I am working on a piece of land recently logged to make room for a new house on one of the Gulf Islands, B.C. The piece of land slopes to the South and at the far end it is boggy (high water-table) in the winter time, yet quite dry for 3 months. Water is a real issue during the dry time. Can you think of some trees that could stand these conditions? The backdrop is firs and cedars.
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This year I will be working on fencing. I am not moving for another year so I am not sure how much I will be planting this spring when I get out there. However, once I am settled and ready to do trees it may well be worth a trip to the mainland to obtain your sage advice.
I am hoping to have no trouble with my septic tanks as they are brand new. The septic field is far away. I appreciate your advice. It is no doubt important to make access not too awkward.
Howdy, neighbor!!
Yes, I am in the nursery business. I grow perennials, planted containers and dabble in gardenart. I work out of my home and sell at Downtown Chilliwack Farmers' Market [I liked the Market so much that I became President of our Society this year]. I love these forums because, as a true Gardener, I love to share tips and advice [enjoy learning new stuff too]. I usually spend my summers doling out free garden advice at the Market. Custom anything is my speciality.
I don't know of specific sources on the Island. I will be attending more Markets closer to Vancouver this year and will ask around for you. The one in Ladner is the "Holy Grail" of Farmers' Markets [second and fourth Sundays - June, July and August].
Anything I can help you out with I'll be happy to - whether advice or purchases. Cannor Nursery here in Chilliwack has an extensive collection of trees and shrubs. Last November I went through their fields picking filler trees for our Christmas Village display. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I still have an in with my old boss, Brian Minter. He has a beautiful Garden Center here [as well as Minter Gardens] with the best selection ANYWHERE. [admittedly, my prices are a little better than his - I know the secrets as I used to head up the perennial dept]
I'm sure we can arrange shipping OR I'll try to entice you to come out our way for a visit. Let me know and I'll get ready to put the kettle on...
Wendy,
Are you in the nursery business in Chilliwack. Over the next couple of years I will need a lot of advice and will purchase lots of trees and shrubs. I would love to do so from someone who is generous with advice on this board. If not, do you know a good nursery on Vancouver Island. I know there are lots but I like the word of mouth idea.
Thanks, I appreciate your help.
I am going back to the island this spring and will also see how a willow I planted managed. I fenced it and hope the deer did not manage to get in under the chicken net.
Was on another garden site and found an article that might help. It was about tough trees that are suitable as "street trees" [pollution and adverse growing conditions].
*Carpinus Caroliniana - American Hornbeam
Also known as Blue Beech and Musclewood [for it's smooth, sinewy gray limbs]. It's found in rich, moist soils in the wild but can tolerate heavy clay soil and tough urban conditions - shade, drier soil and occasional flooding. Fall color is yellow-reddish. Mature size is 20 - 30 feet tall and wide. Zones 3b to 9.
*Nyssa Sylvatica - Black Tupelo
AKA Black Gum or Sour Gum. Excellent for tough conditions but dislikes pollution. Adaptable to any soil type - moist or dry. Brief but spectacular red fall color. Is prone to leaf spot - check for resistant varieties. Good drainage. [Add chunky chipped bark to the soil before planting] Matures to 30 - 50 feet. Zones 4 - 9.
I'll keep my eyes open for any others I find that might be suitable.