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| I fell in love with a well established Pink Silk tree at our Botanical Gardens that is in zone 5. Everything I read states it's only good to zone 6. Obviously they have it planted in such a way that provides at little extra warmth that is not typical for the area.
Is there steps a homeowner can create a qua si outdoor microclimate. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| First off, you need to specifically search out the variety 'E.H. Wilson' -- it is about a whole zone hardier than the species. Stark Brothers and Forest Farm have it. Yes, you can "create" a microclimate that is more sheltered. The most obvious way to do this is to put up some kind of barrier or structure that blocks the wind and absorbs sunlight to radiate the heat back, such a brick or stone wall or a tightly constructed wooden privacy fence. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Tue, Jul 10, 12 at 8:23
| where in z5 are you .. its too wide an area to generalize ... how far is the botanical gardens from you .. one side of town can vary widely from the other ... especially if a large water body is near ... what are the prevailing winter winds?? .. e.g in MI its from the NW.. so a wind block on that side would help ... as would restricting winter sun at certain time of the winter day ... as well a a good mulch.. to temper temp swings of the winter soil ... actually.. though you find it mysterious ... its not hard at all ... but that doesnt mean.. it wont take you 2 or 3 tries.. to perfect it all ... but .. as with myself.. part of what makes this particular plant.. so exotic .. to you.. is the simple fact.. that it probably will not be easy to do it.. in your area ... and what the pro's at the botanical gardens can make look 'easy' ... doenst mean it will be easy for you.. for all we know.. its taken them 10 tries to 'win' ... more info from you.. and perhaps we can be more specific .. ken |
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