The 2015 Spring Box Store Challenge Entries Thread

[Paradox]

Well happily, spring seems to be starting much much earlier than I expected to see it given the weather we had in March.

It was a beautiful day after work and the spring fever was rampant so I decided to go cruise one of the nurseries near work that I frequent.

I came across this Ilex crenata compacta that I thought looked kind of interesting and thought about this challenge so I bought it. So I guess I am in after all.

I included 2 pics of the nursery because the one from the road with the sign doesnt really show any of their products on display indicating they are a landscape type nursery not a bonsai nursery.

 

[Vin]

Cheap Sam's is definitely not a bonsai nursery and the Ilex qualifies. Good choice and good luck.

 

[Paradox]

I forgot to add that Im in the intermediate category.

 

[skrit]

Alright. Nurseries started getting stock up here a couple weekends ago, but I've been quite busy. Checked three 'true' big box stores and was very disappointed. Everything, even the $40-$50 bushes were multiple stems <1/2" in diameter. My best bet was starting to look like getting a $7.50 Cotoneaster with a very low/flat growth habit. Boo. Luckily, my wife remembered a nursery that we got a dogwood from last year and mentioned that it was a family owned chain. So after a trip there this afternoon, I officially have something to enter.

Beginner, Azalea x'Tradition' (Rhododendron obtusum?), $26.54



Oh, and as far as questions go, I'll spend one now asking for confirmation:
I think I understand that it's OK to essentially hard prune these now, even after flowering. Is that correct? (Because if not, I may have to be out after all, as there's no internal foliage whatsoever.)

 

[Vin]

It's a qualifying plant so you're good to go. Yes, you can hard prune azaleas now. Although I've been told it's not necessary, I still leave a life line on each branch (probably out of habit). I'm not sure how you're going to deal with the issue of no internal foliage.

 

[skrit]

Not sure myself. It would be pretty strange to have an entry in an evergreen contest that appeared like a deciduous 'winter silhouette', but that may end up being my best option. That or a lot of very creative wiring. We shall see.

 

[Alain]

Hi there,
Here are my pictures to enter the beginner category.

It's an azalea, not sure of the species it comes from Home depot and it's labelled 'Azalea red, Rhododendron x hybrid'
Price: $17.98 but discounted at $7.98

BTW: if someone could give me the actual species it'd be appreciated

 

[Vin]

Hi there,
Here are my pictures to enter the beginner category.

It's an azalea, not sure of the species it comes from Home depot and it's labelled 'Azalea red, Rhododendron x hybrid'
Price: $17.98 but discounted at $7.98

BTW: if someone could give me the actual species it'd be appreciated

It's a qualifying plant and definitely within the price range. As far as identification goes, it's impossible without seeing the flower. You may want to keep as least one bud to photograph when it flowers. Good luck!

 

[Alain]

Thanks Vin!
I plan to keep some buds but first I plan to try to keep it alive

 

[Vin]

Thanks Vin!
I plan to keep some buds but first I plan to try to keep it alive

Azaleas are really tough. You shouldn't have a problem keeping it alive.

 

[Paradox]

FYI, I have submitted my completed entry to the email posted above. I would like to repot the tree, when is it safe for us to do that?

 

[Vin]

FYI, I have submitted my completed entry to the email posted above. I would like to repot the tree, when is it safe for us to do that?

I do not see it in the inbox yet?? When you say "safe" are you referring to the challenge or horticulturally?

 

[Paradox]

Really? I sent it on Sunday....will try again.

I meant challenge-wise. I know when horticulturally.

 

[barrosinc]

If you have the pic of the final tree... do whatever you want with it...

 

[Vin]

Really? I sent it on Sunday....will try again.

I meant challenge-wise. I know when horticulturally.

I knew you knew the horticultural aspect, I was just being a pain You can do with it as you wish after the final photos are submitted. However, as there is a little twist that hasn't been announced yet I would ask that you hold off until then. Let's just say you may have a different plan. Sound good?

 

[Paradox]

You can do with it as you wish after the final photos are submitted. However, as there is a little twist that hasn't been announced yet I would ask that you hold off until then. Let's just say you may have a different plan. Sound good?

Hokay

 

[Paradox]

You should have it now Vin, there was a hiccup and didnt get sent before for some reason. I found it in the drafts folder.

 

[Vin]

You should have it now Vin, there was a hiccup and didnt get sent before for some reason. I found it in the drafts folder.

I got it! Good luck!

 

[sorce]

Rhododendron Purple Gem.
Advanced.




The picture is a different depot. In case Mile high pulls my card for disqualification! Lol.

Man. Tuff goin. Couldn't spend 50 on a boxwood I would most definitely kill, been wanting something with flowers.

Sorce

 

[barrosinc]

bummer, I called 5 places and all are closed tomorrow (labour day)...