Almulch Done

I'm nearly done mulching, so while I was finishing up the mulch on the front slope, I planted an Aloe 'Hercules' while I was there.  'Hercules' is a cross between Aloe dichotoma and Aloe barberae, and is faster growing and cold-hardier than both parents.  This hybrid occurs in nature as the two parent species sometimes share the same area.  
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I thought pretty hard about putting this Aloe in that spot.  'Hercules' can get 30 feet (9 meters) tall,  so it needs to be placed as carefully as a tree, because it is a tree.  It got very stressed in the 12" pot it was in, giving the foliage that lovely tangerine color.  I am already beginning to think I need to move it.  It won't be in the way, but it may look odd there eventually.  This Aloe, once in the ground gets big fast, so I won't be able to move it for long. 

PhotobucketIf it falls, it shouldn't take out a car or pedestrian.  Only another Aloe (or two or three)  

I've only got about two more yards of mulch to spread.  Also maybe an Aloe to move.  I think I'll be done tomorrow.  Ouch!  Ow!  Whee! 

Comments

  1. I've been meaning to ask: isn't a moisture-holding mulch like this bad for some of the more xeric plants? I know there are many that don't like to stay wet at the base, so it's recommended those be mulched with gravel or similar. You don't have any problems with that?

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  2. Hi Alan, normally one would not put that sort of mulch around those sorts of plants, but drainage on that sandy-soiled, south-facing slope in all-day sun is so sharp, so instantaneous, it is not a problem. And to a certain extent, Agaves and Aloes can take much more moisture than Cacti. I only have one small Opuntia on the slope, which seems to want more water than it gets.

    Good point, though--thanks for bringing that up.

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  3. Now you deserve a good full-body massage...and i love that 2nd shot very much.

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