 |
Moonshine Designs Nursery Located in Milan, Illinois 309-756-1967 Fax: 309-756-1058
|
|
|
|
|
Important Information Regarding Plant Stock
Some definitions, explanations, and general information regarding our plants, seeds, and nursery stock
Bare Root, Semi-bare root, in pot: We ship stock the following three ways:
Blooming and bearing: The "time to flower and/or fruit" listed in descriptions is general. Growing conditions will also dictate the length of time required for a plant to bear fruit. Those in favorable conditions will of course, bear sooner.
Container Grown: 95% of our plants are container grown, not grown in the ground. This not only reduces the shock from transplant when digging them up, it also allows us flexibility in caring, fertilizing, establishing particular soil types, and ease in moving stock. We use soilless mixes that we blend ourselves. These are lighter than soil for reduced shipping costs and do not stick to the root ball like regular soil when shipping bare root. This also keeps shipping costs down. This mix may contain some or all of the following:
We do NOT use soil in any mix. Soil borne pathogens are monitored on a regular basis. Fumigation and steam treatments are applied where necessary to prevent the spread of any pathogens or insects. We monitor and control Japanese Beetles on a continuous schedule.
Stock that is field grown is dug and all soil washed from the roots before shipping. Roots are then dipped in a 'gel' that retains moisture before wrapping in moist shredded newspaper before shipping. Field grown stock is only available in Spring and Fall.
Container Sizes: What's in a gallon? A "gallon" pot is actually .86 gallon capacity. The "gallon" is considered a "trade size and should not be taken literally as an indicator of true capacity. Most of our larger offerings are grown in these "trade-size" containers. A "gallon" size container could be compared to a 6" pot, only deeper (usually 7-8"). Gallon containers are also referred to as "#1" pots in some areas. A 2 gallon could be compared to an 8", three gallon to a 10", four gallon to a 12", five gallon to a 14", etc. We seldom ship anything larger than a five gallon. Items designated as grown in a 2 1/4", 3", 4", or 4 1/2" pot are just that.............Square pots. Plants described as in a "deep" pot are grown in SVD square pots which are deeper than they are square.
Dormant: Several plants must go through a dormant state in their natural growing cycle; much like we need to sleep. This is our preferred method of shipping as it is safest for the plant. Most dormant plants look dried up and dead. This is normal!! Plant and water as recommended for that particular plant. Give them a fair chance!! Some plants naturally break dormancy late (Butterfly bush and river birch is an example) so will appear "dead" for what seems like a long time. Strawberries and some evergreen plants will look pretty droopy when they arrive, but will perk back up after planting and watering. Blackberries and raspberries may appear dead for an extended period as they develop a new root system. Some will not bud out on existing canes, but rather send up new shoots from the base. This is quite normal! Allow at least 6 weeks for plants to break dormancy. Plant out dormant stock as soon as possible. Unless otherwise noted for a particular species, a freeze or frost will not harm them!
Height at time of sale: The height listed for a particular plant is measured from the top of the container to the top of the growth. Measurements do NOT include the roots or pot!! To do so would be deceptive. Heights listed are an average. Plants may be somewhat taller or wider due to additional growth put on since the listing was made. Shrubs may be pruned back if overly large to allow fit into shipping containers. This is not done to trees! Maximum shipping height is 62" before going to "oversize" shipping rates. Taller trees and shrubs are available at times. Contact us for information.
Height after planting: The mature height and spread listed is general. Those in very fertile soils with adequate moisture and a longer growing season may get larger than what is listed. The reverse is true for stock planted on poor or dry soils.
Zones: Most plants listed have a zone or a "zone range" designated as being suitable for growth. Some plants will survive in zones not normally suited for them if planted in "micro-climates". For example, a shrub listed as hardy to zone 4 may survive in zone 3 if planted in a protected area. This usually doesn't work the other way, however. A plant suited for Zone 6 may not survive, bloom, or bear fruit in zone 7 or higher due to the increase in summer heat and lack of adequate winter chilling time. Some plants MUST go through a dormant-chilling period to bear fruit. Examples are lilacs, flowering crab, forsythia, bittersweet, and others.
KNOW YOUR PLANTING ZONE!