Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Flaunt Your Red-Japanese Red Maples




My favorite tree is any variety of the Japanese Red Maple. While we were on vacation last summer in Alabama I accidentally stumbled onto one of the most beautiful nurseries I've ever seen just a few minutes from Lake Martin where we were staying. The nursery is Millstone Nursery in Dadeville, Alabama.






They specialize only in Japanese Maples and most of them are the various red varities. I've never seen such a selection! The red barn was just so picturesque I just had to stop! It reminded me of something you might see in New England in the fall.







The owner , a charming "southern belle" had a soft accent and she was the most gracious hostess. She walked the entire nursery with me and told me about each tree I seemed interested in. Her husband had retired and they started the nursery to supplement their income and obviously love these trees. They live adjacent to the nursery and get to enjoy these colorful trees everyday!










She told me which ones were grafted and which they raised from seed and then she recommended a few varities she thought would do well in Oklahoma. She offered personalized service and was such good company. Her plant knowledge was extensive and she was my kind of gal! After agonizing with so many beautiful trees to choose from- I finally choose small trees that I could squeeze into the back seat of my car. The prices were very affordable I was happy to choose 3 varieties.









Red Coral Bark Maple-


The red coral bark maple is a beautiful tree and the bark is red all year -after the lime green leaves drop you still have great winter color!







Summer sunset has great year round color and is a fast grower.











Lastly I picked a deep red Japanese maple grown from seed she said would be of the 'Bloodgood' variety . It was a bargain at $5.00!!











I put my little trees in patio pots so I could move them around my yard and patio. (and in case I ever move -they are coming with me) I did put them in the garage this winter to protect them and now they are doing just great!




Thanks Stacey for being our most gracious hostess for Flaunt Your Red! I know everyone will enjoy not missing any posts! Can't wait to see what everyone shares!! I'm off to Canton Texas for some serious flea market shopping!

20 comments:

  1. I love red maples too, but you taught me a lot I didn't know about them. Very interesting post. laurie

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  2. Aren't you smart!

    I love Japanese Maples. When we moved to this house I was so excited to have them because we are pretty shady. However, I've never been able to make them work. For a few years it was so dry they were never happy. They are such beautiful spots of color in a yard.

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  3. I would love to have a Japanese Maple..they sure are beautiful...and having RED in your yard HAS to be a hugh plus !!
    Great RED post...

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  4. I love Japanese Maples too! But, the sun is too strong in my backyard to grow them. Lucky you!

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  5. I have one Japanese Maple outside my bathroom window. It is so pretty to look out at the pretty red color. I recently came across the coral bark variety and thought it was exceptionally beautiful. I have been trying to decide if I have room for one in my yard. The nursery you visited sounds great. I love it when the owners are so helpful and knowledgable.

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  6. I have been investigating the possibility og getting a Japanese Maple. I am new to this ares and Not sure about them. Wish I could find someone as knowledgeable as the gal you found!
    lucky!

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  7. Those Japanese maples are stunning! Such a beautiful post! Linda

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  8. What a great find to stumble upon a nursery with a friendly and knowledgeable owner and your favorite trees. Japanese Maples are wonderful. I love the red bark one - nice color all year!

    Thanks for stopping by yesterday and for your lovely comments.

    Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

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  9. Hi Sonia, these trees are so beautiful. Lovely pictures.

    Barb

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  10. How gorgeous is this nursery!
    I would love to visit it one day.

    Red Japanese Maples are my favorite as well. You have some beauties.

    Happy FYRED Day!
    ~Melissa :)

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  11. Sonia, I loved this post. I really would love to have a Japanese maple. I just don't know where I'd put in. And most varieties do not do well in zone 4. One of these days I'll break down and give it a try.

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  12. Hi Sonia,
    Thanks for stopping by to visit! What a great country nursery I just love old barn buildings like that! I've always wanted a Japanese Maple Tree too, they're sooo pretty!!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Have a fun FY Red Friday!!

    Sherri:)

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  13. Hi Sonia, I would have picked out the exact same maples as you..especially that red bark! I also love that pink rose in your profile named after you..hehe! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your nice comment :)
    Lynn (NJ)

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  14. Great barn in the background behind all the lovely red trees. Good idea on putting them in pots. My hubby would be interested in spending some time at this nursery, he is studying the trees in our area for a Scouting project.

    Love that one with the red trunk.

    Flauntin' red for sure,
    Candy

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  15. What a beautiful nursery. And what great finds for you!

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  16. Such beautiful trees! How great that you were able to make an "educated" choice. I hope those trees give you much happiness for many years.
    I miss having a tree. We had to make the very difficult decision to bring out Maple tree down. It was over 50 years old and had gotten sick :0( I actually shed a few tears when the county crews were cutting it down

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  17. Actually, that is the very next thing on my list for my yard. A red Japanese maple. I've always longed for one. And one would be perfect just off the new deck. Love seeing these gorgeous red-themed trees!
    Brenda

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  18. I love Japenese maples! I have one that is struggling. I need to move it and thinking of just putting it in a pot too. Good luck with yours! Have a nice weekend! Twyla

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  19. Wonderful Sonia!!! I love the Japanese maples...they are absolutely stunning!!! So glad you shared this little piece of heaven!!!

    Have a wonderful FYR Friday!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  20. Sonia, Love the Japanese beauties, your tress and plants are wonderful...I feel like I have a new garden too when I look at all the roses on my ottoman slipcover I just finished...xoxo~Kathy~ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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