Weddingbee boards

I love the idea of the wishing tree.  I have been struggling with whether to use Manzanita Braches dressed with crystals and artificial cherry blossoms, or going with an artificial Mazanita that's already potted.

Then I got to thinking...why not use a real tree?  The nurseries are clearing out their stocks.  I might be able to snag a dwarf tree at a good price.  I know that, even on clearance, it will be expensive.  I would rather spend a couple hundred dollars on something that's permanent, though.  I just can't bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on flowers that will die in a few days.

I could pot the tree and keep it on the porch until it gets cold, then I could bring it inside for the winter. For the wedding, we could put it up on a sturdy stand or table, dress it up, and use it for our wishing tree. 

After the wedding, I would plant it in in a nice sunny spot in our front yard.  The tree will always be a rememberance of our wedding.  This is the house we always plan to live in.  Our house has already been in my family for more than 30 years.  My FI and I are the second generation to live in the home.

I was thinking of two options.  Our wedding theme is Japanese cherry blossoms.

The first option is a dwarf Japanese Maple.  I love the color of the foliage and this species doesn't get much taller than 5'.

The second option is a dwarf Weeping Cherry (Snow Fountain).  This gets a little taller.  There's no way the flowers would last to our wedding day, but even with only the foliage it's still pretty.

Snow Fountain in Summer

Snow Fountain in Spring

Can't decide which route to go.  Any recommendations?

Hmm, good point.  I could just leave it on the porch unless there are "danger" days with the cold.  I know the maple is good in my zone.  My mom has one at her house about ten miles away.  The cherry is, too.  Just remembered my neighbor has one.

I will also check with the nursery about storage.  That was a good idea.  Thanks.

I love the idea of a live tree!  My family has a Japanese maple, and we love it, so it got my vote!  (I'm familiar with the other tree as well, but I think that for year round beauty the Japanese maple is hard to beat!  I would think that you might want to talk to your local nursery or green house about your plan, they might be able to give you a suggestion about how to winter it.