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Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 101

ITIWBS

The blossoms are so tiny and inconspicuous they're easy to miss, wind pollinated.

Havr you got pictures of the blossoms or pods?


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 102

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Are the blossoms hidden somehow?

We got about a quarter of an inch of rain today. We got a little rain yesterday as well. Both times it was dry one minute, and pouring the next.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 103

Reality Manipulator

He is the image of the tree's seed pods. It is as close as I can get.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/138591409@N08/30293639028/in/dateposted-public/


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 104

ITIWBS

Rather thin and papery, especially when thoroughly ripe and dry, bearing usually one seed per pod and even the seed is thin and papery.

The 'tree of heaven', ailanthus altissima.

You might see the Wikipedia illustrations under the scientific name in the section on "Description".


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 105

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Yep, that's Ailanthus all right.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 106

Reality Manipulator

I was worried it was the tree of heaven. I am at dilemma on what should I do as it is regarded as a weed and could be damaging my other plants. I don't not like the idea of destroying a tree as I would like to find out Eco-friendly ways of managing the tree. I am trying to make my garden a wildlife haven.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 107

ITIWBS

Gathering its seed pods before the tree begins dropping seeds is one way of keeping it under control.

Though people think it suppresses the growth of other plants, in my experience its not so.

Instead, other plants, if shade loving, thrive under it.

The fallen leaves make an excellent self-composting mulch, ideal for creating a warm blanket over bulbs that go dormant in the winter.

For flowerpots, I've gotten good results filling the pot with tree of heaven leaves prior to tamping them down with potting soil.

Again, while some complain of its odor, usually the day after exposure they stop noticing it.

Growing zinnias or chrysanthemums under it helps camouflage the odor, if any.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 108

Reality Manipulator

Thank you ITIWBS for the very helpful information and advice.smiley - cheerssmiley - magicsmiley - ok


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 109

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

There's something to be said for a tree that is so healthy, and has such attractive leaves. It can grow where other trees won't.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/wood-species-1/ailanthus

smiley - laugh

A tree grows in Brooklyn, eh?


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 110

ITIWBS

I still like them.

Zinnia and especially chrysanthemum blossoms harmonize with its scent well.

If you want it to put on a growth spurt and double its girth in a single year, drive a zinc coated nail or an American zinc cent into one of the cracks in its bark just after autumn leaf fall.

No matter what they say, the tree is a magnificent soil fertility builder, its fallen leaves decaying into rich leaf mold over the course of a single winter.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 111

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

Speaking of rain and cooler temps....

Tonight it'll be cooler - mid- to high sixties F.

A couple of bands of thunderstorms coming through tomorrow morning and afternoon.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 112

Reality Manipulator

The only insects I have noticed this week is one dragonfly which got me very excited and one for small fly. I have evening primroses growing in my garden as well as other herbs (which some have started flowering) and plants to attract pollinating insects. I have mature bushes and trees. I also noticed most of the birds have gone.


Longing for rain and cooler temperatures

Post 113

paulh, vaccinated against the Omigod Variant

I have tall but delicate perennial sunflowers in my backyard. Their cheerful blooms are a magnet for swarms of small bees. smiley - smiley


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