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lakes and trees ???

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by markr on June 16, 2006 02:52 AM
Weve just got hold of a new lake of an acre and a half, its been dug for about five years now.
at the moment we havent got any trees planted yet!
so here comes the ? what do you think would look good?
weve got 2 islands and im thinking of a couple of willows,
and ive got to try rhododendron's on there.
the only problem would be planting in clay.

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Mark
by netwiz on June 16, 2006 06:23 AM
Hi Mark,

I don't know about the willows but my rhododendrons do great in our clay soil. Hope you post some pictures, it sounds wonderful!

Joanne
by markr on June 16, 2006 01:32 PM
i should add that the lake will be for fishing!
so i want to create something special to look at.
it may take 10 years or so to look right,but thats part of the challenge!

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Mark
by markr on June 18, 2006 11:41 AM
thanks netwiz
ive seen two rhododendrons by lakes now, and they look real good with there own reflection on the water

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Mark
by joclyn on June 18, 2006 04:48 PM
yes, rhody's do very well in clay.

as lovely as they are, the willow might be a problem...they REALLY like water (they're known for breaking through water pipes to get to the water running through the pipes).

i don't know if it would cause the water level of the lake to lower or not as i'm not sure how much water they take in. does the lake have a natural supply of water? or will you have to add it? definitely check into this before you plant!

heya! could you post some pics of the area - before and afters? i'd love to see what you do with it!!
by markr on June 19, 2006 11:14 AM
thanks joclyn, the water levels are unknown at the moment,i will have to see how much it changes over a season.
its not stream or spring fed, it gets topped up over winter.
it does need planting to give it structure and some shade to sit in as well.
at the moment its slap bang in the middle of a field,
i could get some pics of it, but once its planted you wont see much improvement because the trees n plants will be small !
thats why i need the help, ive not got the foresight....

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Mark
by joclyn on June 19, 2006 04:17 PM
well, we need to see what you're working with to be able to give you ideas...and man! everyone here is terrific when it comes to suggestions!!

just a couple shots from different directions will do it [Smile] .

i just noticed your in england...could you make a comparision of your weather conditions with our zone map so that we make suggestions that will work in the area you are in? thanks!
by markr on June 20, 2006 02:11 AM
i think im in z-7 if that helps.

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Mark
by markr on September 30, 2006 05:29 AM
ive just ordered 31 willows.
24 for the lake, and the rest will get potted up at home, (spares)
they get delivered in november [clappy]
just need to find a spare back! [lala]

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Mark
by Triss on September 30, 2006 05:41 AM
WOW! That is a load of willows! In about 10 years, you are going to have so much shade. It will be a perfect haven for fishing. What is the lake stocked with?

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We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart.
by markr on October 01, 2006 01:09 AM
Its stocked with small carp, roach and tench!

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Mark
by Triss on October 01, 2006 07:54 AM
Ok I have heard of carp but not the other two.

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We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart.
by RugbyHukr on October 01, 2006 11:41 PM
i would plant trees for more effect than just shade.

flowering apple & cherry for spring color. maples for autumn color. and a variety of shrubs and perennials for summer color.

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by markr on October 02, 2006 06:04 AM
yes i want more than just willows, there are 18 swims dug for the anglers to fish from, between each of these will be a willow.
also there's 2 islands which will be the main focus!
ive planned on planting 3 willows on each, but theres more room for other plants as well.
on the little island i want to plant a couple of rhododendron's for colour in spring, but not sure what else on the big island [dunno]
2 places in the island margin will have lillies as and when i can get them!
still waiting for more ideas though [thumb]

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Mark
by markr on November 18, 2006 08:07 AM
I got 31 willows come today.
will be out sunday planting them
wish me luck! [Eek!]

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Mark
by Wrennie on November 18, 2006 08:15 PM
I love the look of white birch reflecting on a lake. Good for shade but not too dense either.
Remember with whatever else you plant if it sheds leaves they could fill up in the water pretty fast.

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by markr on November 19, 2006 01:27 AM
I was thinking about the leaf fall today, when i was walking around [thumb]
i will plant them away from the waters edge, and theres a lot of reeds in the margins, so this should help hold back the build up.
I also got 2 variegated Red-barked dogwodds today
an impulse buy [lala] [Big Grin]

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Mark

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