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We are Giving Away a Free, ‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese maple.

Last updated : January 12, 2018

Wow!  I can’t believe that we are doing this . . . but here goes;

The contest is now over. A winner has been drawn and an email has been sent to notify them. We’ll post the winner here once they respond. Thank you!

'Purple Ghost' Japanese Maple.

‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese Maple.

Please do me a huge favor . . .

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Quick and Easy Way to Make Money at Home Growing Plants
Purple Ghost Japanese Maple.

Purple Ghost Japanese Maple.

I originally wrote about this spectacular Japanese maple last spring in This Post.

Disclaimer; more than likely we will not be able to ship this tree to the west coast.

If you are chosen to win this tree and you happen to be on the west coast we’ll send you a really nice, alternative gardening gift.  Shipping plants from the east coast or central America to the west coast is challenging because of pest control laws.  It’s a good thing really, but I have to make you aware of that upfront.

Sponsored: Sign Up To My Free Gardening Newsletter and Get 10 Free Gardening Gifts

This ‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese maple is nothing short of a spectacular tree and extremely rare and hard to find.  Of course where did I find one to give away?  In Our Members Area!  We have several members who sell really rare Japanese maples to other members at crazy low prices!

Enter the contest by writing a short comment below!

Comments

  2. That color is stunning – I’ve never seen one like it before. I’d love to win one. thanks!

  3. Such a glorious gift from God. Who’da thunk that with everything else going on in this world, this simple, but beautiful example of greatness could be shining for all of us to see. So miraculous.. thank you for your kindness and your knowledge.

  4. I just love everything about maple trees. The are so versatile in the garden, they add color and interest to the landscape.. I love paiting and crafting with maple leaves. the Japanese Hapa Some, Leaf printing . Scandinavian leaf prints. leaf imprints on china. Maple syrup and maple candy. The possibilities seem endless.

  7. When working in my front yard, I have been told many times how beautiful my yard and flowers look. I can only imagine what they would say if they would see a beautiful tree like this “Purple Ghost Japanese Maple” in my front yard, especially in the fall, I know it would make me very very Happy!!!

  10. This is a very stunning tree. The color reminds me of a Mimosa tree that was in our yard when I was a child. When it was in full bloom, it was so beautiful. A disease came through and destroyed most of the trees around in the 70’s. I’m beginning to see a few along the roadsides in our community. I would be grateful to have the Japanese Maple.

  11. I really enjoy all your tips and advice for my garden and for my customers!! This tree would make a beautiful centerpiece to my yard!

  12. I love this site. I have learned so much and each day learn something new. I plan to join as soon as I am able. Thank you for everything. I am so sorry you lost Ally.

  13. The Japanese maple is my favorite tree. You have so many beautiful ones. I would love to win one. Thanks for all the information you give us. I hope this year will be a good year for you.

  14. I love your down to earth, practical gardening. I look to you for help all the time. I have a spot in my front yard for a purple Japanese maple. I can’t wait to receive this one!

  15. Love the giveaways and the tips Just about to start seeding. I will start on the window sill then move them to the greenhouse later, I have already planted onions and garlic in the raised bed and set the new raised (smaller beds) in a more sunny location where the tomatoes seem to do best.

  16. I would be thrilled to win this tree. So beautiful and thanks for doing this Mike.

  18. Just moved. I have a clean slate. Excited to design and create my Never Ending Garden of Peace.

  19. What an Exquisite creation of nature!
    In all honesty, I don’t have my own home yet to put such a beautiful piece of natures art.
    Perhaps someday soon.
    Although I am saddened that I cannot truly hope for the chance to win due to my lack of a yard, may the ghost live long and happy in it’s new home! Good luck to all…
    and Thank you Mike…..
    I’ve loved receiving your e-mails of plant culture over many years and appreciate your commitment and selflessness to share with others.
    when I do have a yard to plant a beloved garden I’ll be sure to inquire where I might find one for myself
    Happy Gardening

  20. I’d love to win one and will definitely buy one when possible in the backyard garden members area if I finally get a grip on how to navigate through it.

  21. This is one awesomely beautiful tree! How hearty is it? How easy to maintain healthy growth.

  22. Love all the helpful gardening info I’m receiving from your site. Would love to win this gorgeous tree.

  23. Would love to win this beauty. You have such great information on your site
    I shared this on my twitter!

  27. I have been following Mike for many years and would love to have this beautiful tree.

  28. This Japanese Maple is gorgeous,!!! I look forward to your emails, I learn so much!

  29. Would love to try this Japanese maple. They are borderline hardy here in Northern MI.

  31. I always enjoy your tips and lessons. I’ve been following you for years now. The Purple Ghost Maple
    is beautiful!! It would be wonderful to have this in my yard!

  33. Me and my wife have been following your site, joined your pay site and have never looked back. This spring will be my first sale!

  34. Happy New Year Mike and all my fellow “gardening freaks”! Love, love, love this J. maple, too! Don’t have this one… yet. 🙂

  38. I love purple. I love maples. I have moved and have to start over planting trees, so I was thinking I’ll just plant one of everything I like!!! I’d like to get this tree out where it would be seen. Maybe near a fringe tree would look nice. I’ll have to look into how big it will get over the years.

  39. Mike, Mike, Mike, I scan my emails daily for hints from you! You have helped my garden and my gardening so much! Can not wait for every new email!!

  40. Japanese Purple Ghost. I would love to have one. Is it for zone 6a. If not then allow someone else to win it if my name is drawn.

    Thanks Mike for doing such a great thing.

  41. I would love to have a purple ghost. I’m a new member this past May, and I would like to have 20 of them, they truly are beautiful tree.

  42. I LOVE my Japanese Maples! I have grown them for years. The purple ghost is amazingly beautiful!

  43. Mike’s advice on propagation has been a great asset to my entire yard. Keep up the good work.

  44. I have been an admirer of Japanese gardens all my life. The elegance and variety of the Japanese Maple adds so much texture and color to the layered and horizontal Japanese style of gardening. A real stand out!

  46. I love it and would like to plant in my new yard. I get to landscape with a fresh pallet. I hope I win.

  47. Simply amazing! I would be forever grateful to have such a beautiful maple as the focal point in my landscape.

  49. We lost our house do to the fires here in Northern California. Maple Trees are on our list for replanting of our yard. This would be great!

  50. It’s cool to see so many people commenting on Mike’s website. We all appreciate his dedication to sharing his insight and knowledge. Whoever is the winner of that lovely maple tree, well, you must’ve made Mike’s day. Personally, I’d like to win one of the Donkeys. 😉 Hi, Finnegan! Hi, Fergus!

  51. This tree is Beautiful !!! I have the red Maple but have never seen this purple 1 before. Yes you can send it to me & I will take very good care of her for you. Lol

  54. Mike, originally from Richfield, Ohio. Had numerous Japanese maples, such beauties. Never saw a ghost maple. Hope you pull my name. Living now in beautiful Colorado Springs. That maple sure would look nice in my yard. Thanks for all your tips for Ohio weather. Peace Brother.

  55. I love Japanese Maples – they are so sculptural in the winter and delicate when the leaves are on.

  57. I purchased 2 Japanese Maples about 3 years ago. One did t make it the year. The other held on for about 2 1/2 years until my husband got ahold of some spray to kill weeds. I was mad as a hornet!!! I just purchased another right when fall began, so it’s in the house until planting time. It’s doing beautifully! I hope it transplants well. Yours is just breathtaking! I sure would love to have this! We will see if I have any luck this time…lol.
    Love reading all your mail and learning all kinds of new things!

  59. absolutely breathtaking. I stumbled on your site while doing research for my historical fiction (partially based in the Garden of Eden). Can you imagine a tree like this in God’s personal garden?! it brings tears to my eyes. what an amazing place that must have been.

  62. Beautiful tree! Been looking for a smaller tree for a huge pot that I bought 2 years ago. Even though I live in Washington, I am on the east end of the state (the dryer and warmer side). Love all the information I get.

  66. Thank you for sharing your knowledge….love learning from the experienced. Wish I had found your website before now….but now you are in my FAVORITEs. Thank you Mike! This is indeed a gorgeous tree!

  68. I absolutely love these trees! Their leaves make me happy just to see them. If I’m chooses I would love and care for the tree! It I don’t then I pray that the blessed one who does enjoys it greatly and it grows to it’s fullest ability!
    Thank you for teaching me better ways with my babies! I love them!

  69. Yes, this is an absolutely beautiful tree!… And one that I’d love to enjoy growing in my own yard 🙂 Also, thanks Mike for the wonderful tips and helpful advice you’ve provided along the way.

  71. Hi Mike. I love getting your emails and save most of them. I am disabled but am hoping this will be the year I can join your group and start my own back yard nursery. Thank you so much for the knowledge you share with everyone.

  74. I love gardening and have been reading and appreciating your advice and beautiful photos for the last few years. My daughter-in-law has a beautiful Japanese red maple tree she planted when my first grandchild, Lily was born. I would love to win the gorgeous purple ghost Japanese maple. Thank you for this opportunity and for your wonderful emails.

  80. Mike, after 20 years in the nursery business specializing in Japanese Maples in WA State, I am retiring to Kansas to care for my 92 year old mother. But, like you, I just cannot shake the growing of beautiful and hardy plants, especially Japanese Maples. For that reason, I have set up a non profit organization in Silver Lake Kansas and have begun the long journey of making a Midwest Botanical Garden for the community. As you can imagine, there are not many such gardens here! A Purple Ghost maple would be a wonderful addition (with a plaque with your name as the donor). Thank you for your consideration.

  83. Thanks for all your great help and helping me to
    learn more on how to raise some great plants

    Water us with your wisdom
    and watch us GROW

    Inez Mathis

  84. Absolutely lovely tree, I fell in love with Japanese Maples when I moved to Georgia. Keep trying new ones. Even some from seed that rooted in my sister’s garden. Also made one into a bonsai. This is just beautiful.

  86. I hope I win this beautiful purple tree. It’s the color of my birthstone, amethyst. I love it.

  87. Have been a member for quite a while. I must say that you’ve been a valuable resource and wealth of information.
    My My Dogwood trees, Fig trees, Japanese Cut Leaf Dragon trees,various maples, Bushes, plants, others just thrive!
    Your tips along with my compost help immensely.
    My compost is even used on my lawn 3 times yearly.
    I wish I were retired. I’d be playing in the dirt with my dog all day long.
    Even my compost requires TLC during the cold winter months.
    Good luck to the winner. looking at my Japanese maples on a nice summer night brings much joy!!!

  92. Mike,
    I love your newsletters. You truly keep me inspired, can’t wait for spring. I am researching numerous varieties of Japanese maples and the purple ghost is beautiful.

  93. I have been silent for sometime now, this tree has brought me out of hiding. lol

  94. Wow! Now I see why you prune them the way you taught us. Just amazing. Thanks for all the great lessons, Mike! Have never seen this variety in the “flesh” as rhe nurseries around here don’t cater to unusual and equisitite varieties like this and so many orhers you show us. Now….exactly WHOSE tree is this? Hahaha. God bless you and yours and please know you are very much appreciated.

  96. I love Japanese Maples . I want to grow several different varieties especially rare ones. I would love to grow this one in my yard in Indiana. Thanks for offering it.

  98. I have been using your tips for years, and look forward to your e-mails. I would love to have this tree in my yard.

  99. I’ve been trying to get a hold of Japanese Maple seeds to propagate, to no avail! Thanks for your generosity!

  104. Wow! How cool! I love maples, and that one sound amazing! I’m on the west coast though and I would like to give a vote for the lady who’s dad was in the service and had one but lightening
    Killed it! And he can’t find another one. It’d be cool if he got one. Just thinking…,

  105. My Wife thinks that these trees are the pettiest of all the Japanese Maples. It is hard to find one up in the Pacific Northwest, and if you do find one you have to sign over a relative and she won’t let me do that. we have a beautiful spot in our backyard for one.

  108. I have been looking for an unusual, beautifil tree for my yard for sometime, but haven’t been able to find the right fit. This tree would be perfect.

    I do so enjoy the interesting, informative emails I receive from you. Keep up the good work.

  109. Gorgeous tree! Would love to win it, but concerned about it’s hardiness here in northern NH….supposed to have a wind chill of -30+ tomorrow…thank you for the chance at winning!

  110. Just found you last summer and have learned a lot since then!
    TY for all the great content and the money-saving perspective 🙂
    Have had a Japanese Maple on my wish list for a couple years,
    and have a wonderful spot for it here in St Louis!
    Best to All the Gardeners Here,
    And a Happy New Year of Growing 🙂

  114. I have followed you for years and I cannot believe how fantastic you are! You clarify every question I could possibly have about gardening and more! Please keep on posting and thank you for all your detailed information and hard work.

  117. great site. i have learned so much, and look forward to much more. say hello to the donkeys.

  120. This is so cool I would love to win this. I never win anything but this would be a great first thing to win. Thank you for all the great advice. I love your newsletters.

  122. Mike is very knowledgeable,easy to understand ,and most sensible help in gardening. his methods work and videoed are short,sweet ,and to the point. Thanks Mike

  125. I’ve never seen a maple that color. It’s spectacular. I watch your vids and read your articles all the time. i even got your propagating book but didn’t get a chance to put it into practice though I’d really love too ( my location has a lot of shade and the sunny spot is on a slope. the majority of my property has tall pines towering everywhere. Landscaping will be a challenge…) Anyway. Thanks for all the tips and topics you share. I really love getting emails from you. Happy new Year 2018!

  128. I have never had a Japanese Maple before. This tree is beautiful. Very generous for you to give!
    You are very inspiring!!!

  129. Beautiful form and unique color. Would be a beautiful companion to my collection of beauty berries.
    Thanks for your generosity.

  130. Your lessons are so wonderful. I have learned and continue to learn from your wisdom and love sharing it with friends and family. The tree is gorgeous and it would be a real blessing to own one. Many continued blessings to you.

  131. Have loved Japanese maples for a long time, but do not have any at the moment.
    would love to win this.

  132. What a generous gift this would be. It is absolutely beautiful. I have a neighbour who has a red one and it’s absolutely flourishing here in Nova Scotia.

  133. This tree would look wonderful in front yard in Loretto Tennessee.. I’ve never seen a tree like this its so beautiful.. I would love the opportunity to plant this tree along side of my Bradford Pear trees..

  135. I love it and all of God’s beautiful creation! I can’t wait to “dig in” to this business!

    Teresa in Knoxville, TN

  137. I’m surprised at just how ” gun-ho ” I’ve been the last 3 years with gardening. These trees look unbelievable!!! i

  140. I plan on putting in a water feature and this maple would be a great adition to the landscape!

  141. HI Mike, I would love to plant this beautiful tree in my local park. I know the mayor and he kinda owes me a favor. Blessings

  142. Wow! I can’t believe you are doing this either bit I’m very glad that you are! Thanks Mike!

  145. Happy New Year Mike ! I bought a house last year and it’s void of any color and this tree would look great in the front yard !

  147. I enjoy your inspiring and educational newsletters and tips. I have been a fan for a long time. I would really enjoy winning this fabulous tree. I could then brag about how I came to own it, passing on your fantastic online webpage! xo

  148. Your JAPANESE MAPLE TREE is realy outstanding I would love to try it. I lost a 8 ft Green Japanese Maple 3years ago when we had -38 in April sorry to say life happens and so I am not araid to try again.
    i nolonger drive so I will be here to keep a eye on it. heres hoping
    Blessings Nancy

  151. My luck with contests is not good to say the least.
    On another note, I always look forward to emails from MIKE’S BACKYARD NURSERY. I read them all !

    Please send me that beautifull Maple !

    Gary

  152. I’ve been with you awhile too. But I’ve downloaded all you’ve provided. I have not sold any plants yet but I have multiplied my plants, trees, roses and even a cacti. Its been fun, but I live in Texas and I have to say going with native plants is best but this maple tree would be in my front yard if I win. How does it fare in Texas heat and drought conditions? Thanks Mike for all that you have shared, and I especially like/enjoyed the removing/transplanting a tree, Take care and as you say “stay inspired”

  153. I collect Japanese maples and do not have this one so would love to have one of these in my collection. I have plenty of space for it with the correct light conditions required so it will be in good hands.

  154. I wonder if it will grow in windy Kansas. I read your article on killing Bermuda grass organically and thought you would want to point out to your followers that roots grow 6-10 feet underground beyond the topside perimeter. That’s a lot of digging but we have areas of it that we’re trying to kill out. The one redeeming feature is sheep will kill the Johnson grass. Thank God for every blessing! Love your articles – thanks for informing and inspiring!

  157. I would love this tree. I have planted a Japanese Maple Tree in memory of my husband for the past 5 years. We loved the trees colors, shape and beauty it always added to the gardens.

  161. As a paraplegic, I am finding new ways to b involved with gardening, which I dearly love. Trying to get my yard back to what it was before being paralysed, has been slow. This tree would be a great addition to my new beginning!

  162. Thank you mike for opening your garden experience and advice to us. i rarely get a chance to get on my computer but when i do get a chance i always make your emails one of the first on my reading list.

  163. Hi there ! I know i can’t win ,because i live in Canada but you guy’s are doing a great job out there ! Keep up the good work .
    I hope to join again sometime this spring!

  164. Mike this is a wonderful thing you are doing for all of us. U make it easy to do and are very informative in your words to us,, Thank U

    Carol Clark

  165. This is a Gorgeous plant and would add so much to my landscape .. please enter me in your contest!

  166. Hello there Mike & the Gang!!

    I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to receive a PURPLE GHOST Japanese Maple 🙂 !

    My husband & I have been discussing adding some more Variety & Pizzazz to our property,
    including some Japanese Maples between a row of Birch & variegated Willow we planted
    a few years ago.

    as Always,
    THANK YOU for all of the useful info & videos you post 🙂 !

  167. My husband and I just finished building a raised garden box and will start giving gardening a try. I’ve read a few of your articles and find them very informative. I’m sure you’re practical advice will come in handy. Thank you!

  169. The Purple Ghost Japanese Tree is beautiful,, and it would be a beautiful addition to my front yard.

  170. Guess I missed out on the lace leaf Japanese Maple. This would go great with my other trees. Beautiful tree.

  173. I would love to have this stunning tree in my yard. Unfortunately, I live in California. Can you provide a source for those of us not eligible to receive this prize? What pest is the reason for this restriction?

    Thanks

  175. Ave a wonderfully prosperous new year! Always learn so much from you. Thanks 🙂

    Crystal

  179. This tree is BEAUTIFUL!!! Please enter me in the contest. My husband loves his laceleaf maples and this tree would be a great surprise gift for him. Thank you! Renee

  184. I am retired and desiring to get into your organization soon as I can afford it.. I really like working with plants. I have been using some of the things you teach and have had some success. Thanks.

  185. Wow such a beautiful tree would love to have one. You give such amazing information. Will share with my son as he loves Japanese Maples.

  187. The Japanese Maple is my favorite. This one is so gorgeous. Thank you for doing this give away. Hopefully I have a chance to win!!!

  188. Love your site and look forward to all your comments on gardening. Great info and sense of humor keep it up Mike..

  189. What a fabulous tree! Thanks, Mike, for this opportunity to learn of this Japanese Maple. I am so inspired by all of your knowledge and generosity of sharing! Your enthusiasm is wonderful indeed!

  193. My folks had one of these trees in Oregon ! It was about 4 foot tall and about 8 feet around just the right size for a small kid to build a fort under the Umbrella like shape . Turns out they dont like all the activity within it and end up dyeing ! that was the first time I saw my mother heart broken cause I didnt realize that it was a special little tree that was given to her by her childhood friend and this was like nearly 70 years ago ! I spent the next 20 years adding about 4 Jap lace leaf but only red and green And made amends with her long time ago and she has been gone now for 15 years but I still feel bad for that wonderful little Tree !

  194. Beautiful tree Mike and Justin,, I hope to get back to my payments to the BYGG. Soon. Thanks Mike for letting me Pal around with you and the donkeys last fall, and signing my book of yours, I’m growing things like crazy and hope to stay close to the family of growers. Good luck to all in 2018. Thanks again from Paul. Wadsworth ohio.

  195. I have just the spot for this beautiful little tree. I love reading all the information you share. So inspiring!

  197. I have just the spot for this beautiful little tree. I love reading all the information you share. So inspiring!

  198. Mike,
    Looking forward to meeting you on Jan 28th down here in the Atlanta Area. New to the BYG network, but learning a lot and look forward to selling come March. Thanks for all the tips. OH Yeah, you can bring me the tree when you come down (LOL)

  199. I lost my 50-year-old Silver Maple last fall and would love to replace it (near its old site) with this amazing Japanese maple.

  205. I first saw this tree on ebay, loved the changing of the colors and read everything I could get in front of me. I bought the seeds and they are in my frigerator right now waiting for their time to go into the ground. I know that I have a slim chance of producting this tree, but, I love it so I took my chance. For a another reason why I would like to have this tree, my step-daughter passed away from Breast Cancer and she loved purple, I would love to beable to put this tree next to her garden.

    Now as far as everything that I have learned from Mike that would take years to explain. I have been following Mikesbackyardnursery for years. Not until 2 years ago was able to start my own bigger size garden. I have been selling plants on ebay for many years and this is all due to Mike’s help. Hurricane Harvey did knocked down a bit, I am still recovering.

  209. Beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity. And thanks again for all your help. May you have a happy and prosperous New Year.

  212. like many of your posts and the wonderful information enclosed. Just wish I was able to put more of them to use. Joe

  213. I;m excited to find your website this week! I saw some of your YouTube videos previously and they really helped me. Thank you.

  214. You have helped my sister and I a lot on starting trees. We are having so much fun watching them grow. I would love to win this purple ghost tree. Purple is my favorite color.

  220. These are beautiful trees. I have one and would love to have another! I’ve followed you for several years and loved every minute of it.

  221. i love being a member of this group! What an amazing experience in the member boards!

  222. Thank you for your articles. Your advice and tips on gardening are a great help. I enjoy trying out your suggestions whenever I can.

  223. Though that is one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen, I am not eligible to win it because I live in the Southwest. But I just want to wish the rest of you – GOOD LUCK! The winner will truly be blessed to have it growing in their yard.

  226. Thanks for this valuable information. we have some kind of Nursery farm. Can you help me to do better
    here is the link of my website.

  228. Hi Dave,
    What a beautiful tree!!! I’d love to bonsai one of those together with a mimosa. KUDOS for all that you and your crew do for the “plant community”!!! SHARING IS CARING and KNOW IS GROWING…Thank you all!!! Good Luck to everyone who entered the the drawing!!! SAVE AND SHARE SEEDS…Positive Vibrations…Mike

  229. Wow, this is a gorgeous tree! It will be the highlight of my yard. Fingers crossed that I’ll be the lucky winner! Thanks, Mike, for the wealth of info that you freely share with us… happy new year to you and your family. #2018

  230. This is one of the most beautiful trees I have seen. I would love to win one I have two acres of land and I don’t have enough trees this would look beautiful in my front yard. Thank you for your consideration.

  232. Thanks for all your Tips and Donkey videos over the past year, would LOVE to put the Purple Ghost
    in my front Flower bed by my variegated weigela or maybe as the center piece by my flag pole in the front yard. I am only in Michigan not far to ship to me HINT HINT Ohio is just below me. LOL
    Take care and Happy New Year!!
    Ken from Hope MI

  233. Japanese Maples are very beautiful trees. Oh how I would love to have this beauty in my garden.

  234. Thanks for these giveaways Mike, I really appreciate all the information that you always share so that we could learn to be better Stuart’s of our flowers and our gardens.
    Thanks Steve

  235. I live on the west coast, but in far northern California. If at all possible that I win and it can come into CA, it would be a great addition to my garden ! I have a couple Japanese Maples that are doing great, but I DO have to give them only part sun, as our summer sun is pretty brutal at times. The purple one is gorgeous, though!

  237. OMG Mike what a beautiful plant and my favorite color. I have followed you for years and have learned so much. Thank you . I love to follow the antics of your donkeys they are so much fun. Thanks for shearing them with us.

  238. Hi Mike!

    I’ve subscribed to your newsletter for over 10 years, I love watching your videos on “how to” especially when your happy animals are in them. I’m getting on in years and don’t plant as often as I’d like to but I have a spot that the beautiful maple would fit perfectly. Think of me when you make your selection for I would love to have it. Thanks for all you do you’re a delight!!
    Sharon

  239. Hola, Feliz año 2018 para todos.
    Pues aqui esta mi comentario ahora aver si me puedo ganar el maple fantasma.gracias

  242. WOW Mike! How beautiful is that !!!?? My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a house in Tennessee. This house has only one tree and we are planning to redo all the landscaping once we move there. I can just IMAGINE what this tree would do for the looks of this property.. It sits up on a knoll with no houses nearby, just a bunch across the road. All our new neighbors would get to enjoy this tree’s beauty too. Wouldn’t that be nice! I am a big fan of yours and SO enjoy the gift of your knowledge about plants and everything that goes with them! As you can probably tell, I am VERY excited about this contest. I have always wanted a Japanese Maple, but this one is spectacular! I am so glad I “Met” you! Thanks Mike.

  243. Beautiful tree ! would look awesome in my yard. I have been wanting to plant a memorial trees for each of my parents who have passed on. My dad loved Japanese maples and gardening too !
    I am sure it will look lovely in any yard . Good Luck Everyone !
    Gina

  245. I would be the envied, in my neighborhood, if I had one what a welcome addition to my garden..

  246. I would really love to get one of these Purple Ghost Japanese Maples. They are really rare and hard to find in this area. It would be an honor to have one of these trees in my yard.

  247. Love how you freely share your knowledge and love of gardening experience along with your love for your four legged friends. Best wishes to the lucky winner of such a beautiful specimen of a tree. Happy New Year fellow garden lovers!

  249. Nice choice for a give-a-way!! You are true plant lover…I like that about you! Thanks for all your help.

  250. Hello, Dave! I would love to receive that tree, but alas I live on the west coast, in northwestern Washington State. I have been receiving your emails for years now, and appreciate all the support you provide for so many of us who love to garden.

  251. Good Evening Dave. Happy New Year! Your site is very informative. Especially to us newbies! Thank you. Belinda

  252. I would love to have one of these beauties in my yard. Thanks for the chance to win one!

  254. This Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is beyond SPECTACULAR. You have the loveliest Japanese Maples I have ever seen! This would look so good in my landscape. I would love to propagate some of these as well.
    I also, want to add in that your tips and experience has helped me tremendously in my gardening endeavors. I am so glad I signed up with your e-mail list. Thank ;you fro sharing your experience with us.

  255. Mike,
    That is one AMAZING tree!! I’m looking forward to spring and making use of all of your growing tips. Thanks, Paul

  257. Hi Mr. McGroarty,
    Happy New year!
    It’s a wonderful thing you are doing giving away such a pretty tree!
    Congratulatoins to whomever wins it!
    Blessings to you and yours,
    Nelda

  258. I so want to win this tree to honor my late wife who passed away Nov. 24. She loved Japanese maples.

  260. Hi Mike,

    I’ve been in gardening now for three years. I have watched multiple YouTube videos of yours, especially dealing with Japanese maple care. I am a Japanese maple lover and have multiple laceleaf and palmatums in my collection. Last year I installed a goldfish pond in my garden. I have several varieties surrounding it. I have an area where I’m taking out a river birch and would love to have a Purple Ghost to replace it next to my pond.

    Thanks for your ideas and help in making gardening fun.

    Roger Berberich (SC)

  261. Anyone wanting to learn how to start their own business in their back yards Check out Mikes Backyard Growers training program. I ordered it several years ago and have really learned how to do this.

  263. Absolutely love your website and the helpful videos. What a great gift you have to inspire, help, instruct and motivate any plant lover. Many thanks!

  265. That’s one beautiful tree! Haven’t seen one like it here in south Texas! Amazing.

  267. Hi Dave, I would love to have the Purple Ghost, It would look good with my red Japanese Maple. I also write down your tips. But if I don’t win you have a Happy New Year, Evelyn Criswell

  268. Thank you for all your tips on gardening. I always look forward to the next tip. I would love to have this stunning tree in my front yard since I have nothing there now. I have spread your email to my friends that are gardening. One is building a home and will be visiting your nursery to fill her greenhouse.

  270. I have learned so much from you and have applied much of your gardening techniques to my own home gardens. Thank you Mike. I hope to meet you someday!

  271. Great looking tree! One reason it would a wonderful prize because it’s coming from known “backyard nursery people. Thank you so much for desire to help people. GOD Bless

  272. We had a bunch of special trees in the yard. The storms the last couple years have
    really taken a toll on them. It’s time to start replacing some. I would love a ‘Purple
    Ghost’ Japanese maple in the yard. I also plan to do so grafting this spring.

  276. Love your gardening tips. Have never seen a color like the ghost maple. Sure would have a perfect place for it.

  277. Happy New Year Folks! That is one fabulous looking tree!! Keep your newsletter coming, I really enjoy and look forward to every issue.
    Thanks for your time and very generous advice.. Alex N.

  278. Wow, that is an amazing tree–would look wonderful in my front lawn!!
    I wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

  279. The vivid red just eye catching, who wouldn’t love to have one, well, unfortunately we’re in west coast, if it was prohibited across state line, I’m out of luck,

    Thanks for providing this, just look at the picture is very enjoyable.

  283. Mike,
    I think this give-away is marvelous. The Ghost Japanese maple is a gorgeous tree. Thanks for all the tutorials & teaching you do for everyone, even complete strangers. I have truly enjoyed learning about reproducing plants.

  287. My husband and I would love to have this beautiful tree in our yard! ❤️❤️❤️

  289. Mike, it was you that turned me out on Japanese Maples, but you’ve surprised me with this beauty!

  293. I have never heard of the Purple Ghost Japanese Maple, It looks very Special.
    Funny entering this contest when tomorrow we expect to receive our first big snow storm in N.S…
    Would love to win this.

  294. There is only one place that this Japanese maple will look good; in my back yard garden. The information that Mike provides is great and his plants look good too.

  295. Thank you for the chance to win the “Purple Ghost” Japanese Maple. It’s such a beautiful tree!!

  298. I have purchased several rare Japanese Maples from members in the Members Area. I would not have been able to get these trees without my BackYardGrowers membership. I have found it to be a great investment.

  303. What a beautiful tree. es it would look lovely in our yard. Someone will really be very lucky to have this specimen.

  306. Wow! I absolutely love purple! This tree is amazing! It would work into my garden perfectly!Please pick me!

  307. This would make a lovely addition to my purple and white decor. Thank you for the offers.

  309. A person would have to be totally void not to like this tree.
    Is it always low growing like it is in your picture?

  314. Wow! What an incredible gorgeous tree! If I get this tree I’m definitely putting it up in my mom’s yard. She would absolutely love this.

    Thanks for all the tips, you saved my plants and inspired me to get new ones! This giveaway is a great idea!

  318. We lost 73 huge ASH trees last year to the ash borer. Therefore, I would love to start this year with a beautiful tree from you.

  319. Absolutely Gorgeous! Fingers are crossed that I win!! Sharing…

    Loving all your emails and information!

    Thank You!!!

    Happy New Year from Kansas!

  321. Absolutely beautiful!! Japanese maples are my favorite!! I had tons in my landscape in PA. Starting over in AR ????

  323. This spectacular tree would look great in my landscape in the spring, if it ever comes. Those seed and plant catalogs will have to do for now!!!

  326. My lovely huge flower bed overlooks the Swingin’ Bridge at Beavertown, and my house is Red /purple trim, so I think the purple color would be very complementary, don’t you ? I have been browsing your site for several years, and turned several others on to it. Wish I could start up the plant business like you suggest, but I’m too damn old !

  329. Always great to receive your inspirational e-mails especially during the winter cold here in Ohio. Waiting patiently for the first bubs and buds to appear in the spring!

  330. Thank you Mike for all of the help/ideas you give us and great info in your books.
    Would love to have this in my yard…all I can say is WOW…

  334. We really need one of these beautiful trees to add to our Japanese maple tree collection in Arkansas.
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

  336. This has to be the most “BEAUTIFUL TREE” I have ever seen. That would make a very nice center piece for anyone’s home landscape. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. V/R

  338. Oregon and Washington let in many things unless you are in fruit tree areas, then it is a problem. We grow some really lovely japanese maples on the pacific coast. Really trying to figure out where I could put one that won’t get too much sun, but still get pride of place. (Front yard is all sun, such as there is here.) Not much gets in to California (had to even eat my lunch orange early!) Now that we have stopped moving, I intend on propegating soon……..just need the weather to make up it’s mind!

  339. I adore the color. I really need some color in my yard. This would be a beautiful focal point.

  345. That is Beautiful!! I do enjoy your site, and the information you share with us. Thank you so much, and Happy New Year to you and your family.

  353. What a spectacular color! All cultivars of Japanese Maples are amazing. Such an elegant tree.

  354. What a great color! This tree would look great in my yard!

    I love this site! I get lots of good ideas and tricks for my garden. Thanks.

  357. I love your emails and look forward to getting them, you always have something new and amazing to share with your members. I have learned so much. Thank you!!

  358. I have followed your mailings for several years and have learned much.
    This Purple Ghost is a very beautiful tree. I love the purple color.
    I have a couple of Ghost Japanese Maples but not this one.
    I would love to add this beautiful tree to my collection of over 40 Japanese Maple trees in North Carolina.

  361. If I win Mike, it’s possible that I may be able to pick up the tree instead of you spending cash to ship it! I live in Southern Michigan and have been trying to justify coming to meet you in person for years! Hope that helps my chances! 🙂 Either way, thanks for everything Mike, I really look forward to seeing your name in my inbox!

  362. I would LOVE to have this beautiful tree to add to my property. We live on a small, 2acre partially wooded area in Southern Indiana and that tree would be a focal point of the place!

    God Bless!

  363. Gorgeous tree and I know right where I would plant it. Hope you choose me 🙂 Patricia

  366. I love this tree! We had a beautiful soft maple that grew to about 50 ft but over time and many tries to save it we finally lost it to a huge wind storm. It split down the middle of the three branches that joined into the trunk. I have a video of it in the fall and it looked like it was raining leaves. Just gorgeous and we miss it every time we go into our backyard. This would be a beautiful replacement for it even though it won’t get tall like our maple. Thanks for the opportunity to win this beauty!

  368. Love your videos and the tree give away is a great way to spread the word. I shared to facebook. Keeping my fingers crossed to win that beautiful tree.

  370. Hey Mike, thanks for the opportunity to win this tree. It would be great to add this to my landscape. Thanks too for all you inspiring information. Spring’s a few months away. Hippie!

  372. Gorgeous tree! Very glad I found this website and am looking forward to lots of great gardening advice and tips.

  376. It looks like by reading the comments that we all would love this tree! And especially the size and fullness that you are posting. But your giving away one. So really what are the odds? LOL!

  378. I’m touched that I got your email including me since I live in Sweden. Obviously i don’t think I can be included in your winnings but just to say lovely tree, lovely donkeys and thank you for your knowledge and tips. Happy new year to you all.

  379. Great tree I commented already but didn’t see my comment guess it didn’t make moderator yet. Thanks for all the great info Mike!

  380. What a gorgeous tree! Of course, I’d love to win one. I plan to plant some of last year;s seeds from one of my Japanese maples, overwinter them in the ground, and see what happens. The mature trees I have came from found seedlings, so I have high hopes. Thank you for all of your good emails and ideas instructions. Sometimes I wish I was younger so I could start a garden business. Regardless, IO certainly do enjoy hearing from you!

  381. It will be a shame to give away such a beautiful tree. But if you are, I have the perfect spot for it.

  382. this is a magnificent tree & I”d be so very proud to grow this beauty in my yard + propagate cuttings from it to supply me friends from said tree…. c’mon … we neeeeed a winner here ….

  384. Dear Mike, I have learned so much about gardening from you. I look forward to your email. Every day a new piece of knowledge to grow beautiful flowers, plants and also how to propagate some of the bushes I have, particularly my roses. Thank you for sharing your wonderful expertise about gardening.

  385. I would love a purple japenese maple to go along with our other red Japanese maples already in our yard.

  388. Hi Mike,I have watched so many of your you tube videos,I feel like I know you personally,some of your videos I even link to in my FB group Oregon Gardening.Evey growing season I like to take on a new plant,and try to master it,I’m getting better each year.

  389. One of our big projects in landscaping this year is developing my “meditation room” area. It is a beautiful ledge just above our creek’s waterfall. It will be surrounded with special shrubs and trees to shade and give it quiet privacy. The bench is being built by my husband so we can sit and listen to the waterfall and look down on the terrace below where the wildlife enjoy the wild orchard. This tree, if able to ship to Idaho, will be a wonderful addition to this spot. Our climate is warmer here on the south side of the mountain and we can grow many things “tender” to Idaho. Since I have grown Japanese Maples further north in Idaho I am sure we can protect this one too. Good to see your site again in the New Year.

  390. Mike,

    Thanks for all your ‘down to earth’ advice. Your site is the first place I go with questions.

  391. This beautiful purple ghost Japanese maple would look beautiful next to either of our garden ponds! Thanks for the chance to win one. Also, thanks for the many years of your gardening expertise. We take it all to heart! Love the donkeys, too! What unique pets!

  398. Hi Mike,
    I think that you are one of the best gardener that’s out there. You give helpful tips that are so helpful. I love your no-bull approach. Thanks for all the help you have given me. I would be honored to have a tree that beautiful in my garden.
    Best wishes, Brenda

  404. Purple is my absolute favorite color, has been for years! I always try to incorporate something new into my personal garden every year and this Purple Japanese Maple would be perfect for our new home we recently moved in to. I look forward to your emails and learning new and valuable information for exquisite and productive gardening!

  406. January 3, 2018

    Dear Mike: I really enjoy reading all your tips and tricks to gardening and how you manage to make a living doing what you love. You are an inspiration. I look forward to the coming year and the good information you provide.

    Thanks for all your help!

  407. Amazingly beautiful, would love to win this one and give to my mom who was diagnosed with lung small cell lung cancer in 2017, treatments have been really hard for her and she needs something to bring her spirits up. Thanks Mike for having such a wonderful give away.

  410. Mike,

    I look forward to your e-mails and your sharing your garden and your love for it, and the gardening itself. This is a beautiful tree, and some fortunate landscape will be blessed

  415. I have many Japanese maples in the yard (its like a park setting) but I do not have one of these soft colored Japanese maples.

  418. I love Japanese Maples! They’re so beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity to win one to add to my landscape! Your tips are fantastic and I love watching you!

  419. Hi Mike,
    I look forward to your emails and the information you provide is invaluable. I hope to have a “ghost” of a chance of winning this lovely maple tree!

  420. That is an absolutley magnificent tree. I’ve been looking at expanding my skills from keeping annuals to perennials and I’ve started having some luck with angel trumpets (Brugmansia).

  424. Happy new year to you and your family, I love maples but have never owned one they cost for there beauty. Thanks for all your great tips throughout the year. Here’s hoping to winning a fantastic specimen of Maple. Thanks again.

  425. Supreme hue magnifies the brilliance of the Purple Ghost creation. Definitely one of a kind.
    I too would love to add one to my country landscape design.

    God Bless!
    P.S.
    I learned from your chocolate candy video how to judge when candy is
    soft ball stage. Thank a bunch!

  427. I love japanese maples. I have 5 around my house and would love to add a purple ghost. Also, does anyone have a floating cloud japanese maple? How do those look in the garden? And what would be a good location?

  428. ha mike, would love to win that Japanese purple ghost its a gorgeous tree. I live in jax fl and have a Japanese orangrola lace leaf and never gets fall colors on it, guess they do better up north,but would love to have it anyway.

  429. Having visited Japan a number of years ago, I saw numerous, wonderful examples of trees, shrubs, and vines not seen here in the states. The Purple Ghost’ Japanese Maple that you are offering would make a beautiful addition to my “arboretum”. Regardless, I will anxiously await the source from which I can purchase one. Thanks for all you do for we, the lovers of all kinds of plants!

  433. Thanks for all your information. And i would like to win a purple Japanese maple it would be great to have to go along with my other maple

  434. You are my go to man for all my gardening tips, questions and answers, Mike!
    What a gorgeous tree for you to be giving away! Extremely kind of you! Of course, I would love to win it to raise it in my backyard.
    Happy 2018!

  436. Beautiful!!!! Never saw such a gorgeous color. Please draw my name!!!!!! Have been searching for yhese over a year now. They are extremely rare.

  437. Mike, Your insights are greatly appreciated have shared with my daughter on many occasions have tried to grow Jap. Maples have a pair in my front yard but none really showy.

  438. I have always loved the Japanese maples. The purple is just beautiful as well! Thank you for sharing.

  441. Would love to have this tree, but I live in Montana, so probably not an option. It’s beautiful! Some other gardening gift would still be a great way to start off the new year! Love reading the different posts.
    Thanks!

  442. I love this tree and I love all colors and types of Japanese Maples especially the Lace Leaf. I have been trying to graft some and I have failed. I just can’t get it right. I do not know if I need a different root stock or if I should try to raise from seeds. Just lost. I am not giving up though.

  443. Help!! I had to cut down several white pine and a huge Black Walnut tree because they were too close to my new house. I was so sorry to see them go. My entire acre of yard has all Ash trees and they are all infected with the Ash borer. I will need to cut them down and I will have almost no trees in my yard. I have about 2 dozen Ash trees that I need to remove. They were beautiful shade trees. I could use a beautiful tree like the one you are giving away.

  444. I love Japanese purple tree I love all Japanese trees but I must say that tree is very hi on the list of the ones at the top would love one on my house property
    Thanks mike for the chance to
    Have one
    Robert noble

  447. We love reading your new posts, Mike. The reviews of special cultivars are especially helpful, and your tips are occasionally life-saving (plant life, that is). Thanks for everything that you do!

  448. Just moved to beautiful SC and would LOVE one of these stunning trees to be the focal point of our new landscape. Originally from MI and limited choices so SUPER excited for a beautiful garden!

  453. Dear Mike,

    Once again you are generously sharing your knowledge of gardening.

    Growing up, we all enjoyed Mum’s flaming Japanese Maple set against the lilac hedge.

    I have not checked, but suppose the maple might not do too well in our Zone 3 to 4, Cochrane, Alberta climate. If I am the lucky winner, I will drive the beautiful maple out to my daughter on the West Coast. 🙂

    Wishing you every happiness and success in 2018,

    Donna Buchan

  456. Had somebody told me you can grow plants in sand, in a box, in the shade; I would have said you are crazy. But that is exactly what Mike has taught me to do. It’s crazy the root balls you get on these things! Never in a million years would I have thunk it possible! That’s awesome. I would love to have one of these gorgeous trees for my lawn. Thanks for the opportunity Mike.

  458. What a generous gift! I found Mike’s Backyard Nursery on YouTube and have learned so much! I got brave enough after watching a few videos to make hardwood cuttings of Mock Orange and Forsythia a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for all the info, Mike!!!

  461. Mike, 2 questions for you.
    1-Evergreens are the oxygen pump of the planet 365 days a year. Is there a civilian program where we can begin to replace the evergreens that have been almost wiped out across the plant?
    2-Its not widely recognized that in the US we have a lack of wholesome food that is 100% food, so is there a program for planting food crop trees?
    Thanks for your help, Mike!

  462. What a lovely tree !! Yes, I’m on the West Coast, in Oregon. And we do have wonderful weather for doing almost anything. In the last 3 days, it’s gone from 26 degrees to almost 50 degrees !!! Happy New Years to you all !!!

  464. First of all I would like to say I really appreciate Mike and his website and getting his emails. I know that when I read an email on a particular plant or subject I trust what I’m reading and don’t second-guess it. In this day and age that is worth its weight in gold. I have learned a lot from Mike and have also been spared making mistakes because of what I read on his emails about gardening do’s and don’ts Etc. Thank you so much for being honest and trustworthy. . I have never heard of the Japanese ghost maple but in the picture it looks beautiful. Hope I win and have a Blessed year!

  465. I love the helpful, tried and true instruction Mike gives for success in getting almost any cuttings to root and grow. Great website!.

  469. I began using your ideas about four years ago and have been amazed at what has came about. Would love to win a new tree for my front yard!! Thank you!!!!!

  471. Oh My this would look stellar in my front yard! I do so hope I win!

    Here’s wishing you and your family the Happiest of New Year!

  474. Thank you for the opportunity to have one of these amazingly beautiful trees to brighten my
    monotone landscaping. I know exactly where it will go to both enhance my shrubs and to
    provide it maximal space for healthy growth.

  475. Now that is PINK!!! It would look wonderful in kermit Texas with the sand and purple sage around.

  480. Always good information from Mike. I hadn’t heard of this particular maple but it looks like a beauty!

  482. Love receiving your emails and looking forward to my retirement in the next 18 months, when I will have more time to put your pointers to practice.

  490. Mike
    I have been growing Japanese maples for 15 years and have never seen this beautiful tree. Would love to be considered for owning and taking care of that beautiful specimen! I appreciate what you had posted and the last 10 years because I have learned so much from you!
    Looking forward meeting you one day!
    Lee Patterson

  494. Ever since I read your post on this beauty, I’ve wanted one. Thanks for the opportunity to win one for myself!

  495. the purple ghost Japanese maple –!!!- wow-!!! what a beautiful color and leaf density . Thanks for all of the information that you teach and make available to us struggling gardeners.

  496. I love all the tips you give out and you show how to do the things you do at your place
    Thank you

  499. The Japanese Ghost Tree is a street stopper and is so exotic it would be a rare attractive beauty for all.
    Jerry Cull

  500. Happy New Year to all the backyard growers! We are looking forward in joining the business center this month as well. Thanks for all you do

    Ed & Debbie Gallagher

  502. This Japanese Ghost Tree would truely be a fantastic asset for me or anyone who truely likes the exotic and loves plants that are rare and sensational. Please consider me.
    Thanks,
    Jerry Cull

  504. I didn’t believe you could propagate plants in the winter until I found your website. I have had great success this winter and am looking forward to more of your great ideas and suggestions. Thanks Mike

  505. Moderator,
    Please change that “kill” in the last sentence of my post to “kiss”.
    Sorry.
    Old Mike

  506. Mike has sent out great tips and ideas through out the year. I especially like the starting cuttings as additional income. I am a new landscape owner and every $1 helps.
    Thank you
    A Girl and Her Truck LLC
    Michelle and Sean

  508. I love my emails from you and all your animals. You have given me some good tips that I have used successfully and I thank you for that! I would love to have a Purple Ghost Japanese Maple for my home and I’m sure it would love it here in Massachusetts.

  509. Mike,
    You are the best. Your web site and emails have so much valuable information for plant growers and gardeners. Most of the emails that I get are a pain in my behind, but I look forward to yours because they contain interesting and usable tips and guides. Give the donkeys a kill for me.
    Old Mike

  513. One day my back garden will be beautiful how I want it. Until then, this website gives me so much inspiration.

  514. I have a small red-orange Japanese maple in my front yard several regular-sized too. One of them has spectacular foliage in the fall. APurple Ghost would be nice to have too.
    Earl

  515. This tree is absolutely gorgeous. It honestly takes your breath away. I have had various Japanese maples over the years but not this variety. I just moved in September after 40 years and I have a blank slate for the spring. A little overwhelming at my age but it will give me the opportunity to experiment with some new trees, plants and flowers.
    Thank you for all of your expertise over the years. Your first hand knowledge and tried and true methods will be invaluable to me in the coming months. You make everyone feel like family. Thank you again for everything and God Bless.

  517. Wow, this maple looks spectacular! I would love to give this tree a home! I love trees that put on a show, especially in the fall, and this one sure does. Please, please, let me win!!!!

  518. Mike, I’m just a Home gardener, but the information you share has inspired me to take a chance in growing rooted cuttings for sale in my retirement. You have increased my knowledge of gardening and shaken off doubt and fear from failure. Thanks.

  519. The Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is gorgeous! It would be the Queen of any garden! I certainly would welcome such a beauty to mine!

  520. WOW!!! What a beautiful tree. I haven’t ever seen one that color. Would love to win one. Thanks for the chance.

  522. Happy New Year to you and your family, Mike! I would Love to win a Purple Ghost Japanese Maple tree from you ????????
    Please keep inspiring us!!

  523. Hi Mike. I have been following you for years. Once I retire permanently, I hope to become a great gardener in starting lots of plants. Thank you Mike for all you have given me over the years as ideas and how to start a business. Happy New Year!

    Peggy Henk

  525. I’ve never seen a purple ghost Japanese Maple. They are beautiful and I would life be to win this very much.

  526. I can’t wait to see who the winner will be. I love the color, it would look great next to my garden.

  527. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about so many different things regarding plants and trees. I find working and learning from the youtube videos as fulfilled a deep desire to know more. I share my information with many. Thanks for all you do Mike.

  529. This is a great down home fabulous group. Great help from a great group of girls and guys.
    Pat

  530. Thank you for having this blog!! I have learned so much from your videos and posts. 🙂

  532. Such a stunning tree, I absolutely love it! Not surprised as Japanese Maples are my favorite…. being my favorite color purple….. bonus!! Never heard of these before, it’s just gorgeous Mike!

  538. What a inspiration you are to us all. Sharing your knowledge is a rare thing these days, but you cover everything in great detail to a “T”. Thanks again to you and all of your family.

  539. I have been following Mike and his wife for several years now…I find his information and suggestions to really work. I am grateful that he shares all this information with others, Bless you Mike

  541. Beautiful tree, how big does it get and will it hold that color in zone 7, north Georgia?

  542. I have one in my front yard, but we are renting and moving to our own place this spring. Would love to have one of my own.

  546. I would be thrilled to get this tree. I live in Missouri. I have a couple of variations of Japanese Maple, all of which are stunning and my favorites in my garden. Here’s to another!

  547. Wow, this is just an outstanding tree. The color is really spectacular. Thanks Mike! I always look forward to your informative emails!

  548. Mike,
    I so enjoy reading all of your e-mails and appreciate how much you love nature as I do. I’m no tree hugger, but I do enjoy the wonders created by our God. I play around with rooting various old plants we have around our farm that have been here for 75 years or so. I just love to see if I CAN root them. I’ve given away a ton of plants to my friends. Keep the good advice coming.
    I wish you and your family a very happy and successful 2018.

  550. Oh boy, I have wanted one of these forever, but can’t afford one. They’re so beautiful, every time I see one I just stare at it’s beauty and almost cry. To get one at a lesser price would be awesome, for free?!?! Pirceless! I never win ANYTHING , but my Dad always said, you can’t if you don’t try, so here I go… trying

  555. Wow, what a beautiful tree! I would love to win – I have the perfect spot to plant on our new farm.

  556. Mike, your tips have helped me with numerous projects in my garden and yard. Thank you for all you do and share. All you emails are saved and referred to often. Thank you.

  558. We live in a neighborhood of smaller houses. Within the last few years, several of our neighbors have cut down some nice shade trees on their property simply because the root system of the trees were getting into some things underneath, causing issues too close to their house or street. Being new to the neighborhood, I asked a former landscaper what kind of shade trees he would recommend for our property. He told me we can’t go wrong with a Japanese Maple! He said they will give beautiful color, shade, and stay the perfect size in both in height and in roots. That was a few months before I first heard about the Purple Ghost Japanese Maple on MIke’s Website. I haven’t been able to get started on this dream landscaping project yet,, but I was thrilled to find that these trees come in more than just traditional red and orange fall colors, as I’d love to pack a punch of color in our yard and usually plant a lot of flowers with pink and purple hues. I look forward to seeing how we can transform our lot. As of right now, we only have a few bush type trees on our property.

  559. Mike, your insights and gardening tips are really fantastic! Thanks for clearing away much of the mystery of successful plant propagation!

  560. If this fabulous purple ghost will do well in the Dallas heat I have just the spot outside our kitchen bay window. We can enjoy it year round.

  564. Such a beautiful tree! After this bitter winter, we will all be ready to get our hands in the dirt when spring rolls around again.
    A happy and prosperous new year to everyone!

  565. I have moved to a landscaped-challenged home where former owners thought that irises made a wonderful array of foundation plants.
    This tree would enhance my yard!

  566. I would enjoy having a beautiful Japanese Maple in my front yard landscape,.
    Ken W.

  567. Hi Mike! I love all Japanese Maples! I would be honored to be the winner of this contest! I am in envy of your backyard nurseries. I am starting to be more involved and love learning from you.

  571. I have not seen the Purple Ghost but am looking forward to trying one. Thanks for all of the practical information.

    John

  577. I have been a subscriber for many years and always learn valuable tips from Mike! The “How To” video tutorials are my favorite.

  582. I am creating a look to begin hosting wedding venture in my newly cleared yard, and this Japanese maple would add wonders to my decor.

  586. How was I unaware of this Japanese Maple variety? Have several in the yard already, and love them for their elegance.

  587. Mike, I’m looking forward to winning this great looking tree. Thanks for all the tips and information you give throughout the year.

  592. This is truly a beautiful tree an I would love to have one. Just hope I would not kill it. Mike you are.very generous to give some a chance to own it. Happy New Year.

  593. Been a viewer of your info for over a year! This is a gorgeous tree and I happen to need a new Japanese maple to plant at my godparents in Cincinnati.
    Great work!

  594. Hope you keep sending emails, so much great information, keeps the garden going even when it’s snowing outside,thanks

  597. This is AWESOME!!!! I teach horticulture in a high school and would love to have this specimen to show my kids!!!

  598. Hello,

    Thanks for all you do. I enjoy your book and CD. It’s helped me a lot. I’ve gotten my co-workers into it also.

    God Bless!

  599. A beautiful tree I would love to have in my yard. I appreciate the generosity of Mike in donating such a rare beauty. Thanks for educating me on growing plants and trees.

  608. This has to be the most beautiful tree. I would love to win it and if not be able to purchase one.

  612. Beautiful trees. They are so delicate looking but hardy. I have a red Japanese Maple in my yard. My gramdson likes to play in it. He likes to wear camo & “hide” in the tree. Didn’t you know camo makes you invisible. Also it is the tree he learned to climb on. would love to have another in the yard. Also great shade trees.

  613. WOW! Who would NOT want this??? A truly beautiful tree! Love it.

    I will save a spot in our yard for it.

  616. You offer a wealth of information and I enjoy reading every bit of information you put out there. Thanks.

  620. I would LOVE to have this tree to balance out the other two Japanese maples in my yard. They are so beautiful. Pink is my favorite color.

  625. I always look forward to all your emails and articles. This is truly a beautiful Japanese Maple. Thanks for all you do for homeowners and gardeners. Happy New Year.

  627. Hi Mike! You’re the greatest!I read your past articles on this beautiful Japanese maple. It’s a beauty!

  629. Your blog and website is full of information and it is my go to place when I am not sure about something in my yard.

  631. Truly a beautiful tree and thanks so much for the oppertunity to own one!!!!!! Japanese Maples are my favorite, and I have none at this house! Robert Totten

  633. Thanks for such a useful and knowledgeable website. I would love to have this tree in my landscape.

  634. this would be a great way to start my year; always looking for something new and different!!!!!!

  639. This tree will make a beautiful addition to my somewhat outdated, yet coming to life with my help, landscape! I’ve pulled out a lot of overgrowth and I’ve planted a few new specimens here and there. A Japanese Maple would really liven things up!

  643. Mike the Purple Ghost is one of the few Japanese Maples that i do not have in our garden, we just down sized after open heart surgery and i need something to take care of. Thanks for the chance to get one of these beautiful plants. Danny

  648. This tree is gorgeous! It would really add color to my yard. I’d really appreciate winning this!

  651. The ‘Purple Ghost’ is a beautiful tree. Lovely color and shape. And difficult to find also!

  652. Thank you for this contest!!! I would love to win this maple. I have two Acer Japanese maples that give us more pleasure then anything else in our yard! I pray I win this one. We had already talked about adding another one in the spring and have the spot all picked out. This would be perfect. I enjoy getting your emails. Hope I win! Thank you. PS. It is extremely cold in the deep South this morning! We aren’t used to this! 15 degrees.
    Gwen Coker
    190 Kayla Drive
    Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
    [email protected]

  653. This Japanese Maple truly does look spectacular! I would love to have this show stopper displayed On my lawn!!

  658. Mike – thanks for sharing your gardening knowledge with all who want to learn. I have learned so much.

  659. I’m a retired, pipeline construction surveyor/inspector; and, have taken on the goal of establishing a
    plant nursery. Started with the idea of a muscadine orchard, but; upon furthe research, have found that, the muscadine market is not that great ( commercially ), but has a lot of competition. So; I’ve
    decided to venture out to other plants. I only have a 5 1/2 acre lot ( with only about 3 acres available
    for the orchard. I’m venturing, into fruit trees, ( in addition to the muscadines ), and a few hybred grapes. The “Purple Ghost Japanese Maple” ( co-inidentally; I live on a dead end street, called
    ” Red Maple Dr. ” ), would be a great kickoff, for publicity, for my new plant nursery business.

  660. Thia would be a great way to replace my Japanese Maple that was broken in half by unknown means or somebody with a bad attitude. It looks beautiful by the way.

  661. The Purple Ghost is beautiful. I volunteer as a gardener in our community church garden. The Purple Ghost would be a wonderful addition!!!

  662. I have been looking for something special to honor my best friend who crossed “The Rainbow Bridge” in November. This would be a very special way to do so ..

  663. Thank you Mike for allowing us to be a part of your free give away of the purple Japanese Maple. It would be gorgeous in our South Carolina yard. We have been following you for a few years now and have a small scale back yard nursery. Thanks for all the wonderful tips. We really enjoy all the videos and tips you send out!
    Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

  664. I’ve gained so much confidence from your videos and newsletters! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 🙂

  667. I have to admit. I love the articles and advice on home to take care of things around the yard. I also enjoy learning about the new plants and shrubs. Mike’s prospective is quite refreshing as opposed to the “you need to buy all of this stuff” answers you get at the garden centers.

  674. I would love to win this ghost Japanese maple. Thank you for your website. I use your suggestions every year when planting my new plants.

  676. Awesome! You are my go-to guy for the best gardening advice!!! Thanks for all you do for us fellow gardeners.

  679. Thank you for all you do and for all the knowledge you share,….whenever Friends or I have questions, we say ‘let’s ask Mike’ and we mosey to your site for the information we need…. oh and did I mention that purple maple is screaming out my name!!! Lol…thanks Mike!
    Sue (Atlanta, GA)

  680. This is such a beautiful tree. Thanks so much for the opportunity. I love your blog posts!

  685. Love your selection of rare maples. I have a few in my Bonsai collection. I would cherish the purple ghost for years to come!

  688. Just breath taking the color is beautiful i love gardening have. 18 raised beds for vegetables this tree would look beautiful beside them

  694. I wish I lived closer to you – so I could visit and tour your garden and tap into your ideas. You’ve been most helpful to my greenish thumb.

  698. Hi Mile, I like the email updates. I have been working on getting setup. A large sand bed was installed last summer, and a a 5 acre deer fence is going in this spring.

  701. I am very stubborn, I’m told but after listening to you and following you for about 23 years, I am going to sign up for your members area when it opens in January 2018.
    Bob Keil

  702. Oh how beautiful. Japanese maple trees — in all their glorious variety — are one of my favorite trees to have around the garden and I definitely want to add more. I have a bloodgood that I tried to take some cuttings from this last summer but they didn’t take. I fully intend to try your bin propagation methods this upcoming year. I didn’t have sand last year and I used individual pots. The soda bottle propagation worked great on my fig tree though. Keep the good stuff coming!

  704. Hi Mike, Absolutely LOVE your videos & posts. Learning so much hope I can keep up & start a little nursery here I have some space. Pls enter me in yr drawing for Purple Jap Maple I JUST LOVE TREES! Thanks for all you do,

  705. I LOVE your posts and articles! Thank you for sharing your life with us!!! Thank you to your bride for sharing you with us, too!

  706. Thank you Sir you make everything look so easy. it is great that you share so much of your information.

  708. Love your web site. You have such wonderful info and beautiful photos. I will be glad to share it.

  711. Beautiful tree. I would love to have one in my front yard. This is a great give away.

  712. My dad loved the autumn change of colours in Europe. Here the best one is the Japanese Maple. So I decided to plant one in my dad’s bio urn, and one for my mum too. They will be side by side forever in my weekend house in Gippsland close to the ocean. Love you both

  713. Wow, Mike’s backyard nursery just keeps getting better. I have been following the website for years. Do to declining health issues I didn’t join. I can’t wait to join this month. The purple ghost Japanese Maple is amazing. Send it home to mama. The space is already.

  715. Wow! What a gorgeous tree!!! And what a generous gift. Thank you. And I hope I win! Lol!

  716. Great looking tree. Looking forward to the membership opening up next week.

    Bob in Galloway, Ohio

  719. The most beautiful tree I have ever seen. The colors are bright and dazzling. A showpiece in any garden.

  721. I love all of theie information you put out on your newsletter. Thank you for all your hard work showing and telling us how to do these things.

  722. I LOVE Mike’s backyard!! I used to think i had to HIRE someone to prune my plants and keep them healthy because I was afraid I would kill them. Now I know better! I’ve learned so much that me and the kids have even started our own food and fruit garden complete with our own compost pile!
    Thanks Mike for showing us all how to keep our OWN gardens happy and healthy. We know have a family that is building garden traditions right here in our own backyard!
    Angel

  725. Love your page and all the valuable info offered! Total asset for a horticulture student like myself!

  726. That is a beautiful color. I tell my MGV friends about you verbally when you make posts. You’re so practical with gardening.

  727. I’ll be honest I really don’t know what to say I’m just doing what you said in hopes of winning that purple ghost Japanese maple there absolutely beautiful. I live just south of Houston Tx. And thanks for what you do God bless.

  728. Mike:

    The “Purple Ghost” is amazing and would look AMAZING in landscapiing out front (which admittedly needs work – previous owners did little to nothing outside). Pleas e choose me to receive it. Sure hope it will fluorish in Michigan, your neighbor to the north.

    Jan Blough

  729. Your my inspiration, I’ve been watching your videos for years. You taught me how to clone hard wood cuttings.

  730. Oh . My. Goodness!! This tree is so beautiful! I could lay under it and stare up through its foliage for hours upon hours!

  731. Wow! That is a beautiful tree, and I’ve got just the place to plant it. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed and stroked a toad under its chin. I think that gives good luck. Or someone gets pregnant. What the heck! I want that tree!

  733. My weeping maple bit the dust, so I would love this. Indoor or other special care zone 9?

  735. Omg!!!! Please pick me!!! Also, been trying to find a white Japanese maple…Has the word cloud in it…

  736. I wish I had a Japanese maple in my garden but unfortunately I can’t have this one. That’s because I’m pretty sure you won’t ship it to Europe. 🙁

  737. Mike,
    You are a true inspiration. I stuck about 2000 hardwood cuttings last fall and plan to do at least that many softwood cuttings this spring. Hope to become a member soon and retire to go to work with plants. Would love to get into Japanese maples.
    Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

  746. I love Japenese Maple Trees! I have one
    bloodgood, one lace leaf in the form of a bush and green one that I can’t remember without looking it up. Old mind setting in LOL. My health has stopped me from joining your Growers Business Center, but read all your posts and dream about doing cuttings and my own business.

  752. I love reading your posts Mike. Always great info with down to earth presentation. Thank you!

  753. I love reading your posts Like. Always great info with down to earth presentation. Thank you!

  755. Happy New Year Mike!
    I’d be happy to give a safe home to that Japanese Maple.
    🙂

  756. You are awesome!! Hope you keep sharing for a very long time! I am a Master Gardener and I tell all of my gardening friends about you.

  758. The “purple ghost” Japanese Maple is a beautiful plant. I would love to take care of this beautiful plant in my yard. Definitely crossing my fingers on this drawing.

  759. Thank you Mike for putting this site and the byg members area together! To any new people that are visiting this site for the first time, I have been a byg member since 2013 and a follower of this site for a couple years before actually formally joining.

    I love this website and I love being a member of the byg group, it is truly like a family. I have learned so much since I became a member and anyone who is not a member and is thinking about joining the group when Mike opens the memberships, you will not regret joining. You can’t go to a university and get an education as good as the byg area provides. There are so many helpful members who offer up their knowledge and experiences daily and the plants are beautiful.

    Happy New Year!! And get out there and grow some stuff!

  764. Hello! I am a ‘Forever Home’ to several stray & rescue animals, here in Ohio. I have been following Mike for some time now. I am seriously considering ordering Mike’s info to start a growing business like he has done….I definitely need the income to feed all of these Precious Animals!
    Bottom Line? I definitely want to be the ‘Forever Home’ to this Gorgeous ‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese Maple!! She is Mine!! I would gladly come & pick her up, just to have the chance to see Mike’s operation.
    Thank You for this wonderful opportunity!!
    God Bless,
    CJ Nelson

  765. I love your emails and info I get from you! Plan to start my own nursery in the next couple years!

  766. Mike, thank you for all of the information, specific instructions, tips, and encouragement. Thanks to you we all have the potential to be successful gardeners!

  767. What a gorgeous tree for sure. I believe my father purchased one for a few hundred dollars many years ago.

  768. I have learned so many hints, tricks and foundational gardening info from Mike’s website. I would love to win that Japanese purple ghost maple tree. It would be a beautiful addition to my West Texas yard.

  770. Hi Mike, I love gardening and plants and always look for rare and hare-to-find plants. I started a Moringa tree from seed because nobody else has one. So, you can see that I would appreciate your rare and wonderful Purple Ghost Japanese Maple. Such a beauty and thank you.

  771. Yet another exciting prize!!! WOW!

    Thank you, Mike, for sharing all the great info about how each of us can create our
    own Backyard Nursery!!!

    The chance to win a GORGEOUS rare Japanese maple is just ‘icing on the cake’.

    Happy New Year!

  772. Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! With all the important gardening information you provide, I am sure this tree will thrive with the luck winner!

  773. For years I have enjoyed reading your gardening info and love watching your videos????
    Thanks Mike
    Kathy

  777. I would love to have one of these beautiful trees.

    Thank you Mike for all you do for us!

    Karina O.

  779. The ‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese maple is awesome. I am really disappointed the the west coast, Specifically Fresno, CA, can’t get them here. Being a retired farmer, I understand about the need to control pest. Just wanted you to know that the tree is really stunning and would cause anyone to stop in their track to admire it.

  780. Mike–So grateful to you for the vast amount of horticultural knowledge you share.
    My favorite emails are always yours!

  781. we bought 2 acres without a tree on the place. My 73 year old Mom lives with us and purple is her favorite color! I’d love to win this and plant it just outside her window! We LOVE you and all your posts Mike!

  783. Thanks for the chance to win, Mike! I’ve watched all your videos and read most of your articles. Youre an inspiration

  785. I have one Japanese Maple (Orangina). I think a Purple Ghost would be very happy with him.

  793. I don’t play video games, I spend hours jumping from link to link on your website. You are like having a relative tell you step by step how to be successful with growing trees and flowers. I just discovered you about 3 months ago, received your free materials (devoured those) and hope to save up the funds for your Backyard Growers Business Center. I would love doing this as a business but have to get all my “ducks in a row” to get started! Winning a Ghost Japanese Maple would definitely dress up my property and give me something to admire every time I look at it!

  795. This purple ghost japanese maple is gorgeous; I would love to be the winner. thank you.

  796. LOVE this tree and love your articles. Is there an alternative with this coloring for the west coast, Oregon specifically?
    BTW, My post for the pruners never showed up on your comments and last I saw it was being moderated. Could you let me know why it didn’t show up? I even shared your post on Facebook and said so in my comment. Got some likes. too!

  798. Wow! Absolutely gorgeous tree. I’m getting ready to start my backyard nursery 2018.
    I’ve read and reread your book; I think this is the year.

  800. Beautiful color. I would love to have one of those in my yard or garden. What a pop it would gibe!

  802. Over the years Mike has showed me all kinds of things also answered question when I asked him where else are you going to fine someone like this

  804. Oh my goodness! This is the answer to the bare spot that needs a “statement” in my front yard that I have been looking to fill for years. Instead of grass, I have nailwort ground cover with beds of purple salvia here and there. Also 2 dark purple and one light purple clematis plants. This smaller tree is perfect for my purple themed front yard. It is the perfect “statement” that I have been looking for.

  805. Mike, you are a rarity! You keep us informed on all aspects of gardening, growing, protecting, repairing and even allowing us to partake in your give-a-ways etc. etc. All this information has helped me to improve my gardening skills over the years. Thank you for all that you do.

    I would dearly love to win this incredibly beautiful Purple Japanese Maple. It is absolutely spectacular and I have just the place to plant it.

    Elizabeth

  806. I enjoy all the commits and half answers, no really thanks for great ideas as weeeell

  808. Mike , you do an outstanding job on your post , and I love learning something new from you every time I view them !!! The professional information that you share with us is such a blessing and a wonderful service you do for us all ! Thank You , Jack Ganon , Wilmington NC Happy New Year to you and your family !!!

  809. I have always loved the Japanese Maple, but the Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is absolutely astonishingly beautiful and unique. I would love to get this tree started in my landscape!

  811. Absolutely gorgeous tree, Would love to add this to the flower bed in front of my log home.

  812. I’m on your e-mail list and I enjoy all the information and tips and ideas that you share!! Also, I would love to win this beautiful tree!

  818. I would love to own one of these beautiful trees. I worry about how I would care for it here in West Texas.

  819. The color of this beautiful tree is amazing! I love Japanese Maples but this beauty truly is spectacular!

  821. AMAZING! Just one of the many reasons that your our Go To for all of our gardening and plant knowledge. Thanks for all you do! Loving it!
    Shared : )

  822. This tree will be a great addition to our property when we move there after retirement in May

    Roy

  827. Hi Mike…I live here in sunny Ca. and have subscribed to your newsletter for sometime. I really, really wanted to enter this contest so I could be the proud
    owner of this Ghost Maple….but will have to wait until 2019 when I leave this
    state and retire in Fayetteville, Ar.

    Your website has been a real source of information which I have used and
    am looking forward to many more years of information. Maybe I can evern
    be a “member” when I retire.

  830. I enjoy reading your posts, and even though I do not want to be a backyard gardener I like propagating plants just to see if I can and then giving them away to neighbors and friends. I’ve learned a lot. Thx.