Such Temptation!

[so lucky]

I went to Lowes this morning to get some triclopyr, and of course I had to look at the plants while I was there. They had a lot of things marked down 50%, or more. There were some HUGE rhododendrons there, marked down to $10 from $40 something. And they were in really good shape, not half dead like some of the stuff is. If I hadn't just spent all day on Wednesday trying to dig three holes up in the pine tree area of our yard, and if those rhodies hadn't been in HUGE pots, I would not have been able to stop myself. The holes for them would have to be as big as an arm chair. The ground is so hard up there, I swear, you have to water it down to even stick a knife in it. I have never tried to grow rhododendrons, but there is an azalea garden/park near here, and they grow them there, so I figure I would have a shot, at least. I'm still mulling it over. Maybe if we get rain, it will soften the ground......and I could use DH's truck to haul them in, since they sure wouldn't fit in my Toyota.......Hmmmm, lets see.... I think there were 5 of them.....they would look so good with the new azaleas and ferns I just planted among the pines......(muttering to self as I walk away........)

 

[ninnymary]

Oh so lucky, goooooo baaaccck for them! You deserve them! (That's what I always tell myself. ) and that price is great for a big plant, especially if they are in good shape. Besides, you will also have those big containers to plant something else in.

Mary

 

[catjac1975]

I always tell my husband that gardening and buying flowers is my biggest addiction. How perfect do you want me to be?

 

[so lucky]

Enablers! Both of you!

 

[catjac1975]

Hahahahaha

Enablers! Both of you!

 

[lesa]

Do you know anyone with a post hole digger? That is a really big help in that tough to dig soil...if you decide. Certainly sounds like it would be a beautiful woodland garden addition.

 

[so lucky]

lesa, I don't really know anyone with a post hole digger, but thanks for the good suggestion. I have had the best success with soaking the soil and cutting the sod off with a sharp serrated knife. Then once the grass is out of the way, it's just a matter of loosening the soil with a knife, soaking and digging. A lot of work kneeling and squatting, which I'm not that fond of. I think for the sake of my budget and marriage (Hubs wasn't fond of the azalea idea, even tho he now says it looks really good) I need to go slowly on this area of the lawn. At least there's a start, and I can plan out the rest in my head!

 

[Nyboy]

I put a ad on craigs list when I plant a lot of trees. If your willing to wait till weekend put good for student. Much easier on your back! You can also rent a holedigger.

 

[ducks4you]

I keep telling EVERYONE I know that you want an AUGER, NOT a post-hole digger. It looks like this--mine is green, but this one is blue.

They are SO easy to use. You take your spade and start a shallow hole. Then you turn the auger like the corkscrew that it IS. It fills up with tilled earth. You pull the dirt out when it's fill--it will hold most of it for you--and put it to the side. It's so easy to use a child can dig the hole for you. Plus, you can adjust the width of the hole, too. Those nasty post-hole diggers will rip your arms out.

 

[so lucky]

That does look like what I need. I wasn't thinking that a post hole digger would do me any good. What does the very bottom look like? (the part that begins to slice the ground?) Is it a smooth blade or serrated?