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Sunday, September 9, 2012

{Our Drake Elm - Ulmus parvifolia}

On March 13, 2012 we also did plant a Drake Elm - Ulmus parvifolia tree. It has been very rewarding and no doubt it will grow into a tall and graceful shade tree. It originated from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Also called Chinese Elm and Lacebark Elm for its beautiful exfoliating bark that adds beauty to the winter season. We will see...
This photo is also used on HouseLogic: 7 Garden Mistakes to Avoid 
Just click on above link and scroll down to read my comment on Mistake #3: Planting without a plan.
Just showing you how our 'Drake' elm, Ulmus parvifolia has grown since its planting day on March 13, 2012 and today, July 31 of 2012. This method of preparing the hole properly does work and you get an instant reward as is seen from both photos! 


On point #4: Neglecting the root of it all I'd like to add THE most crucial mistake often made. When planting a rose, shrub, tree or whatever, you buy some good potting soil, spent mushroom compost or cow manure (available at Home Depot). Set that aside and dig a DEEP and WIDE hole. Just anticipate the growth of that new garden member. In that hole you thoroughly mix the potting soil, spent mushroom compost or cow manure and the original soil. Now put water in that hole, SOAK it before planting. This way you make watering easier and your new living garden member can easily penetrate this perfect and nutritious soil for extending and growing its roots. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING and quite often overlooked! Most plants and trees are put into a hole and have to sit almost on their 'knees' as there is no space to go into. The original soil is too dense, too hard and often not rich enough. Fertilizing is no solution if this very basic thing is being overlooked! 
We got this 7 gallon tree at County Farm Plant Co., Inc. in Baxley, Georgia.
Detail of its leaves, this photo is from March 13, right after it got planted in our garden.
Do you have an Ulmus parvifolia  or Drake Elm tree?
Love to read your comment!



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11 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlSeptember 8, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    thank you for the planting tip. before i plant any more trees or shrubs here, i do need to prepare the ground.

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  2. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieSeptember 8, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    This is a very unusual and pretty tree. I have never heard of one before. I do like your tutorial on how to plant a tree, such good advice! I hope this tree grows strong and beautiful for you to sit underneath it's shade one day! I hope you are having a lovely weekend. xx

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  3. orchid0324September 8, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Dearest Mariette,
    Oh, Ulmus tree!!! As you said it grows wonderfully and big (from pc pictures, haha) providing you a good shade♡♡♡
    You amazes me the knowledge of botany as usual☆☆☆
    I hope you are having wonderful weekend, my dear friend.

    ps> We both are still missing the pine trees we lost(^^;) We see some other trees adjacent to our house are dying as well.

    Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  4. jyothisethuSeptember 8, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    nice tips for the nature...

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  5. Blue LavenderSeptember 8, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Hello my dear friend Mariette:
    Thank you so much for these wonderful tips for planting trees, your Drake Elm looks so healthy and I like it very much. I will need to find out if I can plant it in zone 5, since we are losing Ash trees because of the emerald ash borer, is a green beetle native to Asia and is an invasive species, highly destructive to ash trees in its introduced range. In the next few weeks, we will have to cut down near 30 Ash trees in our lot, which makes me kind of sad, because it will look very different, but now we are planing what kind of trees we should plant.
    Like the Chinese proverb says: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now."
    Hopefully in a few years our lot will look much better.
    Send you a big hug, con cariño,

    Laura <3

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  6. Draffin BearsSeptember 9, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    Dear Mariette,

    Your Drake Elm tree is so beautiful and will be such a gorgeous shade tree in summer.
    Know how important it is to prepare the ground before planting a tree and thanks for sharing.

    Hope you are enjoying the weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  7. Elisabeth PalzkillSeptember 9, 2012 at 7:25 AM

    Liebe Mariette,

    ich wünsche dir einen sonnigen
    Sonntag.

    In Liebe
    Elisabeth

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  8. smartcatSeptember 9, 2012 at 7:42 AM

    Hi Mariette...This is such a pretty tree! I have not heard of Drake's Elm until your post. Are they at all susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease?

    You are so right about properly prepping the ground before planting. I think that's why my rose bush has survived it's bout of being almost demolished by carelessness.

    Enjoy the day............*s*

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  9. ElnaSeptember 9, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    It's a beautiful tree and the leafs remind of Sorbus Carmencita. Have a nice start of the week.

    Hugs

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  10. WillySeptember 9, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Dit boompje heeft een goede start en ziet er nu al prachtig uit. Je kunt zien dat het daar naar zijn zin heeft.
    Fijne zondag nog, lieve groet

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  11. ParnassusSeptember 10, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Hello Mariette, It is so satisfying to have a collection of exotic trees growing. Your new acquisition looks wonderful in that green yard and with the summer house in the background. The Chinese elm has beautiful wood; a lot of fine antique furniture is made of Chinese elm-wood.
    --Road to Parnassus

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Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...