Recent Posts

1

Flowers and Foliage Now / Re: October 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

« Last post by Robert on Today at 05:10:12 PM »

Mariette,

It is nice to see some autumn leaf color. I am not sure we are going to have any autumn color this year. The foliage of so many of our ornamental plants burned this past summer and autumn. In addition, a weak La Niña pattern is being forecasted for this winter. This generally translates into a relatively warm dry winter in our part of California. Generalized, ultra long-range forecasts are very difficult, but can be helpful in preparing for the next gardening season. A warm winter translates into a lack of chilling hours for many plant species in our region, thus muted autumn leaf colors or the leaves that just dry up and frequently cling to the twigs for long periods of time. This is not very attractive, but is occurring much more frequently in our part of California.

2

Bulbs Wanted / Re: Free - Lachenalia pustulata bulbs (UK)

« Last post by Vinny 123 on Today at 08:43:56 AM »

All gone.

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Plants Wanted Or For Exchange / Lachenalia pustulata

« Last post by Vinny 123 on October 10, 2024, 07:34:47 PM »

See bulbs wanted

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Flowers and Foliage Now / Re: October 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

« Last post by Vinny 123 on October 10, 2024, 06:21:56 PM »

Hummingbird hawkmoths.............

I could not keep up with it, although I very much like it as a plant - Vinca major - but the only year (10+ago) that I saw them here (the moths), the Vinca set plentiful seed horns (asclepiadacaea (spelling?) - rather unusual seed "pods").

I had previously had them visit when I lived in Devon - quite something to sit, chill and watch..............

Vinca minor and flower colour and variegated vars. of either sp. make great garden plants that do not romp away and take over.

So far as I am aware hummingbird hawkmoths are only ever vagrants to the UK. They DO live up to their common name

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Flowers and Foliage Now / Re: October 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

« Last post by ashley on October 10, 2024, 05:06:40 PM »

Thank you for such a comprehensive response Robert.
Yes, after a closer look at the photo I realised that C. graecum was more likely. Here C. hederifolium thrives but graecum needs protection from our excessive winter wet.  The few flowers I get are a bonus because its foliage alone makes it worth growing.
How lovely to have hummingbirds visit the garden. Only hummingbird hawkmoths here, and less often in recent years

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Flowers and Foliage Now / Re: October 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

« Last post by Mariette on October 10, 2024, 04:06:11 PM »

I'm glad to see that Ipomoea alba is surviving in your garden!
I planted 1 plant in the ground, and the others in large pots. sowing was not so easy.
how long has the other species lived in your garden?
I wanted some Cobaea too, but the plants didn't flower this year; let's hope they overwinter well ...

Hi Véronique, I sowed Ipomoea alba for the second time without any problems, though this year´s seeds were at least 2 years old. They germinated perfectly well for me.

I tried to overwinter last year´s plants in my green house, which is kept just frost-free, but they didn´t survive. Recently I learnt that it takes 7°C minimum for them during winter.

The seeds of Ipomoea pubescens arrived rather late, but germinated quickly, too. I´m growing this species for the first time and will try to overwinter them  like I. alba.

Both will not survive planted out in our climate, I suppose.

@ Robert: I´m interested to learn that You face the same problems as we did these last hot years. The leaves of many old stalwarts like pieris were bleached by the hot sun, even apples were damaged by the heat. Gooseberries may no more be planted in full sun, as the berries get "cooked" and brown, in the future they will require a spot in partial shade, at least. Some shrubs like corylopsis thrived for 30 years, but caught fungus and died away over several very dry years. Maybe a similar fate as Your stately walnut. Others like kerria recovered during the wet period since 14 months, which was reported from many parts in Germany and Austria. Currants fell also prey to fungus and look healthy only where they are growing in shady spots.

Some plants show late flowers for the first time, like Iris foetidissima. Obviously an effect of the excessive rainfall.



Spiraea betulifolia ´Tor Gold´ with autumn leaves and flowers, as well.

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Flowers and Foliage Now / Re: October 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere

« Last post by Robert on October 10, 2024, 03:20:27 PM »

Hello Ashley,

Yes, the Cyclamen pictured is C. graecum, or at least something close to it. The tuber has the characteristic morphology. The foliage of this specimen is especially nice. We have a number of Cyclamen species that do well in our garden, providing flowers all year, except the summer months.

There are many Hummingbird species native to the Mesoamerican region. Not surprising, the Mesoamerican Salvia species attract Hummingbirds. We have some resident Anna’s Hummingbirds that visit our garden throughout the year. In our garden Salvia guaranitica blooms all summer into the autumn. Salvia leucantha blooms autumn into the winter. Salvia gesneriiflorum and Salvia semiatrata bloom late autumn into the winter months. Salvia sinaloensis and S. chiapensis can bloom during any season and for very long periods of time.

8

Blogs and Diaries / Re: my local patch and wildlife - Ian McDonald

« Last post by ian mcdonald on October 10, 2024, 03:09:05 PM »

It was sunny, for a change, when I got up this morning. By the time I had my breakfast it was mid-morning. I decided a walk by the river was needed after several days of being house-bound by the weather. In a sheltered spot I saw a Speckled Wood butterfly.



A little further on I saw two fishermen. I thought this was strange as the salmon fishing season ended last week. It turned out they were catching salmon to take to the hatchery.



A lone canoeist gave a wave as he passed by.



In an area where I have seen a pair of Roe Deer I noticed a movement. I saw the Buck and a Doe. Then another doe appeared, then another. It looks like he has a harem.



While watching the deer a Fox appeared and seemed to be looking for a meal.

9

Bulbs Wanted / Re: Free - Lachenalia pustulata bulbs (UK)

« Last post by Vinny 123 on October 10, 2024, 09:27:41 AM »

One enquiry made so far, so please, if tempted and you have not contacted me, do so, as they need planting asap.

10

Bulbs Wanted / Free - Lachenalia pustulata bulbs (UK) - all gone

« Last post by Vinny 123 on October 10, 2024, 08:33:22 AM »

I repotted the plants here during the summer (should have listed these then.....) and there are around 50 bulbs (offsets) of varying sizes from 5mm upwards, the largest in need of another season before flowering.
They make pustulate leaves 30-45cm long, totally lax, the flowers have the feintest of scents. In case anyone should not be aware, they are winter-growers, not hardy.

They should really have been potted at least 4 weeks ago, but they should be absolutely fine.

If anyone wants some or all, please message me.