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Post by 1dave on May 19, 2019 9:45:58 GMT -5
Those Mountain Laurel will be your delight!   Those Sassafras Trees also sound interesting. Their sap was used to make root beer back before the government made it illegal.  |
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Post by 1dave on May 19, 2019 9:47:28 GMT -5
It's been so cool to see all of your progress and your excitement over it. Just beware of the turkeys That includes people types. |
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Post by parfive on May 19, 2019 12:16:23 GMT -5
 Whatcha huntin’ up there, the blue ginseng? |
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Post by rockjunquie on May 19, 2019 12:41:36 GMT -5
Where we live it gets real hot and humid, too. We like to take the bridge tunnel over to the Eastern Shore of VA. A 20 mile car ride and the temps drop by about 15 degree or better. And, there is a nice breeze coming off the ocean. It's really nice and peaceful over there. We always say we'd like to retire there. Inland on the eastern seaboard is a big change from the ocean breezes Tela. 5 miles can be all the difference. That ocean is a paradise to live close to if one can afford it. Many are aware of the beauty of the beach and unfortunately the population density increases along with the traffic. Guessing you are well aware. Retirement plans are becoming a concern for many of us. In my case I decided to have an accessible small 2nd home. That could serve for retirement. Taxes and living is cheap at this location. NO hospital care though... Figured it is time to bite the bullet and make a move while able. Some friends are at a point where they are not sure about dealing with there direction at retirement. I say don't wait too much longer. Oh yeah, I am aware. I live in a resort city. Housing is at a premium. However, the Eastern Shore is deserted (comparatively). No work unless you are an illegal picking produce. Lots of small farms. The prices have been going up, but not the way they had hoped. The Bay Bridge Tunnel is about 18.00 one way. If you return within 24 hours it's about 6.00 more. Not many people want to pay that for their commute. There will come a day, though. It's a a dream... I do like the solitude over there. It's so weird to cross the CBBT and be in a different world within minutes. Hope the red tape doesn't drive you crazy! Ugh. |
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Post by rockjunquie on May 19, 2019 12:44:54 GMT -5
The mountain laurel are beautiful 1dave! I had one in my yard under my pinoak, but it didn't thrive and eventually died. The white rhododendrum in the mountains here are awesome, too. They seem to glow at night. Our fav camping spot is in a little holler. Both sides are lined straight up with the rhodos. At night, they give the holler a glow of light. I assume they are just real good at reflecting the moonlight. Gorgeous. |
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quartz
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Post by quartz on May 19, 2019 23:22:50 GMT -5
I guess at this point, you can call it new "digs", looks like a pleasant and peaceful spot.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 4:32:57 GMT -5
The mountain laurel are beautiful 1dave! I had one in my yard under my pinoak, but it didn't thrive and eventually died. The white rhododendrum in the mountains here are awesome, too. They seem to glow at night. Our fav camping spot is in a little holler. Both sides are lined straight up with the rhodos. At night, they give the holler a glow of light. I assume they are just real good at reflecting the moonlight. Gorgeous. This stand of laurel is directly behind cabin site and a big part of the lot's selling point. Shady damp north facing slope is pushing up crazy giant laurel for some unknown reason Dave and Tela. Never did have luck transplanting or growing laurel Tela. On this lot it grows like a weed, plants in photo over 20 feet tall with 6-10 inch trunks. Unheard of. Allowing easy passage unlike most laurel. I saved some trunks and will try to count the faint growth rings, they may be really old. Strange puppy poop colored clay may also be a contributor to their large size. When burning cut down trees and stumps the leaf mulch was deep and difficult to exterminate when caught on fire, another possible growth contribution. Yes, the glow comes from the reflective glaucous leaves set at many angles.  |
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Post by fernwood on May 21, 2019 4:49:44 GMT -5
Those are huge.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:07:30 GMT -5
A few dying rhododendrons on a parcel close by. Burning up in the sun as the shade trees were cut down over them. These are hybrids and unfortunately most were cut down when a cattle farmer bought this once rhododendron hybridizer's famous nursery and converted to pasture. Nursery was on a north facing slope with a large hill sloping down to the site draining moisture to it. Topography controls all plant life in the area. Namely altitude and orientation to the sun's light. Add a high density of creeks and springs creating yet more micro environments. This is why there are more varieties of shrubs in the Appalachians than any place on earth. Massive stands of Azalea, Rhododendron, Laurels, etc with many different colored blooms. In most cases naturally hybridized to a one only bloom color. One creek valley may be a monoculture of Laurel, the next creek valley may be a monoculture of a given Rhododendron. One slope may have red/orange Azalea and the next slope yellow/orange Azalea. Same plant, but varying bloom color. And then there are the forest floor shade loving perennials in the lily/orchid/trillium/etc families. Again dominated by topography, soil, shade, moisture etc. A sloped rock exposure may have high granite dust and organic deposits at its base with a spring head flowing down it creating a microhabitat below it forcing a particular family of perennials. A mountain deer hunter would start hunting at high altitude where the acorns begin to fall first. Then follow the acorn fall as cold weather moves to lower altitudes.   A native orange Azalea being nursed behind this old farm house  An early blooming Laurel with dwarf blooms and leaves.  |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:08:36 GMT -5
A few dying rhododendrons on a parcel close by. Burning up in the sun as the shade trees were cut down over them. These are hybrids and unfortunately most were cut down when a cattle farmer bought this once rhododendron hybridizer's famous nursery and converted to pasture. Nursery was on a north facing slope with a large hill sloping down to the site draining moisture to it. Topography controls all plant life in the area. Namely altitude and orientation to the sun's light. Add a high density of creeks and springs creating yet more micro environments. This is why there are more varieties of shrubs in the Appalachians than any place on earth. Massive stands of Azalea, Rhododendron, Laurels, etc with many different colored blooms. In most cases naturally hybridized to a one only bloom color. One creek valley may be a monoculture of Laurel, the next creek valley may be a monoculture of a given Rhododendron. One slope may have red/orange Azalea and the next slope yellow/orange Azalea. Same plant, but varying bloom color. And then there are the forest floor shade loving perennials in the lily/orchid/trillium/etc families. Again dominated by topography, soil, shade, moisture etc. A sloped rock exposure may have high granite dust and organic deposits at its base with a spring head flowing down it creating a microhabitat below it forcing a particular family of perennials. A mountain deer hunter would start hunting at high altitude where the acorns begin to fall first. Then follow the acorn fall as cold weather moves to lower altitudes. A native orange Azalea being nursed behind this old farm house An early blooming Laurel with dwarf blooms and leaves. |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:11:15 GMT -5
flickr is screwed up.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:20:07 GMT -5
Got no reasons for it Lisa. A small sawmill was operated not 200 feet from this lot up until 5 decades ago. The Watkins family exercised selective cutting on the 100 acres where these crazy Laurels thrive. Maybe this had an impact on increasing sun exposure in perfect doses. I had to saw out 1/10th of an acre for the cabin site, hated cutting them. The remaining 4.5 acres and adjacent 100 acres at 2100 to 2500 altitude is loaded with these big Laurels. Suspicious of the soil, other trees like beech were growing tall and thin with few limbs, typical of certain high nutrients. |
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Post by 1dave on May 21, 2019 5:31:40 GMT -5
Those twisty limbs look like they would make interesting walking sticks.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:45:27 GMT -5
Suches is the town 3 miles away. This lake primarily fed by Suches Creek. The Appalachian trail runs across the ~3700' ridge in the background. The oaks up there have not started to leaf out, basically still fall season up there. My gravel road shortcut to the property goes over a similar high ridge near straight up and really near straight down, fall at top, spring with heavy leaves in valley. Often in clouds on high, cool with drizzle.  Closer in, Black Angus(black anus ha ha) feeding before the impending storm.  |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 5:58:59 GMT -5
Those twisty limbs look like they would make interesting walking sticks. Yes they do Dave. Some are way more gnarly. Especially smaller ones in dryer conditions. Some locals consider them a weed. I say shear beauty. Wife says I have to make the porch bannister posts out of them. They burn like crazy, must have an oil in them. Locals say it is poisonous to burn, internet say not. They are shallow rooted, easy to pull up t's stumps with machinery. If hiking you avoid mountain laurel stands, go around them at any cost. They are man traps, impenetrable in most cases. |
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Post by 1dave on May 21, 2019 6:08:37 GMT -5
That gneiss base wouldn't let the roots get too deep. Is it a hard wood? That oil sounds interesting!
What about sassafrases on your lot?
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Post by fernwood on May 21, 2019 6:27:01 GMT -5
I have some Laurels on my land. The blooms are identical to Mountain Laurel, but much smaller. Love the scent.
As a child, my Mom and I were always transplanting trees, bushes and flowers from the woods. My Mom always stressed the importance of bringing as much soil as we could from the area where the plants/trees were dug. She knew that this was so important when transplanting. It was also important to have large, well watered holes ready to go upon return.
Imagine this: My Mom and a 5-10 year old me. Walking through the woods. My Mom pulling my toboggan which had digging tools tied on it. I was pulling a wagon with pails to get the extra soil. The wagon usually contained a picnic lunch. We always made initial trips to select what was to be transplanted prior to bringing the equipment.
On the trip back, which was sometimes across 60 acres, my Mom tied the Toboggan behind the wagon and pulled both. The toboggan contained what had been dug. Everything had a tarp over it to keep it secure, help prevent drying out and limit soil loss.
Most of the land was cattle pasture, so there were many trails. Some areas had farm roads, which we used to access a hay field on the edge of the property.
When we got back to the house, everything was carefully planted. There was about a 75% survival rate. I had to inspect and water most plantings as needed.
Most days it was about a 6 hour time from start to finish, but well worth it. My Mom did not drive at the time, so we walked everywhere on the land. Most had adjoining roads, which would have cut the time considerably, but we walked cross country. Sometimes found mushrooms/berries ready to harvest. Left those for the next day.
My 200 acre playground as a child, which I loved.
There must be a lot of perfect soil where you are. Specific to certain plants/trees. I love everything horticulture. Have experimented with cross pollination, tree grafts and specific soils to enhance growth.
Thank you for posting this journey in your life and the amazing area.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 6:30:01 GMT -5
I guess at this point, you can call it new "digs", looks like a pleasant and peaceful spot. Got the land cheap at 35,000 for 4.6 acres Larry. I had a blast digging with the excavator. The local contractors were all booked thru the summer. It was a rental and the hydraulic pump was worn out on the sweep(rotating the cab) and really slowed down things. So I dug instead and swung at almost full engine speed which really beat the crap out of me, had the runs for 3 days after. The scoop was oversized and the reach was long for that size cab so the machine would tip lifting and tip dumping every time. Never flipped it. Which made it continually rock and then slam back on the ground shaking your teeth out. I complained about the sweep and they gave me 12 hours for 8 hours. $100/hour. The heavy equipment operator neighbor said i moved a lot for the allotted time. 14 hour day. I only roughed out the site, moved ~80% of the mass soil from hill to low area in 2 passes, roughly graded it. All stumps plucked and burned. One old pine stump about 1000 pounds was pure resin filled lighter wood and fueled the fire intensely. a Godsend, better than burning a half dozen tires. Can finish with up in a long day with a skid steer. Total grade cost will be $2000 including skid steer and septic tank prep on a difficult site. Well under budget. Hit a 12 inch fine white quartz lens sandwiched in gneiss, looked like white glass. Best I have seen up there. Some 200 pound chunks, lots of shrapnel sized pieces. This is often THE gold bearing pegmatite. The building inspector is probably going to jump my case, guessing I did something wrong like back filling close to creek. There was no floodplain nor wetland lest they changed their maps recently. |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 6:37:04 GMT -5
That gneiss base wouldn't let the roots get too deep. Is it a hard wood? That oil sounds interesting! What about sassafrases on your lot? Hit the rock 5 to 6 feet down into the clay right at ridge centerline. Count on ridge centerlines having rock up there. Clay then rock, or just rock. Laurel is soft when green, hard as heck when dry. Heavy either way. I see big Sassafras in the hills, but none colonized on my place. It is common around Atlanta, makes a popular tea. Diuretic tea, best for that. Its is the thick bark on the Sassafras roots that is so intense for spice and teas. If you dig one you will smell it. |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on May 21, 2019 6:44:45 GMT -5
I have some Laurels on my land. The blooms are identical to Mountain Laurel, but much smaller. Love the scent. As a child, my Mom and I were always transplanting trees, bushes and flowers from the woods. My Mom always stressed the importance of bringing as much soil as we could from the area where the plants/trees were dug. She knew that this was so important when transplanting. It was also important to have large, well watered holes ready to go upon return. Imagine this: My Mom and a 5-10 year old me. Walking through the woods. My Mom pulling my toboggan which had digging tools tied on it. I was pulling a wagon with pails to get the extra soil. The wagon usually contained a picnic lunch. We always made initial trips to select what was to be transplanted prior to bringing the equipment. On the trip back, which was sometimes across 60 acres, my Mom tied the Toboggan behind the wagon and pulled both. The toboggan contained what had been dug. Everything had a tarp over it to keep it secure, help prevent drying out and limit soil loss. Most of the land was cattle pasture, so there were many trails. Some areas had farm roads, which we used to access a hay field on the edge of the property. When we got back to the house, everything was carefully planted. There was about a 75% survival rate. I had to inspect and water most plantings as needed. Most days it was about a 6 hour time from start to finish, but well worth it. My Mom did not drive at the time, so we walked everywhere on the land. Most had adjoining roads, which would have cut the time considerably, but we walked cross country. Sometimes found mushrooms/berries ready to harvest. Left those for the next day. My 200 acre playground as a child, which I loved. There must be a lot of perfect soil where you are. Specific to certain plants/trees. I love everything horticulture. Have experimented with cross pollination, tree grafts and specific soils to enhance growth. Thank you for posting this journey in your life and the amazing area. Very interesting your history Lisa. Sounds like you were raised in paradise. My wetland plants were fairly mono-habitat, they grew in water and soil washed in. The mountains a whole different story as far as habitats for plants. Extreme habitat diversity. As is mont terrestrial locations like your farm. Dogwoods and orchids, others fall into the same situation, if you want to succeed in transplanting you best bring their soil with them. Some plant with the same directional orientation as it was dug. |
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