Friday, May 10, 2019

Prairie Skyrise Trembling Aspen

These three trembling aspen were planted May 10, 2019 at the Lakehouse on Sylvan Lake. Planted about 9 feet apart on the south side of the property along the front driveway. At planting they are between 8 and 9 feet tall. They will grow to 12-15 m or 40 to 50 feet and spread 1.5 - 2 m or 5 to 7 feet. The aspen are rated for Zone 2.  The greenhouse staff told us that these aspen won't sucker unless the root system gets disturbed.

Fast growing, upright columnar form with very compact branching habit and deep green foliage.  Leafs out earlier than Swedish Aspen. Golden yellow fall colour.  Excellent for screens and windbreaks.  Perfect for small yards.  Best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Schubert Chokecherry Tree

This Schubert Chokecherry grows in the backyard of a Lakehouse on Sylvan Lake.  And yes the berries are edible although due to flavor and pit best used for juice, jellies and syrups.
Schubert Chokecherry Tree
Chokecherry and Crabapple Jelly

8 cups ripe chokecherries
2 cups water
12 cups quartered crabapples
1 1/2 cups sugar

To prepare juice, combine chokecherries and 2 cups water in a saucepan.  In a separate saucepan, combine crabapples with enough water to cover.  Bring mixtures to a boil: reduce heat and simmer, covered, until fruit is soft.  Mash mixtures occasionally while cooking although I find that it is best not to mash the crabapples too fine (harder to juice).  Strain separately through jelly bags.

Measure 3 cups chokecherry juice and 3 cups crabapple juice.  In a Dutch oven, combine chokecherry juice and crabapple juice: bring to a boil.  Add sugar and stir until dissolved.  Bring mixture to a boil and boil rapidly until jelly stage is reached, about 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.

Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Wipe jar rims thoroughly.  Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Yield:  about 6 cups

Add caption

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Annabelle Hydrangea

Three more Annabelle Hydrangeas have now been planted in the backyard at the Lake House on Sylvan Lake.  
August 26, 2017

August 26, 2017

Hope for Humanity Rose

This rose bush was planted in a small flowerbed surrounded by sunflowers in a sunny backyard by Sylvan Lake.  Planted on Oma's birthday as this was a special rose 
that Oma cherished.
August 26, 2017
August 26, 2017

Tomatoes

These  tomato plants are growing in a pot on a sundeck in Salem, Connecticut. 
 They were planted as bedding plants in mid-May and 
by the second week in August were almost 7 feet tall.
  Three separate tomato plants-Pineapple, Peach and Arkansas.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.
  They produced a bountiful crop before the end of August.
August 2017

August 2017

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Flowers at the Cabin July 2017

Larch Tree

This larch tree is planted in the backyard at the cabin 
on Sylvan Lake.
Photo for size July 21, 2017
May 2019
Planted July 2017