Here is a Beech tree that I collected this past spring. I was originally out looking for birch trees, but didn't find any.
The tree itself isn't anything special, but I like the trunk.

Mini greenhouse

This is a mini greenhouse that I found discarded beside a broken gas grill on the curb. I have been looking for something to house my evergreens in this winter.

boxwood

It's that time of year again. The time when all the big box stores are reducing their inventory of trees and shrubs. I love this time of year. I got a boxwood for $5.00 at Wal-mart a few days ago. Boxwoods can be re-potted in spring or fall, and don't mind hard pruning. I decided to thin out come branches to let air and light in to the middle of the tree. If you don't do this the inner branches will be thin and have few leaves.While i was clipping I noticed a break in one of the larger side branches, so it had to come off. Here is the result of it's initial pruning.

before pruning

I will take off more branches this winter when the tree is dormant.

natural remedies

Here is a website that has a list of plant and tree problems (insect and disease) with the natural remedies. instructions on how to make them are also included. It's a great page.
http://www.ghorganics.com/

Fertilization information.

I found this on gardenweb a while back. I thought it was pretty useful information. There seems to be a lot of confusion on fertilizing trees.


> Probably the most important rule about fertilizing is to never feed a tree that is under stress. The causes of stress are many, ranging from over watering or under watering to newly pruned roots or disease. > Once again, it is so very important to know what type of tree your bonsai is.
Different types have specific needs as to the type and frequency of fertilization.
> Many enthusiasts who have some experience think the safest method, with no fuss, is 4 month type of 14-14-14 time release fertilizer, such as Osmocote. This is incorporated right into the potting mix or sprinkled on the surface and worked down into the mix.
> Most broadleaf trees and tropicals can be fed with any general houseplant or garden fertilizer.
> Conifers, azaleas and certain others can benefit from a monthly application of an acidic fertilizer, such as MirAcid.
> Some growers include hormones such as Superthrive in their regimen to stimulate root production.
> Trees should only be fertilized when in periods of active growth. This is generally from midspring through early summer and from late summer to early fall.
> If your summers are extremely hot and your trees are outdoors, do not fertilize until temperatures have moderated and growth has resumed.
> Likewise, do not feed trees in winter when they are either dormant or growth has slowed down.

Here we all are, waiting for hurricane Irene to pass.

juniper

Here is my juniper. It came from Wal-mart this spring.

When I got it, it was too late to do any root work, so I left it in the original pot. As the summer progressed the roots started to clog the drainage holes in the bottom. I knew something had to be done so I slip potted it today.I cut the old pot off and put it into a bigger one with more soil without disturbing the root ball. Since this tree is going to be a cascade I put it in it's new position and added some soil, and watered it. I made sure the roots on the new top of the soil were covered. Next spring I will start the root work and put it in a smaller pot.