leaves in our yards and may be noticing that our evergreens are getting some brown spots towards the inner needles. This is Fall Cast-Off. Like deciduous trees, evergreens react to the changing sunlight exposure that fall and winter bring. Since there is chlorophyll in the needles just like in deciduous leaves it needs a certain amount of light to be maintained. When the light decreases the tree will shed or cast-off some of the older inner needles. this helps it to conserve the available energy that it has. There is no cause for alarm, this is as natural as the leaves falling off the trees around it. The reason the tree loses the inner needles is because they are not as exposed to the open sunlight as the surface needles. That is why when you look at an older tree, you will notice that it grows out like an umbrella.<br />
Do not mistake cast-off for other diseases that can materialize with similar symptoms. The one thing that will set cast-off apart from other diseases is that only the innermost needles will be cast, not the ones at the surface. If there is uniform browning of the needles you need to look to other sources.<br />
Cast-Off is common to all species of conifers. Spruces, Firs, and Pines all produce some cast-off each Fall season. Do not attempt to prune off these needles they will fall naturally. They will help to richen the soil beneath the tree. Just a little note: All pruning should be done in September to October. If done later the tree is in a weakened state and cannot scar over the cuts properly to keep out disease.<br />
Enjoy your evergreens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbTAx9djas2o4lx3WXS1z2rnYgSPX_3y5V7kvOpB1B4BPdCVi0yzWn_CxPa5fzbPn4cukP_0WshXa4mjefNquei2sFUvw7VdPYQlLmeyuv7pBdi9nfX3JTQ4hXf_nMpe9z0sHTn77xaGW/s1600/Pine+Fall+Cast.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbTAx9djas2o4lx3WXS1z2rnYgSPX_3y5V7kvOpB1B4BPdCVi0yzWn_CxPa5fzbPn4cukP_0WshXa4mjefNquei2sFUvw7VdPYQlLmeyuv7pBdi9nfX3JTQ4hXf_nMpe9z0sHTn77xaGW/s320/Pine+Fall+Cast.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pine Exhibiting Fall Cast-Off</span></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-1177346595161634202010-05-26T13:59:00.000-04:002010-05-26T13:59:12.711-04:00Evergreen Care: "The Spruces An Introduction"In one of my earlier posts I stated that the <a href="http://evergreenwinter.blogspot.com/2010/05/firs.html">"Firs"</a> were my favorite of all the conifers, but, the true soldiers of Winter are the "Spruces". Their shape and branch structure differ slightly from the Firs in that they are a more dense tree. Their conical shape is more defined and consistent. There are less gaps in their branches. The needles are evenly distributed at 360 degrees around each branch. Typically Spruce needles are prickly to the touch. The cross-cut of a needle is shaped like a cross. In the valleys of the cross running the length of the needle is a thin white line. This feature tends to make the tree present with an overall lighter shade of the main color. One species that does not have this additional color is the Colorado Blue Spruce. All other Spruces have this. Their trunk bark is generally smooth with small randomly scattered ulcers approximately 3mm in diameter. The true calling of these green giants is in creating a privacy line or a wind break. They have deep running roots that help them tame all that the winter winds can throw at them. They are slow growing but have long life spans. They are a welcomed addition to any landscape project. when it comes to the different species, they are as follows: Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Englemann Spruce, Sitka Spruce, Black Spruce and the Red Spruce. All are similar in appearance, but, they differ in color shade and there are some subtle texture differences. One in particular The Englemann Spruce has needles with a more rough appearance. I talked more about textures in an earlier post <a href="http://evergreenwinter.blogspot.com/2010/04/evergreen-textures.html">"Textures"</a> and I will go into more detail at a later date on how textures can be used to achieve effects in your landscape. If you have any questions about these great plants, do not hesitate to contact me in comments or E-Mail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rsSGiWDsFl2U0c1DyyWML5dV9xXqY_f8WzTRvLuT3a-f0bPEYAFgdwcEzBccGbw6wFaULn27Glnsh3Dr2c2AUpmI0Jdr4fXUviI4l6gLRAvwEGPxZXC41DBHrOX6mu7Zj8d_8HyaBgC5/s1600/blue_spruce_close_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rsSGiWDsFl2U0c1DyyWML5dV9xXqY_f8WzTRvLuT3a-f0bPEYAFgdwcEzBccGbw6wFaULn27Glnsh3Dr2c2AUpmI0Jdr4fXUviI4l6gLRAvwEGPxZXC41DBHrOX6mu7Zj8d_8HyaBgC5/s320/blue_spruce_close_up.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Colorado Blue Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrZZIi-hrpa3VKcvi5Bd-VwGgO5GSQNPoLX5xuUUO9O5I0p8t1RUyDidOJYeMcAVSF2zJ6DFbJYo5vzKbOQ_qenNl6MeOmrADTT9_o2RLtcJEJc7OfJy7TjxMb1sypV1qtPqcQ26gLjtN/s1600/norway_spruce_close_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrZZIi-hrpa3VKcvi5Bd-VwGgO5GSQNPoLX5xuUUO9O5I0p8t1RUyDidOJYeMcAVSF2zJ6DFbJYo5vzKbOQ_qenNl6MeOmrADTT9_o2RLtcJEJc7OfJy7TjxMb1sypV1qtPqcQ26gLjtN/s320/norway_spruce_close_up.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Norway Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKDiPX9NsBf8Tm_DQxj_vBIfdVJsB9fC7IgzU2cfSe0GZ-4blsuSlTLHDj_P2MmuYGP8cUuc0k7I9768JrlcChuQlwN6CUKTNG-3rYN6pDZTiZxFoUmQIHWLkOwxbcXI77Q-2mTqisNQ-/s1600/WhiteSprucelimb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKDiPX9NsBf8Tm_DQxj_vBIfdVJsB9fC7IgzU2cfSe0GZ-4blsuSlTLHDj_P2MmuYGP8cUuc0k7I9768JrlcChuQlwN6CUKTNG-3rYN6pDZTiZxFoUmQIHWLkOwxbcXI77Q-2mTqisNQ-/s320/WhiteSprucelimb.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">White Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJD1eFV3-5VQXGQAIPjjAA9rBt94KqAd622Ny_4Jl8eULyRRNzyOoG6Qt_PdFlg8m0FnDJ3mTzMPx7fwd3X72s2hh_xOXPeXLEpheacUOFb7542QO0usTI61Rq-JDXyt90jh1meYLboTX/s1600/image_969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJD1eFV3-5VQXGQAIPjjAA9rBt94KqAd622Ny_4Jl8eULyRRNzyOoG6Qt_PdFlg8m0FnDJ3mTzMPx7fwd3X72s2hh_xOXPeXLEpheacUOFb7542QO0usTI61Rq-JDXyt90jh1meYLboTX/s320/image_969.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Englemann Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSJaC6DPIIKjm5jrxb_-BmeOoz8eIeZBBWKsQa0LwzKibsZvZoJ9dysIW46gBFSlxWXhvYTU9JIsuGQistSXV5YU3WRRScB8rHINvw0NL1AigprINVElAy2JQB9bTEBb2d8ScUKkHIukl/s1600/sitka-spruce-cones_8873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSJaC6DPIIKjm5jrxb_-BmeOoz8eIeZBBWKsQa0LwzKibsZvZoJ9dysIW46gBFSlxWXhvYTU9JIsuGQistSXV5YU3WRRScB8rHINvw0NL1AigprINVElAy2JQB9bTEBb2d8ScUKkHIukl/s320/sitka-spruce-cones_8873.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Sitka Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-qzpetUDWhGat-opYNp0tmkxsWyfFnNLXqy1Pi4QYsENRf1Ik6U22rXQxEIiFbTo3jfSbwu2zQyDmxOKYZxbBqK833KK042q0uTc0ZQxuoOtEJQZEzub2HcEZQJ51Rd7E2UIlYF6Xwn4/s1600/high_327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-qzpetUDWhGat-opYNp0tmkxsWyfFnNLXqy1Pi4QYsENRf1Ik6U22rXQxEIiFbTo3jfSbwu2zQyDmxOKYZxbBqK833KK042q0uTc0ZQxuoOtEJQZEzub2HcEZQJ51Rd7E2UIlYF6Xwn4/s320/high_327.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Black Spruce</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfyDnAAfgNPE1j7YowO7WhrUyr-s_pkXDgPP72rtdD2eCA1r_LCWieWKsN-KeYomb6PBrSZP9OGgI9I2bxp90B7fBrWCB5ptfj6W4iIm2fQ8jW3cOVFw8I-eS-Ma-EqXxsEEIFskt0Upb/s1600/Picea_rubens_UGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfyDnAAfgNPE1j7YowO7WhrUyr-s_pkXDgPP72rtdD2eCA1r_LCWieWKsN-KeYomb6PBrSZP9OGgI9I2bxp90B7fBrWCB5ptfj6W4iIm2fQ8jW3cOVFw8I-eS-Ma-EqXxsEEIFskt0Upb/s320/Picea_rubens_UGA.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">Red Spruce</span></span></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-9063975220633095892010-05-18T13:42:00.018-04:002012-02-05T00:35:19.674-05:00A Chance For Thought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGOzaNZhjedOFlMGYu2tfeVJc7XL922igC1abinSc8jW7nSb3CokdP-ar0ML_pBgfY8XkxG4c6kIaa5rn3sWNDYuge53Q-pxYkQ7TqL7Hv8CJN9gTsgRaN8M9PmfdwYSAiV0yHL_hyphenhyphen8-m/s1600/11059.69787-snowshoeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGOzaNZhjedOFlMGYu2tfeVJc7XL922igC1abinSc8jW7nSb3CokdP-ar0ML_pBgfY8XkxG4c6kIaa5rn3sWNDYuge53Q-pxYkQ7TqL7Hv8CJN9gTsgRaN8M9PmfdwYSAiV0yHL_hyphenhyphen8-m/s320/11059.69787-snowshoeing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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"Solemnly they stand, unwavering under a frozen blanket, the soldiers of Winter. God's sentry's over the forest as it sleeps. The wind blowing through their branches, transformed into the whispers of the ages."</div>
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Thomas R. Marcucci<br />
<br /></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-89986000715100218382010-05-15T23:03:00.002-04:002010-05-19T08:54:39.769-04:00Off Topic, But Necessary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNZ5iDhmZ-cUxebMFarbSvnKk62A12MekR58Q6zfv4X1e2WO56Gg0jEDLvQq-gruy58RRNxY7lNH3b_8aWBhkr18itla-TpHQpjjvedeQm7cPm5WExB-Y8aDfhOHeQqd1pglsBOFwkIw6/s1600/PICT0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNZ5iDhmZ-cUxebMFarbSvnKk62A12MekR58Q6zfv4X1e2WO56Gg0jEDLvQq-gruy58RRNxY7lNH3b_8aWBhkr18itla-TpHQpjjvedeQm7cPm5WExB-Y8aDfhOHeQqd1pglsBOFwkIw6/s320/PICT0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today I had the privilege of putting out flags on the grave sites of our veterans to prepare for the memorial holiday. It was part of my sons Tiger Cub Scouts Project. Every year they get together with our local V.F.W. and help them. It was a great chance for me and my son to do something together. He had no trouble understanding why we were there and how important they were. We were there for about 3 hours. There were plenty of volunteers. In all total 1500 flags were placed. When we were done we looked across the cemetery and the first word that came to mind was...sobering. This was the local cemetery in my home town of Bensalem. There was a sea of flags. Add up all the cemetery s of our country and the picture would be staggering. I told my son that this is what it took for our family to be able to live the life that we live. This Memorial Day will be particularly important for us as our nephew has just deployed with the Marines to Afghanistan, this is his first one. For the rest of the month when you drive past a cemetery take note of the amount of flags you see. Freedom is not free. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnafhPxrn-2wtVHrVS_KfoH6Dqm34AH9a8Q5h9tWAw22-4jY5LSoR1IfyFr2e53Q3_Thkjhh9R8i5IS8sijgQyP-VC2-BrGRJme1vAzoQ9q8gpNXeTBgSxHY4912AjfEKE8nBhjfDwuuk/s1600/PICT0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnafhPxrn-2wtVHrVS_KfoH6Dqm34AH9a8Q5h9tWAw22-4jY5LSoR1IfyFr2e53Q3_Thkjhh9R8i5IS8sijgQyP-VC2-BrGRJme1vAzoQ9q8gpNXeTBgSxHY4912AjfEKE8nBhjfDwuuk/s320/PICT0458.JPG" width="320" /></a>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-48238840615861929312010-05-06T19:42:00.007-04:002012-12-08T20:56:48.023-05:00Evergreen Care: Berrying Evergreens: "The Hollies, An Introduction"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Hollies, one of my favorite berrying evergreens. They are comprised of both evergreen and deciduous versions. There are many variations of holly available to the home owner. First we'll discuss the evergreen version. Typically they have tough glossy green foliage that has sharp points to help discourage foraging animals from eating all the fruits (berries). Varieties that grow in the northern regions tend to be tougher to survive harsher climate levels. The scientific classification is: Illex, the most common specimens available is Illex Meservae, sometimes called "China Girl" and "China Boy" its male counterpart. Another popular version is called Illex Opaca, it comes in two different berrying colors, red and yellow. Their common name is "American Holly", the yellow version has an additional common name, "Canary Yellow". Illex Opaca has been depicted in countless Christmas representations. Holly is found throughout the globe. There are over a 1,000 different species of holly that grow in all climates. For our purposes I will focus on species that are available in our country. All holly trees are Dioecious, that means that in order for berries to be produced there must be a male plant somewhere in close proximity to the female tree, usually 30-40 feet.<br />
Now I will describe the deciduous versions of holly. These species lose their leaves in the fall but leave behind crimson berries for visual appeal throughout most of the winter months. One of the most commonly available is Illex Verticilata or Winterberry. It is native to our wetlands and is commonly seen in low lying areas usually in close proximity to water. In the Fall the plants leaves will yellow and fall off leaving behind the best seasonal appearance the plant has to offer. You are left with clusters of crimson berries clinging to bare branches. They provide a splash of color at a time of the year when it is most needed.<br />
I felt it was important to mention the variegated hollies, Illex Aquifolia. they have green and white leaves in varying patterns. while they are striking plants, they are not as strong a species. They tend to be more prone to diseases and less tolerant to less than optimal conditions.<br />
I would recommend holly trees as part of your winter landscape. They will provide texture and color that will compliment your design nicely. Holly trees grow slowly and can be pruned and shaped quite nicely. I will provide a post that goes into more detail closer to pruning time.<br />
Later in the season I will do some spotlight posts on specific species to give a more detailed introduction. Please enjoy the photos I have included and see if you can picture them in your own winter garden.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Illex Opaca "American Holly"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Illex Opaca "Canary"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Illex Verticilata "Winterberry"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Illex Aquifolia "Variegated Holly"</span></span></div>
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Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-42101600127401196482010-05-01T00:16:00.008-04:002010-05-21T20:44:44.367-04:00Evergreen Care: "The Firs An Introduction"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are my favorites out of all the conifers. One key feature of Firs is their needles, They are an Emerald Green on the top side of their needles and a silvery blue on the bottom. This presents in a duel colored tree and the color changes if the wind blows. The needles on a Fir are not positioned in a 360 degree circle around the branches. Rather they are concentrated at 180 degrees to the branch. This gives the branches a fuller almost fuzzy appearance. It's no surprise that the firs are the most popular choice for Christmas trees each year. The most commonly used are the Balsam and Frasier Firs. These two also provide the best aroma inside the house that we all know and love. If you want to do something special one Christmas, consider getting a live tree instead of a cut tree and plant it outside in your yard after the holiday. But, enough about that, I'll do a post that goes into more detail closer to the holiday. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are quite a few different specimen choices when it comes to Firs; Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Frasier Fir, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, Grand Fir, Caanan Fir, and the Korean Fir. The last one I mentioned, the Korean Fir could possibly be one of the most attractive of all the firs. Its needles are an iridescent green and it produces beautiful bright purple cones. Many people lean towards Spruces when it comes time to choose the trees they want in their landscape design. I think people should consider Firs and the features they can provide.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIfI0PjVD7C_cTszs2hjn6kuDrlbeiQ9-t3Q91VF353RZtQvXKYXz_R4BD2x5Thm4T0ScEOshFI2mBQu4Qr6YimNM7Esf6BT_2ooApShMNnmXf7q_FucaeJfTyUnqx6FNoVTjnVwKw0GH/s1600/balsam_fir_tree_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIfI0PjVD7C_cTszs2hjn6kuDrlbeiQ9-t3Q91VF353RZtQvXKYXz_R4BD2x5Thm4T0ScEOshFI2mBQu4Qr6YimNM7Esf6BT_2ooApShMNnmXf7q_FucaeJfTyUnqx6FNoVTjnVwKw0GH/s320/balsam_fir_tree_detail.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Balsam Fir</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3ZEXGtbxr0GHEHQL0LXtrex9JCuQnTx6yA4BFNRnuu9WT5EKDFQ9m8M_drT5OIn5ZVDOpHoFUd0NeNshfBypGCOmm-YRMGRStuGmaO-C5Ba2vKgz_u1iYn2jMYNS1mVeUq8ysOR6QUpa/s1600/canaan_fir_tree_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3ZEXGtbxr0GHEHQL0LXtrex9JCuQnTx6yA4BFNRnuu9WT5EKDFQ9m8M_drT5OIn5ZVDOpHoFUd0NeNshfBypGCOmm-YRMGRStuGmaO-C5Ba2vKgz_u1iYn2jMYNS1mVeUq8ysOR6QUpa/s320/canaan_fir_tree_detail.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caanan Fir</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK513vVLSm0DcaJLbiE1VEwQ2ZgzTCLs67yF9P5JIGPa6tRjrTQo84Vi6gUv81N2ro1nTUN80uuOXoPs2nXI9Iz00ZF3uql-bcW9LBfGdoP8QYgB6I2YMdVr2YaqOcI6060melmE9S2qNn/s1600/Concolor_Fir_Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK513vVLSm0DcaJLbiE1VEwQ2ZgzTCLs67yF9P5JIGPa6tRjrTQo84Vi6gUv81N2ro1nTUN80uuOXoPs2nXI9Iz00ZF3uql-bcW9LBfGdoP8QYgB6I2YMdVr2YaqOcI6060melmE9S2qNn/s320/Concolor_Fir_Closeup.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqvRBZJT1gqdj6ObtkKhnap3D9Ri8HFRQzKkKR2SvAnEgnvcbuLIGIJJTWXq6owPmBHh9RtlrlNFHgIWClTBodC8a7pK5Ee-Q9cAFRckUlHkgzOC3eF2vJu0eRXEsGAKxfiA1E1u4nkEq/s1600/DouglasFirFrond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqvRBZJT1gqdj6ObtkKhnap3D9Ri8HFRQzKkKR2SvAnEgnvcbuLIGIJJTWXq6owPmBHh9RtlrlNFHgIWClTBodC8a7pK5Ee-Q9cAFRckUlHkgzOC3eF2vJu0eRXEsGAKxfiA1E1u4nkEq/s320/DouglasFirFrond.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Douglas Fir</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAlnQwABDWvxlzjM_BnNSb6TrS0JuYo9Nc89c1qxBIoELJcO-gCqgKMBB5RLMIvtP2TV-4s7htJcZshv8ATL4VgDcZYB3CMEuxdf0NPGAXc0eSpRS2096Mv2-mAxVtFlEai8A_byaJuh1/s1600/FraserFir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAlnQwABDWvxlzjM_BnNSb6TrS0JuYo9Nc89c1qxBIoELJcO-gCqgKMBB5RLMIvtP2TV-4s7htJcZshv8ATL4VgDcZYB3CMEuxdf0NPGAXc0eSpRS2096Mv2-mAxVtFlEai8A_byaJuh1/s320/FraserFir.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frasier Fir</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitle6LHdHMB2qTs2opq8p-iA3cHS4FzdDXU80HJpI3qsylKZeUJ4IpHIH39lOAMb9JQ98imKnyYl6_qdaWBIZ9VaOD6lx3PaDSbwgF8_DDln_fXZOT4fDgcXjYizRsC61NGrGwnfNlXA2f/s1600/grand-fir-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitle6LHdHMB2qTs2opq8p-iA3cHS4FzdDXU80HJpI3qsylKZeUJ4IpHIH39lOAMb9JQ98imKnyYl6_qdaWBIZ9VaOD6lx3PaDSbwgF8_DDln_fXZOT4fDgcXjYizRsC61NGrGwnfNlXA2f/s320/grand-fir-tree.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Noble Fir</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7WFJDmAW9Pli1JrLxdnH-v1QmHP4ihJ8usT833mbz-1JEVkpRDcLZcVg6IDnvW04DyOs2_1-WDFpAwhqVBpxDaNYWoi17Et-0xeTkSg7GOn7ihaxwXYTRWyKugmvTemb0POdL_84zybH/s1600/Korean-Fir-Cones-1-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7WFJDmAW9Pli1JrLxdnH-v1QmHP4ihJ8usT833mbz-1JEVkpRDcLZcVg6IDnvW04DyOs2_1-WDFpAwhqVBpxDaNYWoi17Et-0xeTkSg7GOn7ihaxwXYTRWyKugmvTemb0POdL_84zybH/s320/Korean-Fir-Cones-1-1024x768.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Korean Fir</span></span></div><div> </div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-57755570965014147422010-04-28T13:25:00.005-04:002010-05-21T20:46:26.619-04:00Evergreen Care: "Textures"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the key things to be aware of when designing your Winter Garden is the range of your palette. It is comprised of four things; size, shape, texture and color. Generally your tree evergreens such as Spruces, Firs and Pines will be the largest and tallest elements in your design. there are many small evergreens that you have to choose from as well. Many of the Cotoneasters and Hollies make fine additions and help to add small accents of color. these plant types will be individually described in detail in later posts along with many others. The next thing to consider is shape. Many of the Spruces, Firs and Pines generally have a conical shape, however through crossbreeding efforts many new shapes have come to be readily available. I have seen many free form Spruces being used to accent a landscape bed. They can also be seen as bush shaped or global. There is a wide variety to choose from. The next thing to consider is texture. Evergreen leaves can vary from the needle form of most conifers to the spiny broad forms of hollies to the broad leaves of Rhododendrons. Just in the needles alone there are different profiles and lengths that all help to provide a range of choices. I have included some pictures of examples of different textures and colors. Finally color is an important aspect of your design. Evergreen colors are many covering from dark forest green to steel blue. They are generally on the darker side so they provide a great backdrop for smaller specimens. Be sure to always make sure the specimens you choose are correct for your climate zone. It is usually listed on the tag and if you are shopping at your local nursery you can feel secure that the seller has already chosen those plants that are hardiest in your climate. It gets more important when you are ordering plant material. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me in comments. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVWy9BbVRBjGx_d_3UF9oBQkVCFG2v0XU84wVa03qSba540KJpLqshHm6B9WAVyjnbwrE623_5JPvt5LZWa8EAuDpvVNmJOZ2JADlRFioi-FFBqMp_GZF_N0qWY3O_XHf5J3w4DqktTtU/s1600/PICT0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVWy9BbVRBjGx_d_3UF9oBQkVCFG2v0XU84wVa03qSba540KJpLqshHm6B9WAVyjnbwrE623_5JPvt5LZWa8EAuDpvVNmJOZ2JADlRFioi-FFBqMp_GZF_N0qWY3O_XHf5J3w4DqktTtU/s320/PICT0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emerald Green Arborvitae</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0t1pq5JXizXTolNq9iNw3RiKfb2lDZcqjgqeA4b7FEwtlOWQzxrXimzollIEsfcv2yx3qA51ad7NmNcpqC7johc9CEvBDcAQvn3-mmJqXVxoDb6egrtogHGhUXeiz_5F3TSQONrbloo0/s1600/PICT0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0t1pq5JXizXTolNq9iNw3RiKfb2lDZcqjgqeA4b7FEwtlOWQzxrXimzollIEsfcv2yx3qA51ad7NmNcpqC7johc9CEvBDcAQvn3-mmJqXVxoDb6egrtogHGhUXeiz_5F3TSQONrbloo0/s320/PICT0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mugho Pine Tree</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wfmKGwT5RI9i17tyuGmQTY8cAQjATYTWNqicA2qFmQeeB09TH-ZrLrap8W0pb-nlbtDCHANBDmuJiGQOEZL2GfziFpis_CxbmOWT28T0ao5TCq4bezVdumE4Wv76q-mi1Br_HHGO0GkA/s1600/PICT0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wfmKGwT5RI9i17tyuGmQTY8cAQjATYTWNqicA2qFmQeeB09TH-ZrLrap8W0pb-nlbtDCHANBDmuJiGQOEZL2GfziFpis_CxbmOWT28T0ao5TCq4bezVdumE4Wv76q-mi1Br_HHGO0GkA/s320/PICT0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Juniper "Bush"</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYUHJwyvEacKMLgGc7LCYLh_wL6w7wN5grTE61Duso1WSRtq7BcMsHuZh8uCO37qs6VQQFmX2gwQi60YAsT7YyZ1vOsQ2gVAC9LaIXLBl9JnE5zr0lo6zb-dSQ0mNGLMHnoNbQ-FD9hOE/s1600/PICT0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYUHJwyvEacKMLgGc7LCYLh_wL6w7wN5grTE61Duso1WSRtq7BcMsHuZh8uCO37qs6VQQFmX2gwQi60YAsT7YyZ1vOsQ2gVAC9LaIXLBl9JnE5zr0lo6zb-dSQ0mNGLMHnoNbQ-FD9hOE/s320/PICT0415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue Spruce</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyirjeYuS6vSgx96KFg9UOnNXve5aECu97KfZH3byMs9a_Cewis0oyaAhKjvX4_SVYjMY-BrprRFiMRJ4LNBSNELU_unEgc_O2taNQ1syChX7fEMaW-dMfm59iuU-Esmy5mGr-k8H8yjns/s1600/PICT0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyirjeYuS6vSgx96KFg9UOnNXve5aECu97KfZH3byMs9a_Cewis0oyaAhKjvX4_SVYjMY-BrprRFiMRJ4LNBSNELU_unEgc_O2taNQ1syChX7fEMaW-dMfm59iuU-Esmy5mGr-k8H8yjns/s320/PICT0413.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyirjeYuS6vSgx96KFg9UOnNXve5aECu97KfZH3byMs9a_Cewis0oyaAhKjvX4_SVYjMY-BrprRFiMRJ4LNBSNELU_unEgc_O2taNQ1syChX7fEMaW-dMfm59iuU-Esmy5mGr-k8H8yjns/s1600/PICT0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyirjeYuS6vSgx96KFg9UOnNXve5aECu97KfZH3byMs9a_Cewis0oyaAhKjvX4_SVYjMY-BrprRFiMRJ4LNBSNELU_unEgc_O2taNQ1syChX7fEMaW-dMfm59iuU-Esmy5mGr-k8H8yjns/s1600/PICT0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rhododendron</span></a></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-3128674764530697092010-04-22T17:38:00.001-04:002010-05-21T20:50:26.288-04:00Evergreen Care: "New Spring Growth"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTAXjc38VTiAoMkmIuU7kP3fFcUpMWES2_6yZFDDkOK3iYC5fTzcNmlmVNxUe0THlYqSvNnl-UEDYIVwHORGEMY-SB-1VfSE_OVyAq_s8fdpm-84PgGlzhIlVbwuRlI8rbKGS3Zd7Zxdi/s1600/PICT0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTAXjc38VTiAoMkmIuU7kP3fFcUpMWES2_6yZFDDkOK3iYC5fTzcNmlmVNxUe0THlYqSvNnl-UEDYIVwHORGEMY-SB-1VfSE_OVyAq_s8fdpm-84PgGlzhIlVbwuRlI8rbKGS3Zd7Zxdi/s320/PICT0404.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-9_sIbez2ShVWy8te2ginyJk_NsD3SmQ2fZgUfITz5UThFMlEDstJqKxEbUBBqkQl2A4K-0Fh4soKaxz8fCJ8qXMA-bNylcfrQPdYlTOCB1xZtlWEpWajMcVShyphenhyphenpnbT5zP3xXQUIsxOv/s1600/PICT0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-9_sIbez2ShVWy8te2ginyJk_NsD3SmQ2fZgUfITz5UThFMlEDstJqKxEbUBBqkQl2A4K-0Fh4soKaxz8fCJ8qXMA-bNylcfrQPdYlTOCB1xZtlWEpWajMcVShyphenhyphenpnbT5zP3xXQUIsxOv/s320/PICT0407.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well the Spruces are getting their new Spring foliage. Thought I'd throw in a picture or two.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oVihcDZrVpRx0Z7n-B1UgWRFunoUgmc3W9f-8soOBPXkmchxGX7-jASH9jtllpVXOpmAqAmmLoqkJxzTkE9kv7FwQtXoeSbgXqgFuUv9KGkUZthPXZR3tvJvG8Y_VqDbbZkHanj8a0YU/s1600/PICT0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oVihcDZrVpRx0Z7n-B1UgWRFunoUgmc3W9f-8soOBPXkmchxGX7-jASH9jtllpVXOpmAqAmmLoqkJxzTkE9kv7FwQtXoeSbgXqgFuUv9KGkUZthPXZR3tvJvG8Y_VqDbbZkHanj8a0YU/s320/PICT0418.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKbAQMNMlZEgqxdZCLHZMww7loYCUMFoOglaaLI5ScRCG01w7Zw4gNSs2nZMXI5EWgK5hJVOjtlhyphenhyphenFPOvVZD8APHEgmqnpt9zE5zXzRSaZ1I0WQ6JXIBkfmEDisb9j_BJbSSZnYH16_iD/s1600/PICT0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKbAQMNMlZEgqxdZCLHZMww7loYCUMFoOglaaLI5ScRCG01w7Zw4gNSs2nZMXI5EWgK5hJVOjtlhyphenhyphenFPOvVZD8APHEgmqnpt9zE5zXzRSaZ1I0WQ6JXIBkfmEDisb9j_BJbSSZnYH16_iD/s320/PICT0416.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are some spruces that I started last season from seeds that I collected. This season they are getting their first Spring growth.</span></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-89957796560890745362010-04-18T15:29:00.001-04:002010-05-21T20:51:59.214-04:00Evergreen Care: "Do's And Don'ts"<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIVyA-Ah0W-2pUBOjlgcqtilArU1GZXJXo4ChyphenhyphenRX-QQ__-f945QxtxqIX3HQGPi4XxDGdfp9mqGWzqkEi0c4s_4flaO93yljif-zTNMyKCs4DhcsfY18uiMjG6y6jYPs8Pd1s_37wSAZK/s1600/PICT9970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIVyA-Ah0W-2pUBOjlgcqtilArU1GZXJXo4ChyphenhyphenRX-QQ__-f945QxtxqIX3HQGPi4XxDGdfp9mqGWzqkEi0c4s_4flaO93yljif-zTNMyKCs4DhcsfY18uiMjG6y6jYPs8Pd1s_37wSAZK/s320/PICT9970.JPG" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This post will center mainly on the Conifers such as Spruces and Firs. First I would like to give you some explanation for the shape of the aforementioned types. Nature gave them their conical shape for a reason. This shape sheds snow very well and can still hold a large amount of snow on its branches. The tree's branches are distributed in such a manner that each one can help support the one above it. So when it snows there is a cascading effect. The snow weighs down an upper branch that rests and is supported by the one below it and this continues until the bottom branch is reached and it rests on the ground. This information is key and its significance will be more evident in the list of Do's and Don'ts. See the accompanying photos of my own Blue Spruce, pictured above. Conifers unlike deciduous trees do not hibernate in winter. They will slow down their metabolism to react to reduced sunlight but they maintain their Chlorophyll levels year round. That is why it is crucial to fertilize them in the beginning of the growing season in early Spring. I recommend evergreen fertilizer spikes. For more information you can visit an article I wrote on </span><a href="http://sharedreviews.com/garden-tools/fertilizers/evergreens-need-more-than-just-water"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miracle-Gro Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. There are other manufacturers available, this is just one that I have had good results with. The healthier a tree is going into the fall, the better it will be able to handle the harsh months of Winter. Pruning is crucial to the health of your trees. Pruning removes any dead material, it encourages the growth of new branches, and helps the tree keep its conical shape. In order for a tree to properly shed snowfall it must have a conical shape that extends all the way to the ground. if a branch is missing or the bottom branches have been removed there is nothing for the branches above to rest upon and this creates excessive stress in those branches. This can lead to unnecessary limb damage. Pictured is a prime example of bottom cutting or "Girdling".</span></div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0qj9lIy7BKPiyRnC8McX3WJ56UohpTMMDHDqhyphenhyphenLz9aCQL698A5l11AGJKr8cCkM2bKw8tgXOBTTr8o6jm63eY_ph0fWcGhJbG71WudMVpnGDUDADhhSTfsR5uiaIKpMO3p51Q4ZetCVD/s1600/PICT0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0qj9lIy7BKPiyRnC8McX3WJ56UohpTMMDHDqhyphenhyphenLz9aCQL698A5l11AGJKr8cCkM2bKw8tgXOBTTr8o6jm63eY_ph0fWcGhJbG71WudMVpnGDUDADhhSTfsR5uiaIKpMO3p51Q4ZetCVD/s320/PICT0403.JPG" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I will attempt to provide some Do's and Don'ts as guidelines for care and maintenance of your evergreens.</span></div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do's</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Prune in the fall before the first frost.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Maintain conical shape of the tree.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Fertilize in spring with evergreen fertilizer spikes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don'ts</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Do not trim bottom branches off of tree. When laying out your landscape plan provide enough space around the base of the tree so that the spread can touch the ground. Also be aware of what is above the prospective planting site, such as power lines. Note the picture in this post.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Evergreens are sun lovers, plan for the future, do not plant them where surrounding trees could begin to shade them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Do not prune a fat squat looking cone, rather prune a slender cone at approximately 60 Degrees. See pictured examples.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNIYY5gvSovH8ASU6P3fzYEMMWNofQSW4SRHH7XE7B0HitIeXeidaQi6llOygtPPOPGi4P8pFFJzZU0D4ZJNvumT1o5h77fXv2Wu1-jUNz-VxWnVL2hnnK6JQZHBqysnnakCQJi3g0ffG/s1600/Picea+abies-+Norway+spruce.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNIYY5gvSovH8ASU6P3fzYEMMWNofQSW4SRHH7XE7B0HitIeXeidaQi6llOygtPPOPGi4P8pFFJzZU0D4ZJNvumT1o5h77fXv2Wu1-jUNz-VxWnVL2hnnK6JQZHBqysnnakCQJi3g0ffG/s320/Picea+abies-+Norway+spruce.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpwR2G4fUf6IJKf5M3k23WhDStQt2yiWtsPTNs7D_7owmIrVqZeBMxw8GTwh7OGmTcZ6zio0r2815DxeQ0R4S6HKgPj7rMFxrIJmfqTrSIW0Z1ZnyFNTBYbdNvr9QILYNYvQwJGVhfKQF/s1600/prev_1093799305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpwR2G4fUf6IJKf5M3k23WhDStQt2yiWtsPTNs7D_7owmIrVqZeBMxw8GTwh7OGmTcZ6zio0r2815DxeQ0R4S6HKgPj7rMFxrIJmfqTrSIW0Z1ZnyFNTBYbdNvr9QILYNYvQwJGVhfKQF/s320/prev_1093799305.jpg" width="208" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post may leave you with some questions. Please do not hesitate to ask questions in comments. I will reply always with the most accurate answer I can give you.</span>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-59290378146242867092010-04-11T16:50:00.001-04:002010-05-22T17:55:13.989-04:00Evergreen Care: "Evergreen 101 With a Touch of Winter"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Upm3cFMDGPVQvs8peMHAMHJlAajHxj3WlIApVYzZFejPfj8kyqgE_eFhZBHApSEtVcOduLxeqXskK4n3uZqT_f4Q3X0ED12FnhxL9a7xbiHwLj9_U-X-5QEvB8pW6tdUVL7forn0qAoA/s1600/Chamaecyparis%2520obtusa%2520'Crippsii'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Upm3cFMDGPVQvs8peMHAMHJlAajHxj3WlIApVYzZFejPfj8kyqgE_eFhZBHApSEtVcOduLxeqXskK4n3uZqT_f4Q3X0ED12FnhxL9a7xbiHwLj9_U-X-5QEvB8pW6tdUVL7forn0qAoA/s320/Chamaecyparis%2520obtusa%2520'Crippsii'.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evergreens, natures "Soldiers of Winter". They stand tall and proud against all that winter can throw at them. Limbs strong yet designed to bend under the weight of the snow to rest on the branch below. Generally when people think of evergreens they see a stand of one color trees lined up like soldiers. The world of evergreens are comprised of many colors from emerald green to electric blue to gold. The trouble is people are introduced to a small amount of specimens. People generally rely on what is easily available to them at Home Depot or Lowes. I will show you many of the different less common species that are available to you, but, you may have to visit a local nursery or surf the web for them. In the picture you will see a tree called, Golden Hinoki. It's needles are very short and are bright yellow golden in color. It produces clusters of small round cones. This species will grow quite well in most parts of the U.S. I will show you how to add color to your Winter Garden that you never thought was possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When thinking about a garden that will provide winter interest you have to see what palette of colors is available to you. Generally the colors of winter are muted. Bright colors exist but not in quantities that stand out. Winter gardens rely on texture as much as color to make up the palette. Many trees have interesting bark textures and colors. The textures vary from skin smooth to peeling and rough. Again their colors are muted but provide a fairly wide spectrum. In future posts I will introduce you to various species. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in comments. I will answer. </span>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460913083278643880.post-13005077109797368882010-04-09T12:21:00.002-04:002010-05-21T20:53:47.300-04:00Evergreen Care: "Introduction"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnZmXwi9oQ0ErleznGaRk-3oUPWUXAucnoV8VjmaWvd8X0zBVQQP5WewgWrQkUDKmNidlR0tA4EkV_w2GFQnrNZdDtuRhdVCBH6O2QssuuBfAw6nRSD-UQMXO6abmOSEC7gzkcxYODVAw/s1600/Picea_rubens_UGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnZmXwi9oQ0ErleznGaRk-3oUPWUXAucnoV8VjmaWvd8X0zBVQQP5WewgWrQkUDKmNidlR0tA4EkV_w2GFQnrNZdDtuRhdVCBH6O2QssuuBfAw6nRSD-UQMXO6abmOSEC7gzkcxYODVAw/s320/Picea_rubens_UGA.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gentlepeople,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello, my name is Thomas Marcucci. I am starting this blog to share my knowledge and love of Evergreens, Winter Gardening and Poetry. Since I am launching this in the spring months I will concentrate on introducing everyone to the many different types of evergreens there are and how best to implement them into the winter landscape. I have gained a good bit of knowledge about their care and maintenance and wish to share it with all who will listen. I will be showcasing plants that are not necessarily evergreens but, will compliment the winter garden and provide additional color at a time that is normally stark. As we reach the halfway point in Summer, I will begin to share my views on what a Winter Garden should be. This will be achieved through verbal explanation as well as photographs. So join me on this journey of knowledge about the plants in our world that were designed to be rugged and hold their beauty the year round. And in addition I will try to show all the beauty of what nature can create when she decides to lay down a blanket of white.</span></div>Thomas R. Marcuccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01528070463677975872noreply@blogger.com7