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Wednesday, October 10, 2007 The Braselton News Page 9A Twig and bark pigments enhance seasonal color Barrow Business and Home Expo planned Fall and winter color for most of us coincides with annual changes in leaf pigments and an abundance of bright red ber ries. But there are other sources of seasonal color that last longer and repeat more consistently in spite of drought and other con ditions that primarily affect foliage. Brilliant pigments in various shades of red, orange, and yellow typify the bark and twigs of some maples and varieties of dogwoods while some cultivars of crape myrtles continue to illuminate the winter landscape with colorful bark. This fall encore perfor mance generally lasts throughout the cold months, and does not begin to fade until new growth resumes in spring. Among the maples known for a reliable and consis tent show of this kind, the coral bark Japanese maple (Acer palmatus ‘Sango Kaku’) is probably close to the top of the popularity list. Commonly available at the majority of our local garden centers, this small tree transplants well, fits comfortably into a variety of landscape niches, and is reasonably fast-growing. But it is this tree’s bril liant red stem color that stops viewers in their tracks, particularly when displayed against a deep blue sky or water that reflects this. The coral bark also produces a great leaf show when foliage turns a deep shade of butter yellow sporadically flushed with pink. Another maple well worth considering as a focal point grows taller and is more famous for its trunks than for its autumn leaves or winter twigs. Well- named paperbark maple (Acer griseum), locally this beauty is close to the southernmost limits of its climate comfort zone but performs fairly well in the Braselton area if partially shaded. Although the trifoliate leaves of the paper bark can be showy in autumn when they turn from dark green to shades of red and bronze, it is the winter bark of this tree that contributes most to its popular ity. Older wood greater than a half inch in diameter typically turns a gorgeous shade of cinnamon brown as it slowly peels back to expose an ever increasing amount of bark color. Because of the manner in which this tree exfoliates bark, exposing a patchwork of color instead of a more uniform pattern, it is difficult to compare the natural artistry of the paper bark maple to river birch or the Natchez crape myrtle. But in general, the paper bark maple is much slower growing and less dominant in the landscape than either birch or crape myrtle. The same could be said of the Tatarian dogwood when compared to the flowering native and Asian varieties. Cultivars for the former are not known for blooms in spring or early summer, but they are famous for winter twig color in shades of red and yellow. Probably the best known of these cultivars is Siberica, well-known for its dense upright twigs that turn a bright red in a shade similar to that of the coral bark maple. Normally grown in masses or hedge rows in full sun, this shrub is not considered as happy in Braselton’s climate zone 7-b as in areas much fur ther north. Nevertheless, well- sited and protected from the hot afternoon sun, it will usually put on a good show for many years before it may eventually succumb to dogwood canker or other ailments of botanical old age. In our climate zone and south into central Florida, the lacebark or Chinese elm presents yet another good choice for attractive winter bark. This is displayed in a beautiful mottled pattern in shades of orange, brown, gray, and green. Given adequate moisture and room, this tree grows rapidly and can reach heights of over 40 feet with similar widths in less than 10 years. Consider planting it wherever a finer textured version of the Japanese zelkovia is desirable. The lacebark elm is ideally suited to street planting and large areas where it has plenty of room to grow. It should not be sited near other large trees where it is forced to lean toward the sunlight, spoiling its nor mally symmetrical shape. Like most trees known to display outstanding fea tures in any season, lacebarks elms, river birch and crape myrtles are over-used. This has a lot to do with the fact that they transplant easily, produce dramatic results at an early age, and are comparatively inex pensive for mass planting by developers. Individual homeowners, on the other hand, are urged to plant these with restraint. A single tree or naturalistic grove of these can serve as a great wintertime focal point but, in excess, these trees can be monotonous. It also pays to consider locating such trees where the twig and bark color contrasts favorably to other plantings and structures. The bright red twigs of a coral bark maple or the mahogany brown bark of a Natchez crape myrtle will show up beautifully against a background of white, blue, green, or pale gray. But such color can be lost against a wall of red bricks or a wide expanse of dormant Bermuda sod, unless skirted by a generous number of low-growing evergreens. Selective pruning can further enhance the attributes of colorful twigs and bark. Gardeners may find it advantageous to high prune river birches and other trees with persistent lower branches or, just prior to spring, to occasionally shear coral bark maples and Siberica dogwoods. This will encourage a greater abundance of younger twigs that produce the best color. Fil Jessee lives in Braselton, where he works as a freelance journalist. He is a Georgia Certified Plant Professional with experience in ornamental horticul ture and landscape design. Reader questions relating to gardening can be sent to Fil at fdwrites@aol.com. Gardener’s Grapevine with Fil Jessee filwrites@aol.com i/oie c '(f/i Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services at 7 | j Ml ROW Regional Medical Center I Nall 770.307.5228 to make your appointment Monday. 7a.-5p Tuesday... .7a-6:30p Wednesday.. .8a-5p Thursday. .7a-6:30p Friday 8a-5p Staff: (back) "Sam" Reenders; (front) (L-R): | Mary Johnson, Anitra Hale & Cheryl Smith L 1 The physical therapy clinic at BRMC is staffed by excellent therapists who strive to offer the highest quality physical therapy treatments in the area. Our clinic is primarily an outpatient clinic and we provide a wide variety of treatments to people of all ages. Our therapists are highly skilled and provide cutting-edge treatment for our clients. Our goal is to provide the treatments and education needed for each of our clients to reach their goals as soon as possible!!! ~ Symantha "Sam" Reenders Director of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services Diagnoses that can be treated, but are not limited to, include: • Acute and chronic injuries to joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments including back and neck injuries • Post surgical care (total joint replacements, knee and shoulder surgery, etc.) • Sports and work injuries • Acute and chronic wounds • Neurological problems • Balance Problems • Chronic joint pain Treatments we provide include: • Specific therapeutic exercise prescription • Soft tissue and joint manual treatments • Return to work and sport specific programs • Gait and balance training • Wound care • Modalities, including ultrasound and electrical stimulation Barrow Regional Medical Center's Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services 314 North Broad Street, 3rd Floor Winder, Georgia 30680 770-307-5228 www.barrowregional.com The Barrow Business and Home Expo 07 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will be held at the Barrow County Leisure Services Center, located at 175 Second Street, Winder. The public is welcomed to attend the event, which is hosted by the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce. The expo will encourage residents to “Shop Barrow First,” and will include exhibits, food samples, door prizes and shows every hour. For more information, call the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce at 770-867-9444. Businesses sought for upcoming school career fair Businesses are being sought to participate in an upcoming career fair for eighth and 10 th graders in Jackson County’s middle and high schools and Jefferson Middle School. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the Jefferson Civic Center. Those who are interested in receiving an application may con tact Deb Hanzel, Jackson County Comprehensive High School coun selor, at (706) 367-5003 ext. 255 or dhanzel@jackson.kl2.ga.us. Vintage tractor show ahead in Hoschton The Hoschton Business Alliance will present a vin tage classic tractor show on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Hoschton Towne Center. The event is free and parking is free. Booth space is available. The Coldwell Bankers RMR kid’s pumpkin carving contest will be held at noon. The event is also sponsored by Tractor Supply, Maddox Feed and Seed of Jefferson and Gene and Matt’s Tractors of Winder. For more information, call 770-331-5525 or e-mail twoodall@opteum.com. Antique festival planned Oct. 27-28 in Braselton The Braselton Antique and Holiday Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27-28 in the Braselton Park. Just a mile down the road, the Hoschton Business Alliance will sponsor the Vintage Classic Tractor Show at Hoschton Towne Center on Oct. 27. The antique and holiday event will feature antique dealers with vintage and antique items of all nature. An added feature is work shops. Tim Cash, a Georgia master florist, will offer holiday wreath making for a fee. Margaret Hobe’, a retired master jewelry maker, will instruct how to make beaded earrings. All of the supplies are included in the work shop fee. Donna Bailey, artist, will teach the art of turning a gourd into a holiday character. Her own whimsi cal ideas include a Freddy Kruger, a snowman and a witch. All work shop participants must choose the character ahead of time and the materials are included in the sign up fee. Vendors, food and entertainment will be part of the tractor show. Coldwell Banker will help children carve pumpkins. Tractors will com pete in a couple of unique venues. Both events are free admission and free parking. Submit your school or social news from Braselton, Hoschton, Chateau Elan, Mill Creek, South Hall or West Jackson by e-mailing news@mainstreetnews.com, faxing items to 706-387-5421 or calling 706-367-5986. Feature story ideas are also welcomed. 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