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In Memory Of
My family is looking to plant a flowering tree or shrub in memory of my grandmother who passed away in December. We're thinking of planting something on Mother's Day on a piece of family property we call "The Farm." Basically it's a hobby farm that my grandparents bought they used to plant 2-3 acres of corn and a acre of every veggie you could imagine before their health deteriorated (they used to be farmers). The land is also used for hunting, snowmobiling, ATVing, etc.
The problem is the land is far away (2 hrs each way) and we don't go there all that often. It's a great idea but I'm worried that people won't be around enough to water and care for the plant. My family was thinking a magnolia tree. I don't know much about that kind of tree beyond the first year how much care will it need? I'm assuming it will need to be babied the first year...is 1" of water a week right? I'm also worried that we may miss the bloom all together since we aren't up there much!
Some of the other things I was think was doing a large perennial flower planting instead or even planting something on our property where I can care for it. Grandma always loved my peonies but we were wanting something bigger than that so I was thinking a tree peony would be prefect for our shady area. They expensive though and I don't have the area prepped for it.
What do you think would be the best plan?
Re: In Memory Of
My woody plants instructor has always advised against using a plant as a memorial. Her friend died of breast cancer so she planted a tree (she & her friend were arborists)...only for it to die a few years later of canker (basically tree cancer). talk about bringing back the hurt.
Could you all not do a bench or plaque put some place they liked on the property? You could certainly plant around it, but plants wouldn't BE the memorial.
Our neighbor has a Magnolia. It is beautiful in bloom but it only lasts a week. The leaves are also thick and waxy and a bear to clean up in the Fall. They also can get quite large which is something to think about for the space you plan to put it in.
I know people who have planted Dogwoods for the same reason and have loved them!
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Oh, that sounds lovely. As an added bonus, benches don't need to be watered, too!
Certainly a bench is a great idea, but don't rule out trees just because they may not live. Not all trees are equally susceptible to pests and disease. I've planted thousands of plants over my lifetime and I know that sometimes things I plant don't make it.
I am never hurt if something I plant dies. No tree planting effort is in vain. Every plant failure is a lesson that adds to a forever-increasing body of knowledge about that species. Whether the tree lives or dies, my observations about it's success or failure benefit me as a gardener. And while I would never assume to speak for the deceased, I can't help but feel that if she/he was an Arborist, they'd probably hold a similar viewpoint, and rejoice in the lesson if it wasn't lost in the name of sentiment.
Yes, new planting require more water becuase of their smaller root systems. But if you'd still like to consider a tree, tell me where this place is and I will try to suggest some species that might have a better chance of success with limited water in the first year.
Thanks everyone! Well NB it's in south western WI in zone 4b. We have over 100 acres (so how large the tree is won't be a problem LOL) with one large valley that has a stream running through it and 5 smaller valleys that finger off of it. The hills and outside edges of the property are all old growth hardwoods; mostly oak, hickory, and black walnut. The large valley and most of the smaller valleys are meadow with some prairie. In the corner of the large valley is the entrance where we have two sheds/barns with one of them having a small sleeping quarters in it. We have running water from a well there as well.
My aunts and uncles were thinking of planting a tree on a grassy knoll near the entrance because it is the only area that can be seen from the road and is near the sheds. I was thinking we could plant more in the large valley possibly near the stream to not have to worry about watering as much. In the center of the large valley is a huge old oak that is very full and picturesque so I thought we could plant something similar but I don't think a magnolia would be good for that. The stream isn't too deep or big but it's a pretty consistent flow. I've never seen it dry out completely. The grassy knoll is pretty open but has some woods to the south so it would get a 1-3 hours of shade. Along the stream would be full sun. The soil in the area is rich and slightly alkaline. My family also was considering a crab apple (maybe one of the varieties with darker pink flowers) which I'm sure the wildlife would love too. In the valley mess wouldn't be a problem since it's surrounded by tall grass. The grassy knoll however is mowed a few times a year. Other options thrown out there were lilac bushes or rhododendron (she loved them out east but around here only a few varieties will grow and they don't grow that well so I was trying to steer them away from those). She was also partial to pink and purple blooms.
We could do a combination of a tree with a bench under it too. I know it's early I'm just trying to come up with some ideas as we're all going to be getting together this weekend for my birthday where we can discuss some options. Thanks for all of your help!