Trees in pots... (from Acer I.D.)

[Carlo]

Amazing how forgiving these plants are, no? I grow Acers as well as gingkos, conifers (bananas and oleander) and other trees in pots, mostly for the portability of it. These plants for the most part do fine with relatively little maintenance, and are focal points that will be scattered throughout the new garden once it is protected from deer (who would prune a little more heavily than I). My favorite of the moment is Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chairman', which is growing in a Betsy Knapp pot and situated as a centerpiece on an outdoor table.

[mark smyth]

I have a small selection of small conifers in pots, Prunus Kojo no mai, Prunus japnonica and Taxus standishii

[Onion]

My favorite of the moment is Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chairman', which is growing in a Betsy Knapp pot and situated as a centerpiece on an outdoor table.

Carlo,

sorry but what is a Betsy Knapp pot 
Never heard before.

Is 'Chairman' a witches broom? Can't find a good picture of this cultivar.

[Carlo]

Sorry Uli. Betsy is a trough maker from Rochester NY and was chosen by me to make the troughs for The New York Botanical Garden rock garden when I was curator there. We've stayed in touch over the years and I have several containers made by her--in her distinctive finish and design.

C. obtusa 'Chairman' is described by Goscote Nurseries (UK) as "A charming little conifer which is ideal to grow in a rockery or trough. Tiny, dense green foliage on a miniature upright plant.  Requires a fertile, moist, but well drained soil in sun or part shade.  Height 18 inches in 10 years." This is a reasonably good description. The photographs I've seen on line are a mixed bag, although a reasonably good one is included in an offering on eBay.

[Paddy Tobin]

Which reminds me, Maggi, that you inquired about an acer I had shown, photographed in Fota Island, some time back. I had collected some seed which germinated and now have a number of small, very small, plants with the leave just beginning to drop. Will I drop one in the post - or will I hold it until you visit next September?

I can't for the life of me think of its name - it is on the label outside but I am having coffee and muffins (not just lazy).

Paddy

Post Scriptum: It was Acer grosseri, posted on November 3rd, 2008

[Maggi Young]

Hang fire with the Acer, please, Paddy. Ashley send me some seeds and I'm hopeful of a wee forest!

All this talk of muffins is making me hungry ............. 

[Lesley Cox]

The innumerable seedlings of Acer palmatum in variety, which appear in gardens with that species, make great little pot (or trough) plants with super autumn colour and they keep small with judicious trimming and due to the root confinement.

Yesterday on my travels I called into the carpark where I'd collected my berries from Sorbus cashmeriana, intending to photograph the spring shrub coming into flower but found it had gone, chopped out to make 2 more car park spaces.

[Lesley Cox]

Can you do a picture of the Betsy Knapp pot with 'Chairman' please Carlo?

[Maggi Young]

As well as a number of more "genuine" bonsai that Ian grows, I also have kept a copper beech in a pot for about 20 years.... it's lovely ..... less than four feet high, including its container!

Given some extra feeding on occasion and attention to watering, I see no reason not to attempt any manner of woody subjects in pot or troughs.    A chum has a lovely oak tree in a container on a terrace - I'll try to get  photo before the leaves drop!

 Right, after a long wait... here is a photo of my Friend's oak tree, grown in a half barrell.... it's been in there for 34 years
 Also, An Acer she grows in a pot, it's at least  20 years old.

[Ragged Robin]

Well, I think they make a great display of colour and something very different as a focal point on the patio - wonderful to think they are quite and age and look very youthful 

How old are the two small ones I wonder - one looks like a maple?

[mark smyth]

The Oak and Acer give me ideas

[Maggi Young]

How old are the two small ones I wonder - one looks like a maple?

The wee oak is about ten to  twelve and the others about six years 

[Lesley Cox]

Me too Mark.

Oddly, today Carlo sent me a picture of the 'Chairman' conifer in the BK pot. They're both beautiful.

[Carlo]

Didn't want you to think I'd forgotten about you Leslie...I snapped away with my phone and presto...right to email.

[Lesley Cox]

Didn't want you to think I'd forgotten about you Leslie...I snapped away with my phone and presto...right to email.

Would you post it here too Carlo? or may I?