Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: TC on February 01, 2008, 06:39:18 PM

Title: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: TC on February 01, 2008, 06:39:18 PM
Snowdrop time again.  Looking at the weather forecast we decided to go to Fullarton woods in Troon before the snow started.  A dull late afternoon with the gales still blowing but it was worth the trip to see the display.  I am sure that there must be hybrids somewhere amongst this lot but where to look !
As I write this at 1835, the snow has finally arrived and with a temp. of -4c overnight, tomorrow should be interesting.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 01, 2008, 09:32:16 PM
Oh my goodness!!  What a display!!!!!!!  Fantastic.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 01, 2008, 10:08:19 PM
Tom, what a treat for us. Did you take tea and sandwiches to hold you own snowdrop tea party? ::)
I'm surprised after your long trip home from Benmore the other day that you are not steadfastly stopping at home for a while!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 01, 2008, 10:24:25 PM
Thanks for braving the weather Tom, I love to see drifts like this.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 01, 2008, 11:29:57 PM
wowwww!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: TC on February 01, 2008, 11:54:16 PM
It was no big deal as it is only 8 miles from our house.  Although blowing a gale on the coast, the woods are very sheltered and it was only a strong breeze deep in the woods.  Provided the flowers are not flattened by heavy rain or snow, they should peak in about a week if the sun warms them up.
Ayrshire and Galloway have some very old woodlands and there are probably similar displays in some of the old estates which were established in the 17th/18th century.  Logan gardens are open for Snowdrops this weekend.  Being in an extemely mild area I would imagine that their flowers will be more forward than up here.  Even in my own small garden all my Snowdrops are out although I haven't got a clue to the varieties as the Blackbirds have removed all the labels.  On a wildlife note, we had 10 Yellowhammers up at our back door mooching for hand-outs.  We know the weather is severe inland when they appear in our garden
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Katherine J on February 02, 2008, 02:17:59 PM
Woowww indeed!!!
And how happy I was today in the woods seeing here and there some shy little snowdrop noses! :(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: kaydale on February 02, 2008, 11:27:34 PM
Oh my goodness!!  What a display!!!!!!!  Fantastic.

Ditto from me, never seen anything like it!!!!!!! :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johanneshoeller on February 03, 2008, 03:51:18 PM
Although my garden is in the Alps the nature has started to grow.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 03, 2008, 04:27:49 PM
Has the snow gone now Hans?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Katherine J on February 03, 2008, 04:30:03 PM
Beautiful, Hans, where is your garden? We saw on the webcamera yesterday that there was big snow on the Raxalpe and also in Tirol.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Shaw on February 03, 2008, 04:41:31 PM
I risked a walk round the garden this afternoon in the cold wind and noted that most of the bulbs were showing noses and took pictures of some that were in flower:
common or garden snowdrops but they make welcome cover,
Galanthus Atkinsii,
Cyclamen coum that has been a delight all year.
The disaster area behind the flowers in our small narcissus collection. A complete write off this year and I expect that I will be in the market for some more bulbs in the summer.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johanneshoeller on February 03, 2008, 04:50:16 PM
Yes David, the last snow has gone. Yesterday we had rain and today the temperature is between -7°C in the morning and +2°C.
Kathrine, my garden is in the "Salzkammergut" near Bad Ischl (Ebensee).
A view from my garden to the mountains
Hans

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 03, 2008, 04:54:00 PM
Hans, there can't be many gardeners who can wake up to a view like that. Absolutely beautiful.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Katherine J on February 03, 2008, 05:03:12 PM
Salzkammergut is a beautiful place, I know that. I envy you!!! :)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Shaw on February 03, 2008, 05:03:51 PM
Hmm, we look over to low rounded hills that now have windmills! I did think of putting up hoardings with a mountain photo but the wind would only blow it over.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: hadacekf on February 03, 2008, 06:08:28 PM
Adonis amurensis opened its flowers today.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 03, 2008, 06:21:44 PM
Franz, Hans, I love to see these Adonis... perfect plants, as if designed by an artist and full of good cheer. I wish you well with your sunshine and spring flowers!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: hadacekf on February 03, 2008, 07:42:45 PM
Thank you Maggi.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 03, 2008, 10:26:18 PM
Beautiful pictures from everyone!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans J on February 06, 2008, 01:59:59 PM
Today is flowering in my greenhouse :
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 06, 2008, 03:43:20 PM
Hans very nice Tec.

here is orchis morio
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: TC on February 06, 2008, 09:45:03 PM
More Snowdrops !  A rare sunny day saw us at Dawyck Botanical Gardens near Peebles for the first look round of the year.  Although nowhere near the number of Snowdrops at Fullarton woods, the setting is more picturesque.  We were presented with the little label with the Snowdrop festival logo - see below.
It was also nice to see the fat buds on the Rhododendrons and healthy looking foliage.  This bodes well for Spring.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 06, 2008, 09:50:21 PM
Looks like you had a nice bright day like ours for your jaunt, today, Tom.
 If  I had a burn running through my policies, I'd love a pretty bridge like that..... and all adorned with some strapping looking snowdrops.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Casalima on February 07, 2008, 01:56:08 PM
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus - planted two years ago, flowering for the first time today, on my daughter's 11th birthday. I'm happy  :)

Chloë
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Carlo on February 07, 2008, 02:04:12 PM
Very nice Chloe. Mine have just emerged from their dormancy...we'll see!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2008, 03:55:41 PM
Birthday greetings to your daughter, Chloë, from all her Mother's crazy flower friends!
Our Tecophilaeas are still busy sleeping!
They may wake up soon though, the
[attach=1]

is home!! Hurrah!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Peter Korn, Sweden on February 07, 2008, 04:05:50 PM
The spring is very early this year. Already a lot in flower in the garden. Tomorrow I will have the big spring watering in the greenhouse.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 07, 2008, 06:57:50 PM
Once again a pic of Ranunculus cadmicus ssp. cyprius. I hope these pics show the beauty of this cute little anemonelike species better than my first one.
Tommies and Eranthis
Scilla messanensis

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 07, 2008, 07:27:55 PM
Here's my Teco flowering for the first time - will it help if I ask it nicely to split ???  ;)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 07, 2008, 07:41:09 PM
Yes, oh yes :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ian mcenery on February 07, 2008, 07:58:49 PM
Luc mine has grown to 3 bulbs outside (no sign of flowers yet) in a many years but I suggest you save and sow the seed as  mine has germinated and I have lots of little ones
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 07, 2008, 08:00:46 PM
I think I'll give it a go...
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2008, 08:54:11 PM
Luc, if it is flowering for the very first time it may not split this year, though it may make a baby if you're lucky. It may just get bigger and make two quite good sized bulbs next year.... keep it growing as long as you can before it goes dormant to build its strength.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 07, 2008, 09:02:15 PM
Will do Maggi, will do - potash is ready and waiting... ;)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 07, 2008, 11:17:33 PM
Out of interest, aren't both the white centred Tecophileas T. cyanocrocus  var leichtlinii rather than just the straight species like Luc's?  Given that neither of you mention the epithet I am wondering if that division isn't recognised any more?  I used to have it but it unfortunately went to the great garden in the sky, although my others are doing fine.  No idea why it died when the other are fine, except perhaps that I loved the blue and white combination more than the others (and T. violiflora has never flowered for me!)

Lovely to see pics of them, which whichever name you put to them.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2008, 11:33:11 PM
They are very variable, Paul,  but looking back at the pix again, I think I would incline to the first two, of Chloe and Hans, to be var. leichtlinii and Luc's to be simple cyanocrocus.

Luc, not too much food   :o   
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 07, 2008, 11:54:30 PM
Maggi,

Exactly what I was thinking.  leichtlinii can have quite variable amounts of white on it, so it definitely fits.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 08, 2008, 12:32:02 AM
 I'm sure I've told this story about Tecophilaeas before, but I'll tell it again, anyway.

We didn't have any Tecs and were very keen to try them, but BD is Scotsman to the marrow and flinched at  the prices. One year,though I thought, to pot with it, I'm going to get some. Made an order.... too late , sold out. Same thing happened the next year, by thetime I got my act in gear it was too late.....following year I thought, right, that's it, I'm not getting caught like that again, so ordered , early... and from three different suppliers, to be sure of getting from at least one of them.... of course, what happened was I got Tecs from all three and it cost me a flipping fortune! Got the BD a nice selection to play with, though, and he has been having great fun tickling them and raising pretty babies ever since. I like to think of it as a forward thinking speculative investment......but at the time I  was very nearly shocked speechless!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 08, 2008, 02:31:34 AM
Tried seed once myself (my original plants were a gift) but not much luck with the seeds.  Have heard that I am not alone in the regard, as often people don't seem to have much luck.  I guess it is always best when one has ones own fresh seed, and unfortunately the times mine flowered they never set seed as they were a single clone and never flowered as two different varieties the same year.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 08, 2008, 06:50:20 AM
Luc, (and others) why don't have look at for instance :
Bulb Log 13-2003
Bulb Log 14-2005
Bulb Log 31-2007

I think Ian made these Logs for us Forum Amateurs.  ::)   8)   ;D
Luit
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 08, 2008, 09:46:31 AM

Luc, not too much food   :o   

OK Maggi,
I'll limit myself to half a bucket....  ;D

OK Luit - I'll dive into these logs - thanks !
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 08, 2008, 10:01:20 AM
Here some flowers in my own garden.
Today beautiful sunny weather.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 08, 2008, 10:04:00 AM
Beautiful Luit, wonderful plants in good weather, a harbinger for what we have yet to come.  Thanks
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 08, 2008, 01:13:51 PM
Some things in flower today
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2008, 08:14:07 PM
Some things in flower today

Tony W., this is a graceful S.bifolia!
Like it in particular of your shots.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: John Forrest on February 08, 2008, 10:19:57 PM
At last the sun came out and allowed me to take a few pictures in the garden.

1 Cyclamen coum on the rock garden.
2 Crocus tomassinianus and already a fly is about and searching for food here. there was also a hover fly but not on this clump.
3 Corydalis Harkov growing in the humus bed.
4 Leucojum vernum
5 Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill. I wish you could smell the perfume from it, itis fantastic.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: tonyg on February 08, 2008, 10:29:55 PM
Two tulips in the front garden.  The first is 'lost label' but I think Thomas may know it.  The second (third pic) is Tulipa edulis which does well in the garden here.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2008, 10:31:15 PM
John,
a beautiful scenery. Like your fat clump of Leucojum.
Many stems with double flowers!
Would be happy to get it grown like yours in my garden.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2008, 10:33:01 PM
Tony,
your "lost label". Could it be T.biflora?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 08, 2008, 11:09:43 PM
A glorious sunny day today and could'nt resist taking a few pictures in my woodland glade which is what I like to call it.In no particular order and forgive me for being over indulgent
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 08, 2008, 11:14:46 PM
continuing
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2008, 11:16:24 PM
Wow :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 08, 2008, 11:19:12 PM
and finally.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 09, 2008, 06:05:42 AM
That really looks like spring already. These colours yellow and blue..!
This Hell. Tenginbai looks very interesting.
Thank you John.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Thomas Huber on February 09, 2008, 08:33:22 AM
 :o :o :o :o
Unbelievable, John! Hope my garden will some day look like yours

Sorry, Tony - can't help with your lost label tulip  :-\
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 09, 2008, 09:05:33 AM
Quote
forgive me for being over indulgent

You are totally forgiven, thanks for sharing your beautiful glade with us.  Stunning :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 09, 2008, 10:17:37 AM
John, stunning pictures. Do you open your garden under the NGS scheme?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Rob on February 09, 2008, 10:41:58 AM
John

Wow your woodland glade looks stunning.

I'm jealous of all those aconites as they struggle in my garden, and don't increase
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 09, 2008, 11:04:19 AM
John,

Oh those Eranthis, Galanthus and Crocus.  What a spectacle!!!!!  :o  Wish I was closer and could come for a look in person.  Must be absolutely stunning!!  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 09, 2008, 11:19:10 AM
I just showed these to my wife.  As we scrolled through she looked at me and then patted me on the back and said "There, There.  Don't be too upset.".... knowing how much I wish I could grow them like that here in my garden!  ::)  She knows me too well it seems!!  ;D

Going through them a second time had just as much impact as the first time.  That is one heck of a display you have there John.

John F..... that Corydalis and the Crocus clump are pretty special as well.  Very nice.

Seeing your wonderful pics reminds me of our wonderful winter/spring when we enjoy these things.  Even though we have so much out in the gardens in summer it still just isn't the same as the Crocus, Snowies, Eranthis etc.  Just lovely guys, just lovely!!  Thanks so much.  :) 8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 09, 2008, 02:00:30 PM
Quote
This Hell. Tenginbai looks very interesting.

Sorry, must have been a senior moment, John. Saw just the same? picture in Hepatica thread.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 09, 2008, 02:14:41 PM
I am reeling from the beauty of John G's glade.... what a picture!  You all have such lovely gardens andit seems that springis really coming to you now. This last 48 hours the plants here in Aberdeen seem to have realised that they are being left behind by all your plants in the race to Spring so they are nowworking very hard to catch up. Iris Katharine Hodgkin has opened the first flower, a little group of three or four Iris histrioides major has popped up from nowhere, an Iris retic. variety is opened by the kitchen window, the snowdrops are beginning andthe crocus are very nearly open... well, the C. sieberi atticus, mostly. Mone or two C. korolkowii types thinking about it, but that's all for the crocus outside at the minute.... lots more than last week though, when I had ONE snowdrop open and some in  a heap in the frost!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 09, 2008, 07:12:27 PM
David,in answer to your question.No I do'nt open my garden under the NGS scheme but I do have many groups during May,the proviso being that they are bonefide groups that are affiliated in someway to horticulture in its broadest sense.That way avoids the many tramping feet that would inevitably crush the many treasures that litter the understorey and confines it to the truly interested.(I speak from experience)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 09, 2008, 07:29:49 PM
John,

Please continue to indulge us a little  more. That was a beautiful show; really enjoyed it.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 09, 2008, 10:16:57 PM
Cyclamen coum flowering and looking good on my front door step this afternoon. This evening I came home to find the pot smashed and the plant wrecked by one of the neighbours' idiot children. The last of the automata did not die when the dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. >:( I sometime think the black lagoon must be a poor tourist attraction these days. :( Here too is Ipheion 'Froyle Mill'.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 09, 2008, 10:34:26 PM
Today was a beautiful sunny day. Not flowering much in my garden but a few I can show here.
Abeliophyllum was difficult to make pictures of with full sun, no background.
Crocus malyi.
I made a picture of a Cornus, while I like the waxy stems.
and 2 pics of yellow Magnolia Lois, of which I hope the green hairy one will flower.??
Then I thought the bud of Magnolia stellata needed a bit of attention from the camera.
In this thread I saw already som Primula sibthorpiana, this one is already more than 25 years with me.
And at last a pic. of the good Sax. irvingii on tufa which since 20 years never disappointed us.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 09, 2008, 10:37:51 PM
Quote
Cyclamen coum flowering and looking good on my front door step this afternoon. This evening I came home to find the pot smashed and the plant wrecked by one of the neighbour's idiot children.

seems you don't need to call 112. Nicely recovered, Anthony.  ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 09, 2008, 10:42:34 PM
Luit, lovely plants today with you.

Luit, I think Anthony's picture is BEFORE the wicked child!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 10, 2008, 05:52:13 AM
Luit,
What a superb Abeliophyllum distichum! It seems there is a superior clone in the Netherlands.
All plants which I have seen here had distorted twigs although nice flowers too.
Does your plant build seeds?
30 years ago I tried to cross this species with Forsythia because the Abeliophyllum is called the white Forsythia. No success -  :(

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 10, 2008, 10:24:19 AM
Missed out a day on the Forum yesterday only to find this wealth of unequalled beauties this morning !
Thanks all - gorgeous pix - what displays  :o  :o  Spring is definitely upon us (we had 15°C yesterday - and the same is forcasted for today !!!  -3°C las night though - Camelia flowers might be in trouble  :'(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 10, 2008, 11:27:40 AM
Did the pot-breaker survive?  :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 10, 2008, 12:25:44 PM
John,

What follows on in your woodland after your spring bulbs? This is what I would find a particular challenge - to find suitable plants to use with these spring bulbs.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 10, 2008, 04:41:52 PM

here is orchis morio

That is unusually pale and very early. Is it a named form Tony and do you grow it in the greenhouse? Mine is still in tight rosette in a trough.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 10, 2008, 04:45:21 PM
Did the pot-breaker survive?  :o

The pot breaker has yet to be identified. :(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: hadacekf on February 10, 2008, 08:27:07 PM
In my meadow the bulbs flowers despite frost in the night.
Crocus sieberi
Colchicum hungaricum
Crocus chrysanthus  C. biflorus
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: dominique on February 10, 2008, 08:39:32 PM
Two tulips in the front garden.  The first is 'lost label' but I think Thomas may know it.  The second (third pic) is Tulipa edulis which does well in the garden here.

Tony, I think that it is Tulipa bifloriformis, perhaps the cv 'Starlight' which is dwarfer than the type. Perhaps too Tulipa biflora 'Maxima' (biflora type is smaller and biflore)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 10, 2008, 08:47:39 PM
Franz,
you have a phantastic meadow and garden! 8)
It is a great pleasure to see it -
I assume will never reach this level in my own garden..

Can confirm my own crocus flowered today in fully frozen soil (4-5cm deep) without any frost damages!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 10, 2008, 08:56:35 PM

here is orchis morio

That is unusually pale and very early. Is it a named form Tony and do you grow it in the greenhouse? Mine is still in tight rosette in a trough.

No it is just an ordinary one.I have three and theyare all in flower now.A friend locally still has his as rosettes but mine are kept frost free and maybe this brings them on earlier
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 10, 2008, 10:08:31 PM
Luit,
What a superb Abeliophyllum distichum! It seems there is a superior clone in the Netherlands.
All plants which I have seen here had distorted twigs although nice flowers too.
Does your plant build seeds?
30 years ago I tried to cross this species with Forsythia because the Abeliophyllum is called the white Forsythia. No success -  :(
Gerd   

I never looked Gerd. After flowering I mostly take the scissors to take the long and untidy branches away.
In most years when flowering there are heavy nightfrosts, so I think no seed.
I'll have a better look this year.
Luit
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 10, 2008, 11:26:07 PM
Paddy,
I'm not ignoring you,I will come back to you to-morrow when I have assembled a few pics.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 10, 2008, 11:57:38 PM
Paddy,
The permutations are endless,but in my own case the upper storey comprises some of the larger Acers like rubrum,cappadocicum,ginnala etc.plus birches,Koelreutaria,magnolias and cercidiphyllum whilst the middle storey is filled with various japanese   maples,camellias,rhododendrons,corylopsis and viburnums with evergreen azaleas beneath and the floor is invisible by the end of May/
early June with successively dentarias,corydalis flexuosa,malkensis & solida,hacquetia epipactis,epimediums,trilliums,glaucidium palmatum
ferns,hostas,tiarellas,hylomecon japonicum,primula sieboldii,euphorbias,podophyllums etc.These are some pics. from last year.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 11, 2008, 12:00:29 AM
additionally
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 11, 2008, 08:09:59 AM
Franz, I don't think any "real" alpine meadow looks as good as yours !
 ;)
Simply stunning.  :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2008, 10:22:50 AM
Nor do many woodland glades look as good as John's!! What talented gardeners we have here... it is just an absolute delight to share your gardens with you....thankyou!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 11, 2008, 10:27:12 AM
John and Franz, what absolute delights, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful pictures with us.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 11, 2008, 10:48:40 AM
Oops - I made a posting earlier on regarding Johns Woodland glade that apparantly got lost in Cyber space... (the posting I mean  ;D)

I just wanted to express my awe as to the breathtaking displays John is able to create throughout successive seasons !   :o  :o
Absolutely brilliant !
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Thomas Huber on February 11, 2008, 01:54:02 PM
Great garden-photos everyone.
I have some, not from my own garden, but from the Botanical
Garden in Giessen, where my sister lives! No special plants
but the quantity makes them special even so:
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Casalima on February 11, 2008, 02:01:57 PM
John,

Your woodland glade is absolutely fantastic! I would love to do something similar here one day - adapted to the local climate, of course, but my local climate has great potential :)

Congratulations!!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Katherine J on February 11, 2008, 02:57:14 PM
but the quantity makes them special even so:
indeed. So many Eranthis in a place!  :o :o :o
Beautiful.

But John, you have no place where to step!!!  ;D (I wish I had no place where to step because of flowers :))
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 11, 2008, 10:22:28 PM
Thomas,

Eranthis may not be special to you guys, but to some of us they're wonderful treats to be enjoyed at every opportunity.  To see a carpet of them like that is amazing!!  Thank You!!  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: john h forrest on February 13, 2008, 12:36:43 PM
Hi all


Am in Tenerife at the moment visiting my brother in law for a wedding. I have had to make a temporary login because the system won´t let me in under my normal name and password. This may be because before I left I changed my profile because my email adress has changed.

Just before I left I took a few pics in the garden and will try to post them now but may not be able to because I sent them to my yahoo email and have downloded to B in laws computer but could only save them as bitmaps so may not work
 Hepatica new flower
Hepatica new flower full
Hepatica mature flower
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: john h forrest on February 13, 2008, 12:42:36 PM
Hi All

Am in Tenerife at the moment visiting my brother in law for a wedding. I have had to make a temporary login because the system won´t let me in under my normal name and password. This may be because before I left I changed my profile because my email adress has changed.
I have just tried to post a few pics but without success???????

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 13, 2008, 01:15:02 PM
The pictures are there John - and beauties they are.
Verrrrrrrrrry nice Hepatica !  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 14, 2008, 03:42:54 PM
Luit,
What a superb Abeliophyllum distichum! It seems there is a superior clone in the Netherlands.All plants which I have seen here had distorted twigs although nice flowers too.

Gerd, I'm now pretty sure my plant is Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum, because I saw in gardenshops only real white flowering plant. And I remember that I was looking for a "pink Forsythia" when bying the plant.
Here is another picture taken without sun. It's in full flower now but I fear the coming nightfrosts with more than 5 degrees below zero.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 14, 2008, 05:44:49 PM
Very nice plant, Luit! Thank you for the pic.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 14, 2008, 10:01:19 PM
A nice Romulea in the garden today
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 14, 2008, 10:04:02 PM
Dionysia  curviflora coming into flower in the alpine house.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: shelagh on February 15, 2008, 02:37:45 PM
Well it is bright and sunny here in Bury, but bitterly cold for a 'her indoors' type, which is what I am. So I just rushed out with my camera to give you a taste of what a few days of warm weather has brought into flower.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 15, 2008, 03:42:03 PM
A nice Romulea in the garden today

Nice one Michael, is it R. bulbocodium var. crocea?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 15, 2008, 03:45:43 PM
Well it is bright and sunny here in Bury, but bitterly cold for a 'her indoors' type, which is what I am. So I just rushed out with my camera to give you a taste of what a few days of warm weather has brought into flower.

Dull, grey and drizzle here Shelagh and b****y cold!! We had the sun on Wednesday and to an extent, yesterday. Aren't Hellebores a pain in the backside to photograph? I liked your Primula Groeken's Glory, I haven't seen that one before.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 15, 2008, 06:15:59 PM
David. from memory it is crocea,too cold today to look for a label
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 15, 2008, 09:33:38 PM
Quote
I liked your Primula Groeken's Glory, I haven't seen that one before.

Shelagh and David, as a Dutch gardener seeing the naming of this Primula I would like to make a
little correction and hope you don't mind.
The right spelling is Groenekan's Glorie. Groenekan is a small village near Utrecht.

Shelagh, I do hope the weather is getting warmer soon and you can show us more beauties of your garden.

Luit
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: shelagh on February 16, 2008, 01:32:23 PM
Thank you Luit for the correction. It is so long since we bought it we have long since lost it's original label. It is such a 'good doer' that we have moved it with us from one house to the next.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 16, 2008, 03:11:41 PM
John - John Gennard, that is,

Just now caught up on your follow-up posting on your woodland garden. It is an outstanding example of this type of garden, an excellent selection of plants and all well managed so that one does not overrun the other. Excellent, really enjoyed it. Many thanks,

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martijn on February 16, 2008, 04:51:37 PM
Dear friends,

Some pictures of the first flowers here in the east of Holland.

greetz, Martijn

´Wilder Kaiser´
 Lizzy
 Rembrandt van Rijn

 soldanella samnitica
 
Zbrazlav

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: art600 on February 16, 2008, 04:59:39 PM
Martijn

Can you please resize your photos - 600 x 450 works very well.  At the moment they become too large for viewing.

Great plants

Arthur

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martijn on February 16, 2008, 05:05:18 PM
thanks Arthur,

resized them to a more realistic size :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Rafa on February 16, 2008, 07:37:46 PM
This is Gagea pratensis, in teh garden
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: andré B on February 16, 2008, 10:39:46 PM
IN my garden this morning a very 'scottish' plant that is not so easy to keep going here:
Primula Arduaine
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 17, 2008, 10:52:18 AM
Not easy here in Devon either Andre. I have killed one many times.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ruweiss on February 17, 2008, 07:44:45 PM
Dear friends
Two weeks ago I was astonished to find Asarum splendens in flower,probably due to the mild
temperatures in January. Now it got colder again in the nights (down to -8°C) and I hope,that
the harm will not be too much.
Greetings
Rudi
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 17, 2008, 08:34:37 PM
its an odd year for asarum splendens,mine has been in flower a month.none of the others are moving yet
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: SueG on February 18, 2008, 01:05:16 PM
After being at Dunblane on Saturday I got out into the garden on Sunday for a couple of pictures, but facing north east the garden was too cold to spend long there (and too frozen to do any work) so back to the back yard which gets the sun and a few more flowers.
Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'
close up - it's taken a few years to start flowering well but I have high hopes of it now and the scent is just brilliant!
Scoliopus bigelovii - sorry it's such a weedy picture, it lives in a cold dark corner and is beginning to bulk up last year I had just a single flower
Daphne mezerum - common but I really enjoy it and as it gets no sun at this time of year the flowers last for ages, I've never managed to keep the white form though, don't know why
Primula bracteosa - doesn't flower well in a pot so I think I'm going to release it into the garden somewhere, on the other hand, it is still alive  :o
Corydalis 'Munich Sunrise'
Sue
and not a snowdrop in sight  ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 18, 2008, 01:15:50 PM
Lots of goodies, there, Sue. The Scoliopus is one of my all time favourites.... everyone should grow it, and its brother, S. hallii 8)
 
On Saturday I had a bit of a shopping frenzy and bought a Daphne 'Jacqueline Postil' from the Rankins at great expense.... I'd been offered a seedling from a Forumist previously but when I saw some there, asking for good homes, I had another of my weak moments and thought ,'what the heck, go for it'.....mind you, I also mis-read the price tag.... yikes!  Never mind.... can't take it with you.....the plant does really well for a chum just a couple of streets away (also at Dunblane on the bus from Aberdeen) who has hers in a very exposed situation and it does well, so I am hoping to have success with it....watch this space! :-X
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 18, 2008, 01:25:55 PM
Maggi, I was going to post you a rooted sucker (as promised many months ago) from Jaqueline Postil this week. I potted it up at the end of the Autumn and put it in the lean-to to root up a bit as it didn't have much root (they never do - and the seedlings, when I potted them on, had almost no roots and most died after potting on). What rotten timing on my part! I should have let you know I'd potted it and was giving it some warmth to get some roots on it before mailing it. Could you use a second one? You really can't have too many in the garden.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 18, 2008, 01:34:32 PM
and not a snowdrop in sight  ;D

What a relief... ;D

Thanks Sue for adding some colour !
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 18, 2008, 02:05:43 PM
Martin, I would be most grateful for your young Postil, also  8).... that will give me a chance to try one in both front and back gardens....better chance of success, perhaps. And, of course, when your one does better, I will be able to moan heartily about my waste of money... always a pleasure for we Scots! :P
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 18, 2008, 02:08:04 PM
I was thinking the same thing, Maggi - one near the front door and one near the back door, so you get the scent whenever you go out back or front. Will de-pot, wrap and pop in the post this week.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 18, 2008, 02:19:15 PM
Yes,that sounds, perfect . Many thanks, Martin  :-*
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Casalima on February 18, 2008, 07:39:53 PM
The first of my "own" Narcissus bulbocodium this year.
And a camellia flower.

Chloë
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 18, 2008, 07:48:06 PM
This hybrid Hellebore has been flowering all month and still looks good.

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 18, 2008, 09:29:32 PM
That IS a beauty David!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 18, 2008, 09:35:16 PM
on David's pink hellebore..
Quote
That IS a beauty David!

Yes! two of my favourite things... bold and healthy!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 18, 2008, 10:07:44 PM
Stunning scenes of those wonderful little bulbs, all naturalized to perfection. A great pleasure to see them John, thanks very much.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 18, 2008, 10:21:24 PM
Not easy here in Devon either Andre. I have killed one many times.

This plant resurrects David?  :D Or do you mean you've killed many plants one time? :-\
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 18, 2008, 10:34:07 PM
Here's two in the greenhouse today: Ranunculus kochii and Anacamptis papilionacea.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 19, 2008, 08:31:09 AM
This hybrid Hellebore has been flowering all month and still looks good.



Very impressive David !!!  :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 19, 2008, 09:57:39 AM
Not easy here in Devon either Andre. I have killed one many times.

This plant resurrects David?  :D Or do you mean you've killed many plants one time? :-\

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 20, 2008, 11:53:57 AM
Iris lazica has just come into flower.I find this much easier to flower than the related I. unguicularis
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 20, 2008, 01:46:50 PM
Peculiarly, Tony,

Iris unguicularis flowers with great ease here though never gets to make a great display. This is partly because it flowers during the most inclement months of the year and are victim to wind, rain and frost. Also, they are generally picked immediately while still in bud and brought into the house for our enjoyment. This year there has been a continuous flowering since October and are still flowering as I write. I have the usual species, I. unguicularis and the forms 'Walter Butt' and an Irish cultivar named 'Kilbroney Marble'.

Iris lazica is one I must try, lovely blue.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2008, 02:36:22 PM
Anthony how come you get multiple blooms on your R. kockii? I only get singles
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 20, 2008, 06:42:23 PM
Iris lazica has just come into flower.I find this much easier to flower than the related I. unguicularis
 

Me too!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ashley on February 20, 2008, 07:01:50 PM
... and an Irish cultivar named 'Kilbroney Marble'.

I've never seen this Paddy.  Is it a good form?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2008, 08:41:18 PM
'Kilbroney Marble' and a Devon form
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 20, 2008, 08:50:17 PM
There you have it Ashley, from Mark. I think it is nice and grows well with good drainage.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 20, 2008, 08:51:43 PM
I remember you showing us this last year, Mark, when Lesley and I both yelped "Virus!!" To me, both those flowers look virused, and the leaves of both seem to be showing signs of virus too. Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 20, 2008, 08:52:58 PM
I agree, too many stripey marblings for my liking..... they'd be OUT here, even if they are pretty!

added later..... I suppose there is a clue in the name Iris Kilbroney Marble which suggest it has been around for a while to get the name and be distributed as such....I would still be worried about the virus spreading though, as Lesley says in a  later post.... :(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 20, 2008, 08:53:40 PM
Yes, very pretty. Shame about the virus.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 20, 2008, 09:42:43 PM
I have to endorse the virus comments. Remember, viruses don't stay confined to single plants or single species. Even if this iris is strong enough to withstand the assault, others which may become inffected could succumb totally. GET RID OF IT!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: John Forrest on February 20, 2008, 10:38:23 PM
Lovely Anacamptis Anthony. Wish I still had mine.  :'(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 20, 2008, 10:45:44 PM
John, I will have a spare when they become dormant?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ashley on February 21, 2008, 12:38:04 PM
'Kilbroney Marble' and a Devon form

Thanks Mark & Paddy.  It's unusual and rather attractive all right. 
However I won't take the risk, having had to destroy some appallingly virused bulbs from 'reputable sources' already this season  >:(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans J on February 21, 2008, 03:53:43 PM
For all friends of jungle plants :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BuRwH59oAo&feature=related

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 21, 2008, 04:55:46 PM
just from today

1. Primula sibthorpii - white from the Pontus range/Turkey

2. Solaria atropururea - black  ;)

Gerd

P.S.
Hans, this is a serious forum
!  ;)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Shaw on February 21, 2008, 06:20:40 PM
What I am not clear about with this iris question is, how can a virused plant be propogated and come true to form?
I understand that Iris Kilbroney Marble is commercially available and so there must be hundreds of them out there all looking exactly the same. Surely a virus would create different patterns on different plants?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2008, 06:37:04 PM
Welll, are they EXACTLY the same ?? .. .....they're more likely just similar enough to fool our eye into thinking they are the same.... like snowdrops!!  If one looks at the virussed tulips that have been in commerce for donkey's years... none are actually identical, they all vary... just that the pattern is similar enough to gi ve the impression of uniformity in chaos......I know, (as Ibrahim I think it was who explained) about the so-called "stable" tulips which are not supposed to pass their virus.... but I for one am not convinced of that stability. Just because a plant has enough strength to avoid immediate death from a virus, or has evolved a modus vivendi with a virus, and said virus SEEMS not to migrate to other species or genera, I  still fear that there IS a risk of transfer.... after all, isn't the whole nature of a virus to be able to change, adapt, mutate almost infinitely?    In my book that makes  these virus bearing plants a risk too far for me.  As to the fact that commercial growers have grown some of these virussed varieties  en masse for many years.... some of those big growers have had the most catastrophic crop failures on other plants.... could this entirely be coincidence ? I don't think so. Of course it is possible to have a crop failure of varying degrees for all sorts of reasons but I am pessimistic enough to worry about the wider implications of these so-called stable virus carrying  varieties  :( :-\ :-X :(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 21, 2008, 06:40:07 PM
What I am not clear about with this iris question is, how can a virused plant be propogated and come true to form?
I understand that Iris Kilbroney Marble is commercially available and so there must be hundreds of them out there all looking exactly the same. Surely a virus would create different patterns on different plants?

But the same situation applies with tulips whose colour breaks are caused by virus and are stable enough for them to be progagated and sold as clones. I guess it's when a plant is strong enough to live with the virus and isn't killed by it that you get a plant that can be propagated and sold as a stable, growable (but potentially infectious!) named clone.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 21, 2008, 07:32:56 PM
just from today

1. Primula sibthorpii - white from the Pontus range/Turkey

2. Solaria atropururea - black  ;)

Gerd

P.S.
Hans, this is a serious forum
!  ;)

Sorry, it seems I become somewhat clumsy, here are the pics!

Gerd

It seems I
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans J on February 21, 2008, 07:46:59 PM
mhhhh Gerd - yes it is a serious forum  ;D ;D ;D
but we can not see pics with a magic cup .....

maybe the "next Uri Geller" is from Solingen ?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2008, 07:50:20 PM
Gerd, I knew you would return... I was not sure whether you were so shocked by Hans' joke that you forgot to post the pix, or perhaps you were laughing so hard that you forgot to post the pix !!

It is the humour here which makes this Forum different and, to me, so special... just like a chat with friends... always a joke amongst the serious business of learning how to make our flowers happy....A day is always bettered by a smile- who said that Bavarians had no humour  ::)
Thanks to you all for this.    :-*
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans J on February 21, 2008, 07:55:09 PM
 ;) Maggi -who says that the bavarian have no humour ???
we have maybe a little other kind of humour .....

Sorry for the result of football from today :
Bayern - Aberdeen:
5:1  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2008, 07:56:32 PM
With all this joking, I quite forgot to ask you, Gerd: what can you tell me about Solaria atropurpurea?
A most attractive plant which I have not seen. (though perhaps they have many in England ::) )


Hans....
Quote
Bayern - Aberdeen:   5:1     

.....that is NOT funny! Trust me!!
 :'( :'( :-[
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 21, 2008, 08:36:52 PM
With all this joking, I quite forgot to ask you, Gerd: what can you tell me about Solaria atropurpurea?
A most attractive plant which I have not seen. (though perhaps they have many in England ::) )


Maggi,
This Solaria is also called Gethyum atropurpurea and I don't know which name is correct. It is a member of the Alliaceae and comes from Chile.
It is an easy grower and has a good multiplication. It starts to grow in November and I give a dry summer rest. I don't know whether it is hardy outside.

Gerd

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2008, 08:45:06 PM
Thank you, Gerd, I know very little about these South American onions but I do like them. This one has super shape to it.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: mark smyth on February 21, 2008, 08:57:56 PM
Bob Brown sells it
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 21, 2008, 09:28:32 PM
I like the Solaria/Gethyum too. I doubt if it is here though.

I have to confess a total lack of interest in football - of the Soccer kind - but I wonder if Anthony enjoyed the cricket down here on Wednesday. I hardly left my sofa all day. Looking forward to Saturday's decider.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2008, 10:09:17 PM
A sofa is certainly the best place to watch cricket, from Lesley.... that way you are already lying down when you fall asleep!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 21, 2008, 10:46:18 PM
Quote
Maggi,
This Solaria is also called Gethyum atropurpurea and I don't know which name is correct. It is a member of the Alliaceae and comes from Chile.

That is a very interesting plant, Gerd.
I doubt if it is hardy with us. There seems to be only one Solaria in Chili : S. brevicoalita,
what is probably the same plant. This one grows in the area where much Chilean wine is produced.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 22, 2008, 12:01:09 AM
Tut Tut Maggi. I NEVER fall asleep while watching cricket. And certianly not this last game on Wednesday. It was finger nail biting stuff right to the last ball, and no decision about which team would win until then either. I hope Saturday's will be so good.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans A. on February 22, 2008, 08:03:20 AM
Quote
Maggi,
This Solaria is also called Gethyum atropurpurea and I don't know which name is correct. It is a member of the Alliaceae and comes from Chile.

That is a very interesting plant, Gerd.
I doubt if it is hardy with us. There seems to be only one Solaria in Chili : S. brevicoalita,
what is probably the same plant. This one grows in the area where much Chilean wine is produced.

Hello Gerd and Luit -
Ravenna has mentioned some more species: S. brevicoalita, S.curacavina, S. atropurpurea, S. attenuata, S. miersiodes and S. cuspidata - next month I will be in Chile again - perhaps I will able to get some seed.
Here in Spain Solenomelus segethii will start to bloom possibly next week.

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 22, 2008, 09:42:30 AM
Tut Tut Maggi. I NEVER fall asleep while watching cricket. And certianly not this last game on Wednesday. It was finger nail biting stuff right to the last ball, and no decision about which team would win until then either. I hope Saturday's will be so good.

Not proper cricket, wait until the proper cricket starts.

signed.
Old Buffer from Devon.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 22, 2008, 05:54:45 PM
Here is a plant that I posted last week but with a few more flowers out now.

Dionysia curviflora
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 22, 2008, 05:57:43 PM
Looking good , Michael.
I think that D. curviflora was the only Dionysia on display at Dunblane last weekend, if I remember... only got two minutes in the display room to look  :-\
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 23, 2008, 12:06:14 AM
A beautiful plant Michael.I wish my own attempts at Dionysia would produce anything have so good. :'(

Well, Old Buffer from Devon, I assure you I'm very happy to spend a full 5 days on the sofa in the right circumstances. Only little matters like a job, watering, cooking dinner and doing the dishes get in the way but I'll be doing my best. The good thing about the English and NZ teams currently is that they seem to be quite evenly matched both in skill and talent - plenty of those - but also in the ability to produce some ghastly mistakes and gross stupidity as well. Should make for interesting test matches.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 23, 2008, 12:07:32 AM
And now I'm about to have a quick lunch and retire to the sofa for the last of 5 one day games.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: t00lie on February 23, 2008, 08:46:15 AM
Earlier quote
"I like the Solaria/Gethyum too. I doubt if it is here though."

Hello Lesley

I know seed is in this country.Also it was listed in the latest AGS seedlist.

Cheers dave
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans A. on February 23, 2008, 05:25:48 PM
Some flowers of today - I am sure you will know them  ;).

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: art600 on February 23, 2008, 05:34:18 PM
Hans

But the index will not be able to pick up the plants without a name - and I do not recognise the first one.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 23, 2008, 06:00:22 PM
Canarina canariensis

Hans, do you grow it outside?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 23, 2008, 06:20:04 PM
Quote
Hans

But the index will not be able to pick up the plants without a name - and I do not recognise the first one.

Good point, the index will not be able to pick up the plants without a name   and I didn't recognise the first one, either!!

Canarina canariensis
Paeonia cambessedesii
Scilla greilhuberi
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: hadacekf on February 23, 2008, 07:29:35 PM
Sternbergia candida opened all its flowers today.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 23, 2008, 08:01:46 PM
Oh, my word, I have never seen a better clump of Sternbergia candida... and open in the sunshine too, to make them even whiter, how lovely.

We bought, many years ago, a packet of Sternbergia lutea bulbs from a garden centre... when they finally grew, it turned out that they were Sternbergia candida... we were delighted with this mistake!!
Sadly we lost them after a few years, I believe the mice ate them when the pot was tucked away in a quiet corner when dormant. :'(   Now we make more protecton against those small hungry beasts.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans A. on February 23, 2008, 09:53:23 PM
Perfect - I had no doubt it would be easy for you  :) - you are right - next time I will use some codes 8)


@Gerd - yes I grow Canarina canariensis outside in the Garden - last frost (one night -1ºC ) I had about three years ago.
 

I have never seen such a nice (and freeflowering) group of Sternbergia candida! Congratulations.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 24, 2008, 04:56:39 PM
Sternbergia candida opened all its flowers today.

Franz,
Superb plants!
Would you please tell something about how you cultivate the Sternbergia?
I tried the species inside and outside and never saw flowers.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 24, 2008, 05:41:44 PM
Quote
Franz,
Superb plants!
Would you please tell something about how you cultivate the Sternbergia?
I tried the species inside and outside and never saw flowers.

As I said earlier, we had lost most of our plants with mouse attack, I thought... we still have the plant but we only have leaves, no flowers... and we grow it in the glass house!  Yes, Gerd, we both need the advice of Franz !
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: hadacekf on February 24, 2008, 06:10:05 PM
Maggi and Gerd,
Sternbergia candida and St. lutea grow together in my bulb bed. The soil (lime) in the bed is the same as I have in my garden. From December to March the bed is permanently protected with lights. From April to November the lights are completely removed except during heavy rain, but this happens not very often.
I think it like my garden, to the contrast of many other plants.

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: fermi de Sousa on February 25, 2008, 01:26:14 AM
Franz,
that's a superb clump of Sternbergia candida! I wish I could flower it so well!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 25, 2008, 06:53:16 AM
Quote
we still have the plant but we only have leaves, no flowers... and we grow it in the glass house!

That is the same with me. I kept them dry and warm from June to October, with other bulbs.
And after repotting in the glasshouse.
The only good thing is that I get more but smaller bulbs, which only give leaves.

Quote
From December to March the bed is permanently protected with lights. From April to November the lights are completely removed except during heavy rain, but this happens not very often.

After reading what Franz wrote, I think they need a warm (in Vienna!) summer rest but not drying out
and never soaking in water.
Covering with lights during winter is about the same, being covered with snow in nature: not too wet!
Would be good to know in which period the flowers are made??
Anybody has an answer?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans A. on February 25, 2008, 08:21:21 AM
I was told Sternbergia candida does not like to grow in a pot - I understand Franz's wonderful group is growing in a bed- I am growing mine in the garden in a winterrainarea - about 800mm without protection and they do fine - but this clone I grow does not be so floriferous as this franz grows.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 25, 2008, 11:22:48 AM
Mine is in a pot and I bought it from Christian about ten years ago. It flowered for the first time last year after I had made an effort and given it a hot dry summer rest. It was a miserable thing and I wondered why I had bothered.Just wish it had looked like Franz's
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 25, 2008, 06:14:22 PM
The first Corydalis solida red of Rumanian origin are open
+ Viola alba from the Pontus/Turkey and Viola sempervirens,
the last one is Anemone caucasica

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: derekb on February 25, 2008, 06:53:14 PM
 First a windblown Tecophilea leichtlinii, then the first flowers on a Hellebore last Pulsatilla halleri ssp slavica.

Derek
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 25, 2008, 07:18:50 PM
Very nice Violas Gerd - smashing Anemone as well !

Too bad for the Tecophilea Derek - it must have looked very good !

Here's some from me :

A small trough getting the Spring fever with Hepatica nobilis and the remainders of Crocus corsicus

and some early season colours featuring Saxifraga ferdinandi coburgi var. rhodopea - Tulipa pulchella violacea and some Cyclamen coum seedlings.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 25, 2008, 07:19:33 PM
Super colour this Corydalis Gerd, and of course these blue Viola.
But on Viola you are the specialist, isn't it?
Thank you for those pics.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 25, 2008, 07:20:57 PM
Tulip time already Luc?
Nice!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 25, 2008, 07:25:10 PM
Nice pictures folks.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 25, 2008, 09:40:12 PM
A few from the garden to-day.Not a lot of colour but still welcome at this time of the year.
Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver cloud'
 Daphne papyracae
 Daph.papyracae
 Garya elliptica
 Hamamelis 'Aphrodite'
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 25, 2008, 09:54:20 PM
More treats, John. I don't even know Daphne papyracae !
The Garrya reminds me of a very good specimen our old friend and neighbour had.... sadly it was bulldozed when her house and garden were redeveloped :'( :'(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 26, 2008, 07:10:39 AM
But on Viola you are the specialist, isn't it?


Luit, I love violets especially - but a specialist ?

Luc, nice planting, nice trough!

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ashley on February 26, 2008, 06:24:14 PM
Some (non-alpine) foliage in the garden this week:

Angelica archangelica
Cyclamen hederifolium
Helleborus argutifolius
Myosotidium hortensia
Rhodocoma capensis
Leucojum vernum


Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 26, 2008, 10:42:35 PM
But on Viola you are the specialist, isn't it?


Luit, I love violets especially - but a specialist ?

Gartenpraxis 2002, Nr. 10   ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2008, 12:45:27 AM
Luit, can  you mean the article  'Rosettenbildende Viola-Arten aus den Anden' ?
That would be about the rosulate violas of the Andes, I  believe?  8) Certainly a subject for experts!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2008, 12:48:39 AM
Ashley, those leaf variations of Cyclamen hederifolium are wonderful, all so different. What a delight these cyclamen are and they bring such a long period of interest to the garden.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 27, 2008, 06:57:00 AM
Luit, can  you mean the article  'Rosettenbildende Viola-Arten aus den Anden' ?
That would be about the rosulate violas of the Andes, I  believe?  8) Certainly a subject for experts!


Yes Maggi!

There seems hardly to be anything you don't know, Maggi?   ;D

Almost frightening............ ??? :o :-[ 8)     :-*
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2008, 10:03:01 AM
talking of rosulate violas I just thought I would use it as an excuse to put up a picture. Not my scree bed but in flower now.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 27, 2008, 10:23:42 AM
talking of rosulate violas I just thought I would use it as an excuse to put up a picture. Not my scree bed but in flower now.

Tony, this makes me nervous  :o

Viola congesta ?

Your own picture? Where in flower now - Lancashire?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2008, 11:38:19 AM
Gerd

my picture taken this time last year in the Rio Teno valley in Central Chile,it was just to get your heart beating a little faster.It was a very large scree bed covering a great area of mountainside
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2008, 12:06:12 PM
Tony, such violets get all our hearts beating a little faster, I think  :D
That shape, those leaves, such flowers..... what, as our American friends on TV say, is "not to love"???
Our success with such plants has been limited over the long term but the pleasure to raise even a small plant from seed and perhaps get a flower or two is SUCH a thrill  8)
As always when one sees the plants happy in their natural home, it does make one feel rather inadequate, though :-[
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 27, 2008, 12:11:38 PM
Gerd
my picture taken this time last year in the Rio Teno valley in Central Chile,it was just to get your heart beating a little faster.It was a very large scree bed covering a great area of mountainside

Tony, Thank you. Do you agree with V. congesta?
Chile is a dream, isn't it?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on February 27, 2008, 12:25:27 PM
Our success with such plants has been limited over the long term but the pleasure to raise even a small plant from seed and perhaps get a flower or two is SUCH a thrill  8)

Maggi,
I am sure you would  give me the attribute ' killer of rare violets ' if I would tell you of my very, very poor results with these rosulates violets  :-[
See my one and only success - Viola rosulata

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2008, 12:50:10 PM
Gerd

I think it was called V. congesta. I am impressed you got yours to flowering size even if it has since died. Mine did not even form a rosette although the stems got several inches long before it died.I am pleased that even for a moment you thought I might have grown the one in the picture. I have seen a couple on the show benches which have shown wonderful skill in growing them but they just do not compare with the wild plants. We have to try though i think it is in our nature.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 27, 2008, 10:51:00 PM
Tony,

Never seen anything like that before.  Do you have any closeup pics of it to show individual rosette and flower arrangement etc?  Never heard of them before, or at least I don't recall them anyway!!  :o
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 28, 2008, 10:16:36 AM
Paul

I have this one of a viola which is a bit closer. If you want I can send you the full size file which is 1.85mb and you can zoom in your self. This particular hillside was covered in hundreds of them and I only saw them against the bare earth when I stopped to look at an equal number of oxalis.To save being thought of as exagerating here is part of the hillside and one of the oxalis
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: art600 on February 28, 2008, 10:29:50 AM
Tony

Was the trip with the AGS?
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Rafa on February 28, 2008, 10:55:41 AM
Tony: Just amazing!!!, thank you very much for sharing this marvellous pictures.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 28, 2008, 12:10:10 PM
Oh My!!  Unbelievable!!  So these were out in full sun I am assuming, unlike the traditional violas which prefer some shade?  Were these cold growers as well, or was this in non-frost areas?  I know that the leaf arrangement of most of these types of plants is dependent on harshness of the climate (Oxalis palmifrons will produce a similar flat disk leaf arrangement when grown in the right conditions, but doesn't look nearly as precise as that in my conditions), so I am assuming it is a fairly hot and dry type growing arrangement there?  Do they then go into winter dormancy?  I am absolutely fascinated by these..... and of course now coveting them greatly!!  ::)  That arrangement of the leaf disk, with those flowers sitting right on top is breathtaking.  Would have been fascinating to see them in person.  The Oxalis is pretty impressive too!!

Thanks so much for the pictures.  Superb!!!!!!  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 28, 2008, 12:33:09 PM
Tony,

What an extraordinary plant - the viola, stunningly beautiful.

And the blue oxalis is outstanding.

Many thanks,

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Hans A. on February 28, 2008, 12:50:07 PM
my picture taken this time last year in the Rio Teno valley in Central Chile,it was just to get your heart beating a little faster.It was a very large scree bed covering a great area of mountainside

Hi Tony,

so last year I nearly could have seen you!
I visited at january 2007 the Laguna de Maule / Central Chile - it was a very similar habitat with a hugh number of Oxalis adenophylla - it is no surprise this Violas are so difficult to grow - the radiation is extremly intense - my not covered skin at the hands turned red even with a good sun protection (60) - surprisingly the Oxalis seam to be much easier to grow.
Tony , thanks for the fantastic fotos.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Tony Willis on February 28, 2008, 01:35:31 PM
Hans yes I was at Maule in January,I thought the policeman and his family running the border post were very nice and I had tea with them. Bit harder up the teno as it was a day when the road was closed and i had to work hard at getting permission to go up.

Arthur, I went on my own, just sorted out some flights and a couple of car hires. Had a week in Patagonia, and one split between a few days acouple of hundred miles South of santiago and  a couple of days a bit North.

Paul they are under deep winter snow and it is not hot at any time.It was a few thousand feet up and although very sunny there was a lot of wind. The summer rainfall is comparitvley light.As  hans said the UV is intense.

A couple more pics
orepolus
 rhodophiala
 alstroemeria
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: gote on February 28, 2008, 06:34:42 PM
I am still behind most of you but today I took this pic of Helleborus thibetanus.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 28, 2008, 07:33:49 PM
Here are some shots of the clearing as you leave the woodland glade shown earlier.I call this area the acer glade as there are several japanese acers planted beneath the prunus sargentii which provide the Summer shade and it is later a sea of Frit.pyranacea.Enjoy.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 28, 2008, 07:46:58 PM
A garden to be proud of John.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 28, 2008, 07:49:16 PM
Great display again, John. Great show.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 28, 2008, 08:17:49 PM
Goodness me, John that is lovely. You even have narcissus beginning to extend the colour palette.
How many hundred acres of Leicestershire does your garden cover? ::) ??? 8) :o ;)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 28, 2008, 08:44:32 PM
A few of my own  Primula hybs in bloom today.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 28, 2008, 09:32:46 PM
Tony,

Lovely Rhodophiala.  Not seen them with veining like that.  Very nice.

Gote,

Beautiful hellebore..... that species is just so delicate in appearance, with a charm all its own.

John,

Stunning!!

Michael,

You must be proud of your Primulas.  All are looking great.

I think that about covers everyone's photos.  Thanks for posting them!!  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Kenneth K on February 28, 2008, 09:35:37 PM
The sun lights up the white Daphne mezereum f alba today.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 28, 2008, 09:54:43 PM
Maggie,the garden extends to three acres but if I must apologise it was a field with no hedges or trees when I came here in 1965 and I have done it all myself and with help with the maintenance work in the Summer I still do.You make me feel embarassed but thanks for your comments.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on February 28, 2008, 09:57:19 PM
John,

If you've done it all yourself then they're a real tribute to your time and effort.  It also says a lot regarding your "eye" for creating things like this..... some people try to make "natural" woodland type setting and it ends up looking dreadfully artificial.  You certainly couldn't say that about yours judging by your pics.... even with the clear division of lawn and gardens it still works beautifully.  I would be so proud to have created something like that.... it's superb!!
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Lvandelft on February 28, 2008, 10:01:12 PM
Here are some shots of the clearing as you leave the woodland glade shown earlier.I call this area the acer glade as there are several japanese acers planted beneath the prunus sargentii which provide the Summer shade and it is later a sea of Frit.pyranacea.Enjoy.

What you call your garden looks more like a park, John.
Really beautiful!

Where you planted all these bulbs, is that a lawn too? and when and how do you the mowing.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on February 28, 2008, 10:22:54 PM
Three beautiful acres, imaginatively laid out and very well planted.... John, you have made a wonderful garden, thank you for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 29, 2008, 08:30:06 AM
John,

What a dreamgarden !!!   :o :o :

I've never seen anything like it !

I hope you'll show us more as the season progresses - We'll all be waiting !  :D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on February 29, 2008, 09:54:31 AM
A few of my own  Primula hybs in bloom today.

Cracking plants there Michael, they look a treat.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: gote on February 29, 2008, 04:08:15 PM
You live in the tropics Kenneth. None of my buds have opened (near Örebro) :(
Göte
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Armin on February 29, 2008, 06:57:16 PM
Here are some shots of the clearing as you leave the woodland glade shown earlier.I call this area the acer glade as there are several japanese acers planted beneath the prunus sargentii which provide the Summer shade and it is later a sea of Frit.pyranacea.Enjoy.

John, your garden is simply fantastic! 8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: johngennard on February 29, 2008, 08:21:11 PM
Thanks for your kind comments everyone, they give me much satisfaction and it is a pleasure to share it with you all.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 29, 2008, 10:53:45 PM
A few Hellebores.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 29, 2008, 10:56:26 PM
A few more
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 29, 2008, 11:13:17 PM
Primula hybs
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 29, 2008, 11:34:03 PM
Some Cyclamen coum in pots.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 29, 2008, 11:35:41 PM
All very nice indeed, Michael. I'm particularly taken with your primula hybrid no. 4. It's a little cracker!  8)

Does no. 1 have marginata blood in it? The leaves have a look of marginata, and the flowers look almost as if they had some 'Linda Pope' blood in them.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 29, 2008, 11:40:28 PM
Yes Martin, that is a seedling from Linda Pope X Allionii hyb. I have lots more nice ones but they are not in bloom yet.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 29, 2008, 11:52:00 PM
Yes Martin, that is a seedling from Linda Pope X Allionii hyb. I have lots more nice ones but they are not in bloom yet.

I look forward to seeing more as they come into bloom. I just love European primula species and hybrids. I was taken  to Joe Elliott's nursery in the Cotswolds for the first time when I was about 12 or 13 and I can still remember the thrill of walking into one of his alpine houses filled with primula stock plants - mostly allioniis, and some of his own crosses. The only thing more thrilling at Joe Elliott's was to walk into the alpine house where he kept his big stock plants of Daphne petraea 'Grandiflora' when they were in full flower and filling the house with perfume. This was in the days when hardly anyone had D. petraea, and he had a waiting list as long as your arm. The third most thrilling thing was to visit his frames full of Gentiana verna 'Angulosa' in full flower. Fourth most thrilling...well, you get the picture. It was a lovely nursery.

I tried my hand a few years back with crossing P. 'White Linda Pope' with various other things (including allioniis) and got some very nice seedlings. Unfortunately I lost 'White Linda Pope' so couldn't repeat the experiment. I haven't seen it around for a while now. Wonder if you can still get it anywhere? Must ask around.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on March 01, 2008, 12:41:40 AM
Michael, I also just greatly enjoyed viewing the lewisia hybrids on your website. Stunning! Those pictures and the lewisia log from Wisley have prompted me to make a note to order some lewisia seed from Ashwoods and start growing them again after too many years without them (apart from a couple of rediviva seedlings that have refused to die despite years of neglect!) I used to have quite a few. Time to get some more again!  :)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on March 01, 2008, 08:59:36 AM
talking of rosulate violas I just thought I would use it as an excuse to put up a picture. Not my scree bed but in flower now.

Gosh, this thread has leapt forward since I last visited. :o Must have forgotten about it? ::) I would just love to grow one of the rosulate violas but I keep missing the seed. :( (I reckon an environmental chamber wired by satelite to a weather station in Chile would be needed?) ;D
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Katherine J on March 01, 2008, 10:06:57 AM
Michael,
I've decided to move to Ireland an spend seven days a week in your garden and learn all your "secrets".  ;D ;D ;D
Your plants are lovely.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paddy Tobin on March 01, 2008, 02:37:07 PM
Martin,

Memory fails me a little but it was last year or the year before that Michael (Campbell) put on a display of lewisias at the AGS show in Dublin and it was simply fantastic, a tour de force of magnificent lewesias. Now, that is high praise from me, one who gave up on them in total disgust years ago as I found it impossible to get them through  my wet winter conditions but Michael's display was outstanding. You would have loved it.

Michael,

Lewesias, primulas and daphnes, of  course, I associated with you immediately but I never realised you had such an interest in hellebores. You have some excellent cultivars, beautiful flowers. Are these of your own raising or bought in?

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on March 01, 2008, 03:48:26 PM
Quote
I never realised you had such an interest in hellebores.


Paddy, I started with Ashwood stock and now I cross my own. I can't leave anything alone that has  pollen if I can find a suitable recipient.
I am known in certain quarters as a backyard pollen dauber.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on March 01, 2008, 03:57:22 PM
Here is a pick of Hellebores Pink Beauty in the garden.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on March 01, 2008, 04:41:54 PM

  Re. white Linda Pope. 
Quote
Wonder if you can still get it anywhere? Must ask around.

Martin, I don't have white Linda Pope myself, and I haven't seen it for sale for years. Let me know if you find a source.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on March 01, 2008, 07:06:50 PM
Quote
I would just love to grow one of the rosulate violas but I keep missing the seed.  (I reckon an environmental chamber wired by satelite to a weather station

Anthony, I have a few seed of Viola cotyledon and a Viola Sp,If you would like to try them. PM me with your address and I will post them. I can include a little GA3 as well if you want it.

cheers, Michael.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on March 01, 2008, 07:45:18 PM

  Re. white Linda Pope. 
Quote
Wonder if you can still get it anywhere? Must ask around.

Martin, I don't have white Linda Pope myself, and I haven't seen it for sale for years. Let me know if you find a source.

Hi Martin and Michael,

I may have White Linda Pope?? Odd statement to make, but here is the plant I bought, out of flower, a couple of years ago as 'straight' Linda Pope. It was obvious when it came into bud that it wasn't and I always like to think that the label was nearly right and it is White Linda Pope.

What do you think?

Michael if I lived in Ireland I would never be off your doorstep, you could teach me so much.

Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: David Nicholson on March 01, 2008, 08:00:51 PM
Yes Martin, that is a seedling from Linda Pope X Allionii hyb. I have lots more nice ones but they are not in bloom yet.

I look forward to seeing more as they come into bloom. I just love European primula species and hybrids. I was taken  to Joe Elliott's nursery in the Cotswolds for the first time when I was about 12 or 13 and I can still remember the thrill of walking into one of his alpine houses filled with primula stock plants - mostly allioniis, and some of his own crosses. The only thing more thrilling at Joe Elliott's was to walk into the alpine house where he kept his big stock plants of Daphne petraea 'Grandiflora' when they were in full flower and filling the house with perfume. This was in the days when hardly anyone had D. petraea, and he had a waiting list as long as your arm. The third most thrilling thing was to visit his frames full of Gentiana verna 'Angulosa' in full flower. Fourth most thrilling...well, you get the picture. It was a lovely nursery.

I tried my hand a few years back with crossing P. 'White Linda Pope' with various other things (including allioniis) and got some very nice seedlings. Unfortunately I lost 'White Linda Pope' so couldn't repeat the experiment. I haven't seen it around for a while now. Wonder if you can still get it anywhere? Must ask around.

Martin, if I could step back in time (that's almost a cue for a thread!) then a visit to Joe Elliott's nursery would be very high on my list. I'm assuming it was in the village of Broadwell as there are a number of Primula hybrids with 'Broadwell' in the name eg. Broadwell Milkmaid. Early in the New Year I was on the road from Stow to Morton in Marsh and saw the signpost to Broadwell and ran down through the village. Lovely little place with some very 'well heeled' houses but no sign of a nursery now.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Michael J Campbell on March 01, 2008, 08:05:02 PM
David, it looks good to me. If it is not the real thing it is not far away.

cheers, Michael.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Maggi Young on March 01, 2008, 08:15:37 PM
Have a look at this SRGC Show report: http://www.srgc.org.uk/shows/edinburgh/report.html

which includes this quote " There are many good white Primulas grown and shown today. Bob Meaden took first with his fabulous P. White Lady [also known as 'White Linda Pope', when it won a Forrest medal for Fred Hunt in Perth a few years ago]. "



Yours is a fine plant and looking very healthy about the leaves.  8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on March 01, 2008, 08:40:16 PM
Yes, I'd forgotten 'White Linda Pope' was renamed 'White Lady'. Thanks, Maggi.

Michael, I'll let you know if I find a commercial source. It really was a good seed parent.

David, that looks right to me. As Michael says, if it isn't then it's as near as dammit. But I doubt another chance seedling is likely to have cropped up as good as that. I expect it's a case of mis-labelling somewhere along the line. Joe Elliott's nursery was indeed in Broadwell, in an old farmyard. His collection of stone trough gardens was excellent too, some of them inherited from his father, Clarence Elliott, also a nurseryman.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Martin Baxendale on March 01, 2008, 08:42:55 PM
Have a look at this SRGC Show report: http://www.srgc.org.uk/shows/edinburgh/report.html

Wow! Those show plants are superb! 'Wharfedale Village' is another I used to have - also a stunner.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Paul T on March 02, 2008, 12:27:59 AM
Michael,

Great hellebores and wonderful Primulas.  All very speccy!! (that's special, to those who don't know the term)

You're not alone in the pollen daubing stakes...... my wife jokes about me going out to have sex in the garden at times, when I grab my little paint brush and head out determinedly.  ::) 8)
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: gmoen on March 02, 2008, 01:46:27 PM
Gerd.

I have not visited the forum for a while so here is a late comment to your message concerning Viola rosulata. I have also been growing that species and had the same experience as you. And I have reason to believe that we both had great sucsess  ;D
Some of the rosulate violas are monocarpic, and I think this species are among them. I have also had some contact with my friend Gerben Tjerdsma at the Botanical Garden of Gothenurg, and he also believe this might be a monocarpic species.
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Gerdk on March 02, 2008, 05:28:37 PM
Gerd.

I have not visited the forum for a while so here is a late comment to your message concerning Viola rosulata. I have also been growing that species and had the same experience as you. And I have reason to believe that we both had great sucsess  ;D
Some of the rosulate violas are monocarpic, and I think this species are among them. I have also had some contact with my friend Gerben Tjerdsma at the Botanical Garden of Gothenurg, and he also believe this might be a monocarpic species.

Geir,
I am not convinced that V. rosulata is monocarpic - even my plant disappeared without developing seeds. I saw flowering rosettes of different size  near the Termas de Chillan which may indicate that they are perennials. Maybe this violet acts monocarpic when conditions doesn't suit.
Nevertheless congratulations for your success - V. rosulata is known as a tricky species.
Gerd
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: Anthony Darby on March 03, 2008, 09:19:02 AM
Quote
I would just love to grow one of the rosulate violas but I keep missing the seed.  (I reckon an environmental chamber wired by satelite to a weather station

Anthony, I have a few seed of Viola cotyledon and a Viola Sp,If you would like to try them. PM me with your address and I will post them. I can include a little GA3 as well if you want it.

cheers, Michael.

Sorry Michael, missed this. Spent the whole weekend moving books and shelves from my former study upstairs to the new one. Back to school for a rest  ::) (I wish - parents' night tonight so won't be home until 7.30 p.m.) :(
Title: Re: Flowers and foliage February 2008
Post by: ranunculus on April 13, 2008, 10:20:48 AM
An informative link to a page on rosulate violas for those who might be interested....

http://www.alpinegarden-ulster.org.uk/POM/POM_Rosulate%20Viola.htm
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