Japanese Maple, Take 2

My mom and her sister visited this weekend, and we visited a local nursery. We found a Japanese maple within my price range and my specifications, so I decided to go for it.



It is Acer Palmatum "Bloodgood." It matures to a size just a tad bigger than I had targeted, but I think we'll jump over that bridge if we come to it. The burgundy leaves are supposed to remain the color all years, which should look striking against our brick. I still need to mulch it, as I expect a hard freeze this week on Tuesday, but it is watered and well-fed.

Keep your fingers crossed...

Mid-tunnel update

Two trips down, four to go. We have the two hardest and longest trips done, at least. The next one is the second and last of the family trips, and it is followed by a quick turnaround and out-the-door for J., who has a work trip this weekend.

I was able to do a small amount of gardening this weekend. My order from Wayside Gardens finally came in. This order was the refund for the maple tree fiasco. We didn't want to risk another maple tree order through the mail again, and instead ordered a barberry, a couple of hostas (one bareroot, yikes), and a couple of packets scilla and allium bulbs. I planted the hostas under the giant bonsai tree (item #4). The barberry replaces the thuja that croaked this summer. We're still very short for rain (I can't remember the last time it rained, in fact, but it was at least two weeks ago). I need to finish fertilizing everything and we'll have leaves to rake soon. There's whispers of adding a screen door to the front entrance during Thanksgiving break. Other than that, my immediate house plans only include trying to keep it moderately clean.