I’m trying to propagate a very old Magnolia tree that was out front of my aunts house. The tree was very old and was recently cut back as it was beginning to impede on the house. I believe it was planted many years ago by my Grandfather.

I took some cuttings before the tree was cut. I tried to get the new growth tips as much as possible. Getting the cuttings in the fall was not the best timing but we hoped for the best.

Following instructions I found on YouTube, I prepared two pots with a sand and soil mixture. I made the soil moist but not too soggy. I prepared several cuttings and dipped each in rooting compound before placing them in the sand/soil. I then placed the pot in a plastic bag and covered the top in a clear bag. I placed it in my dining room away from direct sunlight. It sat there for two months. I occasionally added some mist but instructions said not to water.

I decided to check on them. I found two stems with some leaves and nice root growth. It’s ready to transplant!

Let’s hope I can keep it going through winter until spring when it can go outside. There are more that are close to being ready. A couple more have new leaves starting. I think it’s slower being winter.

We discovered that the rabbits (assumed) were munching on the small Cherry Plum tree and the rose. So, after I cleaned up the pine trees by cutting the lower branches i repurposed them as material for the fence. We wanted a particular crafty look to it so I used heavy twine to secure the joins.

Our figs are both doing very well. Perhaps it’s the weather this year that’s helping. Frequent rain, hot humid days and cool nights.

We bought a new rose this year from Canadian Tire Garden Centre. It’s now starting to open up.

After feeling that our greenhouse was taking up too much space up on the deck we decided to move it down not the grass beside the deck. It has worked out so much better as it does not get as hot on the ground which is better. I also made garden beds on either side.