My two trees did not make it through the winter. I'm sure that I did something wrong but I've decided to give it another go. The fertilizer I have been using on my houseplants didn't seem to agree with the juniper was I think was the catalyst to its demise.
Sooooooo last week I went to a local nursey that only grows thier own stock out of native species. What a concept for miss boxwood in zone 4a! I really just wanted a juniper but I also saw these adorable baby mugos. Of course I'm the queen of self restraint.....
Anyway, I now have this very young ( this was it's 2nd spring) little mugo that talked me into bringing it home. Upon reading today, I'm seeing that not only are pines not the best choice for a newbie, but the mugos are also a little finicky. Yay me!! I've been looking at pics trying to decide how to style it but I'm confused where to begin. Should I work on branches first or should I focus on roots ( I promise to not touch any part of it until august)? And as far as pruning and such, it's almost all "candles" ( if I'm understanding the term correctly) and the lower part of the branches is covered with needles as well. Are those needles to be romoved? Or should I just let the poor thing grow up some before I start?
Any tips, websites or book recommendations would be appreciated.
M