Toxic Plants to horses?

North Louisiana, want to landscape around horse breeding barn, but what can I plant that is not toxic to horses. Would like to plant crape myrtles and bradford pears down drive way, but have a 750' concrete trough that runs along the outside of paddocks that I want to plant flowers in. Also plant hedges along outside of barn. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Toxic Plants to horses?
http://www.whmentors.org/saf/poison.html


http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/tox...


http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/live...


http://www.jupiterhorsemens.org/recogniz...


click on the above links and they will tell you what you need to know!hope they help you!
Reply:The only nes I'm certain of are yews. All yews are toxic to livestock.
Reply:YEW IS DEADLY.....SO ARE LOTS OF OTHERS IN DIFFERENT DEGREES OF TOXICITY......THEY WILL TRIM ANY TREES NEAR ENOUGH TO STRETCH THEIR NECKS TO.....CASTOR BEAN IS DEADLY AND YEW ....AND MAKE THE PLANTER S FAR OUT FROM THE PADDOCK FENCING LIKE PUT RR TIES TWO SIDE BY SIDE THEN PLANT....
Reply:The only plant that comes to mind quickly is larkspur. If it even falls into water, it can leach toxins that will kill animals.





Check out this site:


HorseNetwork Tools - Poisonous Plants


... Poisonous Plants. The following is a list of plants known to be toxic to horses ... Yellow Star Thistle: Russian Knapweed. Back to Charts and Tables ...www.horsenetwork.com/reference/poison... - 4k - Cached -

Dog Teeth

Gardening frost?

we had a severe frost april 7-9 and wilted or killed most of


the new growth on crape myrtles , rose of sharon and some


of the trees such as oak. will they survive or what damage


control can i do? i am in atlanta, ga area.

Gardening frost?
Don't do anything now wait and see what was killed and remove it later. If it was frost thats not to bad but if you had a freeze then some stuff will die. You may not get blooms this year.

I need planting ideas for heat and drought resistant plants.?

I’m thinking about moving the Azaleas I have planted in front of my house. My house faces the southeast and it has been to hot and dry for them here in Arkansas for the last few years. What would be a nice low growing plant for this flower box? I need one that can tolerate heat and drought and would be low maintenance. I’m thinking about one of the dwarf Crape Myrtles called Tight Wad. Would this be a good choice? Anyone have any other ideas?

I need planting ideas for heat and drought resistant plants.?
I wouldn't consider crape myrtles drought tolerant.





Rather you might consider Burro's tail ( a type of Sedum) and other Sedum. There are many varieties, and many do not look like the other.





There are some forms of Rhapheolepis indica that are dwarf. Ballerina is one. Some might know it as India Hawthorne.
Reply:I agree with the Burros Tail.. I have one and it is thriving on such little water.It get the most awesome flowers on it a few times a year. And i would say it is the best for a dry environment.
Reply:I recommend bashams party pink crape myrtles.


fast growing, great shade and color in 3-5 years, annual care.


http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/trees/crape...
Reply:CACTUS
Reply:Crape Myrtles is the best plant I've ever planted. Maitenance free except for a little pruning. Blooms all summer long. My soil type is clay and I don't even water it.
Reply:Try delosperma (Ice Plant)

Making a cedar walking stick?

Hi there, so this year we are making Christmas presents for each other. I have made my dad a fine and beautiful walking stick from Crape Myrtle and now I have cut a small cedar down to make a walking stick for my brother. Going to make one for his wife out of a holly tree. Does anyone have any experience making walking sticks from these two woods?

Making a cedar walking stick?
If you just cut it recently, you'll want to give the wood time to cure. My geocaching friends are into making their own walking sticks.


http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.p...


.
Reply:A great idea-----a hand made gift that will last for years and promote healthy living. Something that you spent time on and did not rush at the last minute to the mall for.


-----I smile when I think "there is a few dollars Walmart will not get!!"

Lantana question?

First of all...I just purchased 55 plants such as crape myrtle, shrubs, oleander, hibiscus, texas mountain laurel, plumbago, etc at Lowe's. All for $3.25.


You should call your Lowes to see if they have this stuff on the clearance racks too and go take advantage of the cheap prices! They need a little TLC, but still look great!





My question is...the lantanas I purchased did not come with directions. how big do they grow?





thanks!

Lantana question?
Some are ground covers such as New Gold only grows 9" to 12" high and 18" wide, some grow from 3' to 5' high and as wide. After the word lantana, did it show the sub-species such as Lantana aculeata L. ; Lantana camara L. var. aculeata (L.) Moldenke


Lantana camara L. var. flava (Medik.) Moldenke


Lantana camara L. var. hybrida (Neubert) Moldenke


Lantana camara L. var. mista (L.) Bailey


Lantana camara L. var. mutabilis (Hook.) Bailey


Lantana camara L. var. nivea (Vent.) Bailey


Lantana camara L. var. sanguinea (Medik.) Bailey


Lantana tiliifolia ; each one of these grows at varying heights and widths.


Thanks for the Lowes tip; we're going to head in there tonight!
Reply:Lantana's growth patterns depend on the water they receive and the sun they get. In full sun, they will be a bush and will be about 2' tall to about 4' depending on the variety. They all love full sun and will do well as a driveway edging because they love the heat and full sun.





They can grow long and scragly if they are in shade. They can get taller in the shade as they look for sun but you will not get a bush...more of a vine.
Reply:You got a great deal at Lowe's.





I purchased a Lantana at Lowe's two days ago. It grows 3 feet high, 4 feet wide. They like arid conditions---not much water.





JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:Don't you just love the Lowe's clearence? I just purchased 8 Rose of Sharon for 50 cents each because they were root bound and looked nasty. I asked the manager if she could give me a discount on them because they were ailing and she asked me what I'd pay for them. I got the great deal and all they need is a little TLC. I buy lots of my plants that way. Anyhow, as for your question, Lantana can get about 4-5 ft tall and they spread out really wide. I'm guessing mine has about an 8 foot spread. They like full sun and seem to thrive on neglect. I rarely water mine and it grows like a weed. Make sure you have a large area for it to grow in and don't plant anything too close because it will smother it. If you have the area then don't be afraid of it's growth habit because it is a beautiful plant that flowers all season long. Oh, it dies back each winter and comes back fuller every year.


Good Luck

flowers and gifts

Septic & tree planting help. How far from the disposal field should my trees be? How far from septic tank? ++

And, how far from dosing tank (whatever that is). I planted some holly bushes and scotch broom close to the tanks (within 3 feet of the covers). Will this be a problem. I have a crape myrtle about 10 - 15 feet away. I want to add a dogwood, cleveland pear and a red maple around the yard - what is the closest that they should be to the field and the tanks? Thanks in advance!

Septic %26amp; tree planting help. How far from the disposal field should my trees be? How far from septic tank? ++
I have the same problem, I have a septic tank in the middle of my property. You need to know that the spread of roots from a tree or shrub equals the spread of the shrub or tree at maturity. So, what ever you buy, besides needing to know what the height of the plant will be at maturity, WHAT WILL BE ITS SPREAD OR WIDTH?. That's how far out the roots will come, thus, you take that into consideration when figuring out how far away it needs to be planted from your tank.
Reply:that is a very hard question to answer what you need to know is what is the ROOTING of you plants and trees


do the produce small shallow roots or large deep roots


and never plant any WATER seeking roots near the tank the roots will seek the water out and destroy your system
Reply:well it all depends where you live, because different states have different codes. I think that you should put the trees at least 7ft from your septic tank, that way the sprouts of the tree won't give you any trouble with the septic tank.

Wiccan advice needed: How to make a wand?

For a while I've been looking into acquiring a wand to see if I "click" with it. Lucky for me, a limb from one of my Crape Myrtle trees fell off recently due to a rain storm. I also have a quarts point I've been saving. Problem is that the quarts point is as big around as the thickest part of the tree branch, so I can't embed the crystal into the branch as I would like.





Do any fellow Wiccans or Pagans out there have a creative way to bind the crystal and branch together without it falling apart? I realize I need to use silver wire, but will that be sturdy enough?





Detailed answers are greatly appreciated!

Wiccan advice needed: How to make a wand?
you mite just want to get a smaller crystal. The crystal you have now . you could put it in a small leather bag and keep it with you. it is best to make sure your crystal is embedded into the wood/ branch. if you really prefer this crystal to be used with your wand some like to dangle them on with leather bands and silver wire.... just remember that you will be moving this wand about much so what ever you do make sure it is sturdy. Good luck and


Blessed be...
Reply:do you have a broom yet? if so is it as good as harry potties?
Reply:e mail me
Reply:We have detailed instructions in my church....come look!





Just kidding, I am Christian, but I'm a true Christian who loves everyone for who they are. And so I will try to help you.





Take a look at some of the beautiful silver jewellery that is being created by wrapping the silver wire around the gem in a haphazard, chaotic fashion. These pieces hold through wear and tear but are spectacularly beautiful in their organic nature. Also, a bauble of silver or a secondary gem on the tip would work well to anchor the gem. This is all assuming that it would be inappropriate to drill a whole through the gem, which might alter its properties.





Good luck!


--Ginny

What kind of ground cover?

I just put in a Crape Myrtle in an area that is in full sun and very slanted, I wanted some suggestions as to what kind of ground cover to put around it, I also have some lavender planted at the edge (pretty far away from the bush) I want something pretty that is not to aggressive as to kill anything else that I might plant, any suggestions?

What kind of ground cover?
One of the prettiest groundcovers that would suit full sun going into shade is Alyssum. This groundcover comes in a variety of shades. White, Lilac, Purple, Magenta. Very easy to grow, it will either grow flat, or it will cascade out of a pot.There are plenty of others. Ajuga is another one. Very close to ground, and comes in a variety of shades. Both very easy to grow. Good Luck!
Reply:I just love ice plant. It can come in different shades, I like the dark purple, you plant it in full sun, and it blooms all summer long.... check it out and see if it would work for ya!!
Reply:There is a vinca on the market that is green with yellowish markings. It is very attractive and doesn't like shade. Good luck----
Reply:Most ground covers can be aggressive growers, because that's what they do. With a little attention, however, they can all be easily controlled. We have a bed of Lilies-of-the-valley that wants to take over our yard. Its easily controlled just by mowing, however. We planted daffodils around the perimeter of the bed for some early spring color before the lilies come up. The lilies are just starting to bloom and spread, and the daffodil plants are dying back, so the next time I cut the grass, I'll just cut over to the daffodils and the bed will be the proper size again.





Check out our website for more groundcover ideas at-


http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...





Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

How far away do I plant my tree?

I haven't actually bought the tree yet. I'm thinking about buying one of the following trees: a) autumn cherry; b) white dogwood; c) red dogwood; d) okame flowering cherry; e) red rocket crape myrtle; or f) scarlet red maple. I want to plant it near the back rear corner of my house. How far away should I plant the tree so there won't be any foundation problems or the tree looking funky because the corner of the house is shaping it?

How far away do I plant my tree?
Most of those trees will get about 15'-20' diameter when mature. I'd go at least 10' away from the house. Consult your local nurseryman when purchasing the tree for accurate dimensions on planting.
Reply:every tree is different, need to consider the size it will become, how the roots grow and whether or not the roots will be drawn to your water/sewer lines, some trees have caused costly damage because the tree was put where it shouldn't be .. on something like this i would be sure before i plant
Reply:At least 4-5 yards away. The farther the better. Other things to think about is plumbing, water, and light.





If you plant it too close not only does it cause constant foundation problems but plumbing too. The roots will break through your pipes and cause blocking and damage.
Reply:A dogwood tree can be planted closer to the fence than a cherry tree. I personally would look at the length of the branches of a full grown tree and plant it that distance away from the fence. You don't want the majority of the tree going into your neighbours yard or the branches hitting the corner of your house/roof. You would be forever pruning it then.
Reply:It really doesn't matter if you prune the tree actively.





I mean some Japanese people have no problem with their trees because they only get two feet tall.





You failed to state what you wanted the trees for. You failed to state your land's dimensions. You failed to state your idea of what a foundation problem is, or what kind of foundation you have. With all this missing data, who could tell?





You failed to state if you will be building additions. Of course, who knows I suppose.





Trees take a very long time to grow. Trees can be moved (sometimes). Trees look different in comparison to the house at different times in their life cycle. Houses also move as they as added to.





I'd move the house.





The best rule of thumb is to keep it away from the house as far as is practical (for your intended use). IE: form follows function. Perhaps if you cannot afford to rebuild a basement foundation you cannot afford the tree you want.





One must also have a dry basement with no water leaks coming or going from it as this will in some locations draw the tree roots farther than normal towards the house.





If water leaks develop later they might draw the roots in too. So there really is no telling.





My wife put a tree "too close" to the house. I was a tad unhappy with it. But the basement really needed to go. There were leaks pouring water into the basement. She was right; I was wrong. The tree might have saved our marriage; had it only grown fast enough...
Reply:enough it can grow i would say about 3-4 feet
Reply:A general rule of thumb with trees....the roots will achieve the same diameter as the branches.... So, when your tree is mature and the branches will span about 12 feet, so will the roots...
Reply:when planting trees: you have to consider the root base at a mature level of the tree. It also depends on the where you want the shade to be in your yard, along with any property lines that my create any issues with neighbors. many things to consider for short term and long term. so before you buy know the chraracteristics of the trees you want and it will give you a more specific idea on where to plant and how far to plant. have a great day.

Rubber Slippers

How far from my foundation should I plant this small tree?

I am doing some foundation planning and have settled on a crape myrtle that will grow 7-10 feet at maturity. How close can I plant this to my house without having to worry about its roots and my foundation?

How far from my foundation should I plant this small tree?
There are three basic sizes of crapes - small medium and large. if you have one of the smaller ones (i do in my backyard) i'd plan on about 6-7' out. I don't believe they have a real agressive root system but i understand your concern. The ones in my hard are only about 3-4 feet off my house but i wish they were a few feet more because the branches hit my gutter, giving critters an access into my gutters. One thing to remember - crapes branch up up up and then out.
Reply:The general 'rule of thumb' for most trees is 5 metres (approx 16 ft) from the house and this is for large trees. Even if it gets to 12ft it really isn't a large tree. Crepe myrtles do not have particularly obnoxious roots, so if yours is only a medium one at 7-10 feet I wouldn't worry too much if it was quite close to the house its really only medium shrub size.





I agree with the answerer about the 'crepe myrtle murder' syndrome. It's been recognised as a waste of time for producing flowers and has been gone for years but the people with tree phobias still keep this monstrosity making habit going.
Reply:NOT SO MUCH WORRY OVER THE ROOTS BUT I WOULD PLANT IT AT LEAST 4 FOOT OUT FROM THE HOUSE, IT WILL GET BIG
Reply:I agree with everyone on the root system. I don't think you have to worry about your foundation.





The distance you choose from the house will allow the tree to form its canopy (branching) properly. The closest to the house I would consider is 6-8 feet. Ideally 10 or more.





If it comes down to pruning... again, I agree with almost everyone else. Proper pruning goes a long way to making your landscape look good, longer.





Good luck
Reply:Are you sure this tree only gets 7-10'? I have them all over my yard and I had to transplant 2 I had in the front of my yard.


Depends on how you want it to look years from now.


Also a lot of people create "Crape Myrtle murder". This is when someone clips the tops of the trees about this time of year. That is not the correct way to prune a Crape Myrtle. Select the main branches of the tree, all of those little brances can be cut off, but actually the tree really doesn't need pruning at all.


But back to your question. This tree's branches WILL probably


reaches out a good 15 ft from the middle of the tree. I would go out 20' from the house. Just so it looks good when it is mature.


Some people, not all, can't visualize the tree at maturity, so they plant it right next to their house.


Crape Myrtles don't have a "mean" root system either. Not like Maple, Oaks because they don't get huge.


Hope this helps.


And if you pull it out of the ground you will have some little ones come up and you can transplant these as well.


Happy gardening!