decisions, priorities

[elegentry]

I want a new frock for Baronial Birthday
I want a new tree in my front garden
I want the concrete removed from under my herb garden

Number one- I just about have time if I start now. Historically a full frock project takes about 6 weeks. Although I am out of practice and have not decided what I would do.

Number two- Has to be done in the next few weeks while bare rooted trees are available and while the tree is dormant. I think mrsbrown 's idea of an almond is a good one. Where does one buy a bare rooted almond tree? Particularly a short one. Before that I might need to rejig or get rid of the dumb arch that I put in a year ago. This might involve setting posts in concrete and putting up trellis. Perhaps I would get away with just planting the tree under the arch for starters? then dealing with the arch, vine and trellis later.

Number three- Should be done soon, in winter so I can claim the next spring growing season. Big nasty job. Should have done it in the first place two years ago before I set up the herb garden. Too late for that now. If I get this done I will then pay someone to take away the dead concrete and the building rubble from the bathroom and verandah projects

Sigh. Can I do all of these in the next few precious weekends? With a slightly dodgy back? It has been twinging again today after several weeks of good behaviour. I blame all that sitting at my desk after weeks of walking. If I don't get two and three done now I will have to wait until next year. If I don't make a new frock well I won't have a new frock. Hmm. Wonder if I lost enough weight overseas to fit into some of my court garb? None of it is Italian though.

Comments

[mr-bassman.livejournal.com]

I can assist with breaking up the concrete.

[sjkasabi.livejournal.com]

Don't almond trees need one of both sexes to produce fruit?? I think I vaguely recall neighbours telling me that when I was little.

Though in your area, chances are you'll have plenty of almond trees within a bee's flight of your garden, I guess.

Good luck!

[villana.livejournal.com]

http://www.hellohello.com.au/plant/plant07.html

There's an add on the radio that says they do bare rooted trees...

item three

[tenbears.livejournal.com]

Getting rid of concrete is easy. You will need the following items-

A skip
A sledge hammer
A breaking bar
Bolt cutters and angle grinder (if concrete is reinforced)
A wheel barrow AND a trolley
A barbeque, some sausages, bread and sauce
A case of beer
Some energetic friends.

Re: item three

[mrsbrown.livejournal.com]

also, a date :)

Re: item three

[villana.livejournal.com]

I'd be up for that!

Re: item three

[astemudfoot.livejournal.com]

I can bring herbs to plant! Well, mostly just chickweed and mint, but I can stand around going "good work lads!" And pass the beer.

[toasty-hampster.livejournal.com]

try the Diggers Club in Dromana down on the Peninsula, you will never want to buy plants anywhere else! I am sure they have an almond, have a squizz at their online catalogue or give them a buzz. I second the bit about needing cross pollination, most nuts do, and check the size of the tree because a lot of nut trees get way too big for a small garden.

[giddyaunt.livejournal.com]

I would heartily recommend removing the under and around stuff BEFORE planting the tree. It's one of those preparation things that really rewards doing first. You will curse yourself later if you don't - and you might kill the tree with the disturbance to the roots. it sounds as though you have willing helpers enough. Having said that, bear in mind that it is not actually essential to buy the tree bare-rooted. Especially if you want a small one, you could always buy one in a pot. It will cost a bit more, but it would give you several more weeks to get the job done. As long as you don't plant it in the middle of summer, you should still get good establishment this year. I'm not sure about the cross-pollination thing with almonds, but a good nurseryperson can no doubt tell you and probably sell you a grafted one with both male and female on it. They do that with pears, I know. I agree about Digger's Seeds. They do good stuff. Only open during the week, sadly, but I think they do mail order. Good Luck! I

[montjoye.livejournal.com]

I hear you about the prepping in advance m'dear. I do think in this case it might not be necessary unless the tree is taller than the arch which is unlikely. Any digging needed for trellis would be away from the tree roots. Think I will try to get to my favourite nursery on the weekend and have a look at least. I only say a bare rooted tree 'cause they are much cheaper. I would probably have more success with one in a pot. Though the flowering plum I planted last year is not dead. Not real strong judging by the leaves it had in summer but surviving. Hopefully settling in after a year in the ground- the 4 new roses too I hope.

Re: item three

[montjoye.livejournal.com]

what a kind offer. Umm, what does one do with chickweed?

Re: item three

[astemudfoot.livejournal.com]

You plant it in a spot that you don't mind it going rampant and taking over (ala mint). Then you harvest it and eat it with salad. It's very yummy.