Golden Chain Tree

Just this time last year I was shopping for bare root berries, nut trees, figs and a gold chain tree (Laburnum anagyroides) and planting them in the garden. This year has been a little different. Up until last week the ground seemed too cold and hard to be doing that this year, and now it’s a little soggy.

I still think this is a great time to get those bare root beauties in, as long as your soil is not too heavy or sticky to work with. If you plant now you can take advantage of nature’s bountiful drizzle to help your new shrubs and trees establish a healthy root system. Plant your bare root babies properly and they actually will form a healthier root system sooner than the plants you buy that are potted in soil. Not to mention you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing them bud, leaf, bloom and maybe even fruit this year. And yes, we may get more hard frost before winter is over but since you are planting dormant shrubs and trees, they should make it through just fine.