Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: mark smyth on April 01, 2009, 10:03:22 PM

Title: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 01, 2009, 10:03:22 PM
I'll kick off April with a recap from the last week or two in my garden and some from today. In alphabetical order ....
Anemone obtusifolia yellow form
Geranium x oxonianum Katherine Adele
Geranium x oxonianum Spring Thing - in fine detail
Pulsatilla bohemica
Ranunculus ficaria Bantam's Egg - small enough for a trough. Opens orange and fades to white within 36 hours
Ranunculus ficaria seedling
Ranunculus ficaria Yaffle
Ranunculus acris Hedgehog
Salix reticulata
Sanguinaria canadensis
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 01, 2009, 10:50:11 PM
Very nice Mark. "Oh to be in England..." or even in Northern Ireland. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 01, 2009, 10:56:12 PM
but your spring comes first. Is your favourite season spring? The Muscari you sent me is back up and and flowering after taking a year out. It didnt flower last year nor has it grown any in size
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 01, 2009, 11:04:09 PM
A few more from me before bed
Puschkinia - a lovely long petalled seedling in the garden. Only a few blues are still growing while whites are doing extremely well
Scoliopus hallii
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 01, 2009, 11:08:44 PM
Isn't Scoliopus hallii just a wee cracker? I love it to bits!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 01, 2009, 11:11:17 PM
Isn't Scoliopus hallii just a wee cracker? I love it to bits!   

Just a shame about the pong   :-X
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 01, 2009, 11:15:23 PM
Mine dont smell of anything. Do you see the seedlings? I ruined some seedlings last year trying to get them out for a visitor
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 01, 2009, 11:21:50 PM
Isn't Scoliopus hallii just a wee cracker? I love it to bits!   

Just a shame about the pong   :-X
Diane, you are such a hard woman.... it's only a little pong!  :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 01, 2009, 11:59:26 PM
Mark I'm pleased you have it still. I think mine has gone for good, just a tiny, single leaf last spring and I couldn't find anything when I dug in the summer. Seems it is M. pallens.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 02, 2009, 12:17:09 AM
Away in the Cotswolds to talk about crocuses I am lucky to be staying with Eric Jarrett.  A chance to get up close with his medal winning Chionohebe pulvinaris and a few others.  More pice later now its time for bed.
Chionohebe pulvinaris
Phlox bryoides
Dionysia oreodoxa
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 02, 2009, 06:37:06 AM
Pulsatilla grandis from Wachau - Austria
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 02, 2009, 07:27:55 AM
Hi, great pictures again, I would be very happy to pay the £3.50 for that Chionohebe the cost of delivery would be a bit more I expect. Those pulsatillas are wow,  cheers ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 02, 2009, 07:34:54 AM
Quote
A_lot_of_plant_for_the_money

How many did you buy Tony?  ;D

That's a nice blue form of the Pulsatilla Karl!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 02, 2009, 10:39:51 AM
That's a nice blue form of the Pulsatilla Karl!

- I second this + a superb shot!

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ashley on April 02, 2009, 01:59:42 PM
Mark I'm pleased you have it still. I think mine has gone for good, just a tiny, single leaf last spring and I couldn't find anything when I dug in the summer. Seems it is M. pallens.

Lesley, I can send you some seed later in the season if you want to try again.

What beautiful pulsatillas Karl, especially in the wild.
Fine plants Mark; I haven't seen Anemone obtusifolia in yellow before, and your sanguinaria is obviously enjoying life 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 02, 2009, 02:01:15 PM
Great kick off to April guys !
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 02, 2009, 03:06:46 PM
I bought some of Janis' Sanguinarias to extend the flower time in my garden. They must be thinking they are in Latvia because there is no sign of them
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 02, 2009, 04:34:25 PM
Pics from my garden

Saxifraga grisebachii
Saxifraga burserana
Primula marginata
Pulstilla hallerii ssp.styriaca
Hepatica nobilis "Rosea"
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 02, 2009, 07:35:45 PM
Lovely shots, particularly like the pulsatilla. They are so gorgeous at this time of year.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 02, 2009, 07:45:42 PM
Springtime in the garden.



Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 02, 2009, 07:47:40 PM
Spring is certainly around now, isn't it? All these great photos of flowers around Europe  really do tell us that better days are ahead  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 02, 2009, 08:31:18 PM
David,

Some of the reliable regulars there, hard to beat them in the open garden.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 02, 2009, 09:14:20 PM
New month ... some more images from the garden today ...

Pulsatilla vernalis (1 to 5)
Trillium
Adonis vernalis
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Jo on April 02, 2009, 09:25:55 PM
Here is Pulsatilla vulgaris looking pretty good, and Anemone hortensis heldreichii which has been in flower for a month now.

Everything is growing away like mad now, why isn't the winter long enough to do all the winter jobs  ???
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 03, 2009, 11:58:21 AM
Some plants that are in flower now:

1) Anchusa caespitosa
2) Androsace carnea x pyrenaica
3) Androsace mathildae
4) Dicentra cucullaria
5) Fritillaria imperialis
6) Hyacinthella dalmatica
7) Pteridophyllum racemosum
8) Sebaea thomasii
9) Soldanella montana
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 03, 2009, 12:10:45 PM
Cliff,

Stunning photos as always. You can almost feel the fuzziness of those Pulsatillas.

Wim,

Great pics.  I am so jealous of your Fritillaria imperialis, which are a trial for me to grow in my garden.  ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 03, 2009, 12:30:27 PM
You are ahead of us, Wim..... this is as far as our Fritllaria imperialis has got.......
[attach=1]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 03, 2009, 01:26:03 PM
Nice little series Wim - your Soldanella looks great !!  8)

Cliff,
Please stop taking these wonderful pix of your Pulsatilla !  >:(
I'm already growing 4 or 5 of them in my garden and if you continue like that I might end up with 15 or so...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 03, 2009, 01:42:05 PM
Hi Wim,

A lovely series of photographs but the soldanella montana is outstanding. How are you growing it. It seems to be in a trough but the level of compost in the trough seems to be very low. Is this on purpose - to give the soldanella shelter or whatever?

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 03, 2009, 04:02:54 PM
Those Fritillaria imperialis have been in the same place since 10 years and they seem to enjoy it there. They are this early because they are in a sheltered spot against a south faced wall.

@ Paddy: That particular Soldanella was almost dying last year because it was in a very dry spot out in the garden. So I decided to take some better care of it: I put it in a new trough in the shade in a mix of 50% compost, 40% loam and 10% grit. The soil does seem to be a bit low but that's 1) because of the shape of the trough (see attached picture) and 2) because the compost settled.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on April 03, 2009, 04:57:24 PM
Here is Pulsatilla vulgaris looking pretty good, and Anemone hortensis heldreichii which has been in flower for a month now.
Everything is growing away like mad now, why isn't the winter long enough to do all the winter jobs  ???
Jo - Anemone hortensis heldreichii is really beautiful. Unfortunately, like a lot of 'bulbous' anemones, it doesn't seem to be commercially available at present.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 03, 2009, 06:07:09 PM
At last a little bit of warmer weather still frost at night, a few new plants flowering this week cheers Ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 03, 2009, 06:36:38 PM
 
Quote
Everything is growing away like mad now, why isn't the winter long enough to do all the winter jobs 
You know, no one ever says that here.   ;D

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 03, 2009, 07:50:50 PM
Ian,

Wonderful photographs. The adonis is new to me and looks fabulous.


Many thanks, Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 03, 2009, 08:42:22 PM
So do the others!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Robin Callens on April 03, 2009, 08:48:10 PM
Quote
New month ... some more images from the garden today ...

Pulsatilla vernalis (1 to 5)
Trillium
Adonis vernalis

Cliff,

Your Trillium looks like a T. ovatum.

Robin
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 03, 2009, 08:54:02 PM
The last batch of images (I promise) of Pulsatilla vernalis and Adonis vernalis from the garden today ...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 03, 2009, 09:36:54 PM
Cliff,

I'm beginning to think you have a particular fondness for these plants.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 03, 2009, 10:01:06 PM
Ian,
Wonderful photographs. The adonis is new to me and looks fabulous.

Many thanks, Paddy

I can only second this!

Ian, I presume the Adonis sounds as coming from Greece??
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 03, 2009, 10:05:58 PM
Quote
Pulsatilla_vernalis_am ende d

After this last super picture I believe you are finished, or may be exhausted?  ;D ;D   8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 04, 2009, 08:12:14 AM
Pteridophyllum racemosum.
Do you mean this plant is hardy? I grow it in a green-house (max. -10°C).

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 04, 2009, 09:07:29 AM
Hans, it has survived our winter this year (- 15°C) so I guess it's really hardy.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 04, 2009, 10:37:00 AM
Flowering now in the garden: Physochlaina orientalis and Asphodelus acaulis 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 04, 2009, 04:49:22 PM
Astragalus zionis and Dracocephalum oblongifolium flowering in the garden.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 04, 2009, 07:18:28 PM
From the garden today:
Andromeda polifolia 'Macrophylla'
Pulsatilla vulgaris covered in dew
Camellia 'Donation'
(not in the garden, in my front porch  ;)) Pelargonium 'Fair Ellen'
Iris (I think) suaveolens
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 04, 2009, 07:34:28 PM
Two violas in the garden. Viola grisebachii- 1st flower on a plant barely 1cm tall, and Viola schariensis.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 04, 2009, 07:43:25 PM
So sweet, Simon! 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 04, 2009, 08:06:57 PM
Simon, all lovely but the shade of blue on V. grisebachii is beautiful.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 04, 2009, 08:38:41 PM
The flower on the Viola grisebachii has been waiting since February to open- and I'm quite happy with the result.  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 04, 2009, 09:45:12 PM
Stunning pictures to start off April in the NH. "Oh to be in England...." and all that.

Jo, how COULD you. Any winter is too long unless one is a skier.

A whole photo essay Cliff, for Pulsatilla vernalis. We've yet to see yours in seed. Won't be long. :)

A great thrill to see Adonis cyllenaea. I've not been able to bring it through the first winter, either potted on or left in the seed pot. Not too cold, not too wet, so don't know what the problem has been. On the other hand, a single seedling of A. pyrenaica has stayed in growth since it germinated 18 months ago and is putting out new leaves now, in autumn. The seed was one of 5 from the AGS and took 2 years to germinate.

I hope we see that Phlox bryoides when it's fully in bloom. And Chionohebe pulvinaris like that would stop the traffic here.  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 04, 2009, 09:53:16 PM
Ashley, that's very kind of you, thanks. Seed of Muscari pallens would be very welcome. Even when mine was at its height, it only made 2 or 3 seeds (though all the same clone so maybe not surprising) and they fell or were birded away before I could get them. You have my address I think?  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 05, 2009, 02:12:34 AM
Well, it's not yet in bloom... I'm pushing things in my desperation for winter to end... but, with the latest snow melt,  a bud has emerged on Caltha leptosepala !  (A good sign, despite the fact that they are no where near as lovely when subjected to my tender loving neglect as they are in the mountains). 

Buds too on Schivereckia podolica, which I see, in googling just now, has become a rare plant in Europe... oh my.  Buds continuing to develop on Saxifraga sancta var. macedonica, and on the drabas (the ones the rabbits didn't munch, at any rate).
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 05, 2009, 06:24:25 AM
Some happy troops in the open garden;
Scilla greilheuberi
Pulmonaria sp.
Musari neglectum

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Pauli on April 05, 2009, 07:25:52 AM
Hello,

after a few years it seems save to say, that Helleborus thibetanus is hardy here in Upper Austria!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 05, 2009, 07:36:37 AM
Herbert,
H. thibetanus obviously enjoys your conditions. Is it flowering so late there?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 05, 2009, 09:18:04 AM
Another Viola species in the garden. This one germinated from a packet of Viola declinata seed I bought many years ago. After an eternity of producing only cleistogamous seedpods it has finally flowered. Also Tulipa praestans, Muscari chalusicum and a Gagea (bought as G.praetermissa).
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 05, 2009, 01:14:44 PM
Simon, your violas are beautiful, especially V. grisebachii , can't find out much information about it though.
How long is an eternity?
I have several violas that so far have only produced cleistogamous seedpods, it is very disappointing to see buds form and then turn into pods, espcially as the seeds were from Japan and I have no idea what they are, and really, REALLY want to see flowers. :(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 05, 2009, 01:32:25 PM
Quote
Simon, your violas are beautiful, especially V. grisebachii , can't find out much information about it though. How long is an eternity?
hi Maggie- I just checked- I bought the seed as V.grisebachii, but I think it may have been a typo for V.grisebachiana.
For the other Viola my eternity was 5 years in my garden in England doing nothing but producing seedpods- it never selfseeded there, but I collected seed and brought it to Bulgaria. Last year, in its 1st year, it did the same thing and produced only seedpods- this year it has flowered. Here it seems to be selfseeding, so I am wondering if it likes the heat. I'd love to know which one it is, as it did come up from a packet of Viola declinata seeds.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 05, 2009, 02:09:19 PM
I'd love to know which one it is, as it did come up from a packet of Viola declinata seeds.

Simon, It isn't declinata for sure because this belongs to the section Melanium (pansies). It seems to be a relative of odorata-alba etc. (section Viola subsection Viola). Determination is difficult when in an early stage.
Nevertheless a nice specimen.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Pauli on April 05, 2009, 06:49:44 PM
Hello Gerd,

I have to admit that I am a little bit lazy with my pictures - it is 9 days old.
As we have some kind of heat wave now it is already going over . 22C today ;D

Regards

Herbert
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 05, 2009, 09:22:51 PM
Quote
For the other Viola my eternity was 5 years in my garden in England doing nothing but producing seedpods- it never selfseeded there, but I collected seed and brought it to Bulgaria. Last year, in its 1st year, it did the same thing and produced only seedpods- this year it has flowered.

Simon, I hope I don't have to wait your eternity for mine to flower, not sure I have that much patience. ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 05, 2009, 10:07:33 PM
 Simon, It isn't declinata for sure because this belongs to the section Melanium (pansies). It seems to be a relative of odorata-alba etc. (section Viola subsection Viola). Determination is difficult when in an early stage. Nevertheless a nice specimen.
Gerd [/quote]
Thanks Gerd- I knew it was unlikely to be a pansy when it started doing the cleistogamous seedpod thing- but the leaves look so much more like a pansy than a violet I was intrigued and kept going with it. I'll try to get a better pic of the leaves when the flowers are over to see what you think. Thanks Simon

Quote
Simon, I hope I don't have to wait your eternity for mine to flower, not sure I have that much patience.
Maggie- which ones are making you wait?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael on April 05, 2009, 10:10:12 PM
Today was a very lucky day to me, as i went to a place i had never been before with a friend of mine, and i have found lots of daffodils growing wild. I had never seen something like this before, so it was very exciting. I felt i was on the alps or something like that  :D

 I guess these bulbs were planted by someone, but they seem to be on their own now and forming nice clumps! I guess you are all used to see daffodils growing like this, but not me, so it was a cool experience! I have to return to that place again!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael on April 05, 2009, 10:16:01 PM
The Zantedeschias were in full bloom too, quite a (smelly) sight! The purple flowers belongs to the endemic Geranium maderense.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael on April 05, 2009, 10:18:21 PM
I also found some clumps of this unknow Iridaceae (maybe gladiolus??)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael on April 05, 2009, 10:22:01 PM
The Watsonia season is about to begin too :)

The last 2 ones are totally unknown to me, as i never seen them before. Any ideas of what they could be?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ashley on April 05, 2009, 10:41:53 PM
Nice plants Mike.  The last one is a Babiana, maybe angustifolia.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 05, 2009, 11:30:49 PM

Maggie- which ones are making you wait?

Simon, I don't know what they are, the seeds were from Japan, sent to me by a friend.
One has small, heart shaped leaves, I have that indoors at the moment, the other one different shaped leaves and has been out in the garden since last spring.
I hope it is still alive.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 06, 2009, 12:42:19 AM
Mike,

The second last one is Ixia paniculata from memory.... very in-ixia-like in appearance, but an Ixia none-the-less.  IF my memory of the name is right. ???
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 06, 2009, 01:52:05 AM
I have several violas that so far have only produced cleistogamous seedpods, it is very disappointing to see buds form and then turn into pods, espcially as the seeds were from Japan and I have no idea what they are, and really, REALLY want to see flowers. :(

I have several east Asian species such as koreana and chaerophylloides which make cleistogamic seed - no flowers - in spring but flower quite well in autumn and set no seed from those flowers.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 02:10:58 AM
Lesley, I just googled V.chaerophylloides, the leaves look pretty much the same as the one I have in the garden.
I will be very happy if that is what mine turns out to be.
Do you have any pics of yours in flower?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 06, 2009, 08:57:03 AM
Just a few images taken yesterday at the private garden in Tottington, near Bury. Lancashire, where we held a digital photography workshop for members of the East Lancashire Group of the AGS and in my garden here in Whitworth. You will all be very happy when the pulsatilla and the adonis are finished flowering ... I just cannot resist their photogenic charms!!!

Anemone
Fly on narcissus
Anemones


Adonis vernalis
Adonis vernalis
Another Pulsatilla vernalis - for Lesley
Trillium line-up
Paraquilegia anemonoides close
Paraquilegia anemonoides close
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ArneM on April 06, 2009, 10:14:35 AM
Even if most of the snowdrops are over now there is still enough to flower during next days and weeks. Many of them are more or less ordinary spring flowers but they make each spring better.

Anemone nemorosa 'Pleuger's Plena'
 A. ranunculoides 'Avon'
 Camellia 'Jury's Yellow'
 Corydalis angustifolia 'Alba'.
 Narcissus 'Mount Hood'
 Primula
 Primula elatior
 Pulmonaria officinalis
 Pulsatilla vernalis 'Papageno'
 Viola odorata 'Albiflora'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 06, 2009, 10:27:55 AM
Great selection and fab pix full of colour, Arne... thanks!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 06, 2009, 04:28:41 PM
Lovely selection Arne, as you say the snowdrops have almost gone - and the weeds are all appearing, I've had enough weeding today so here are some images from the garden, nothing special but a joy to behold!

Spring
 bird-eaten-sanguineria single
 Sanguinaria double
 Camellia
 Cardamine
 Corydalis-solida
 Daphne
 Epimedium
 Epimedium-2
 Erythronium.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 06, 2009, 04:30:47 PM
and more...

 Euphorbia
 Fritillaria-imperialis
 Geum-rivale
 Ipheion
 Iris
 Iris-2
 Narcissus
 pink-chionodoxa
 primrose-pulsatilla
 Ribes-'White-Icicle'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 06, 2009, 04:31:27 PM
and finally!
Saruma-henryi

 Veratrum
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Jo on April 06, 2009, 04:47:08 PM
Lovely pics Brian. Is that Erythronium hendersonii ?  I've had it for a number of years and love it but it hasn't appeared this year so I 'm wondering if the frosts had it.

 I was away at the weekend collecting offspring from uni's and got the chance to drag them up Snowdon. I was planning on posting all sorts of pics of upland treasures but the sheep got there first I think.  So I include what had survived  :o :o and a Daisy at the top.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 06, 2009, 05:04:50 PM
Cheers Jo, I think it is - but it was a present and the label has whited out!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on April 06, 2009, 06:25:09 PM
Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’.

I find this easy. It flowers regularly & increases in my garden where conditions are about as far removed from its native N American woods as can be imagined
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Jo on April 06, 2009, 06:35:09 PM
Cheers Jo, I think it is - but it was a present and the label has whited out!

Like the misty ' white out ' on Snowdon  :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 06, 2009, 06:42:42 PM
Quote
Like the misty ' white out ' on Snowdon

more like the white out in my upper storey ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 06, 2009, 06:49:27 PM
Brian - Is that Iris unguicularis? Very clean plant, super!

From the garden here today, not exotic but pretty;
Tulipa praestans
Erythronium dens-canis cult.
Gagea praetermissa ( Bought under this name )
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 06, 2009, 07:40:08 PM
Hoping I'll not bore a lot of people I want to show a violet concentrated post
- all pics are from today -

I start with the 'usual' violet colour

1. Viola alba ssp. dehnhardtii originally from Segovia (thanks to Rafa)
2. Viola alba x chelmea - a naturally occuring hybrid from Greece
3. + 4.  Viola jaubertiana originally from Mallorca - one of my favorites
     with shining glabrous ivy-leaves
5. Viola uliginosa - originally from Sweden - a plant for the bog garden

The next one usually is also violet - here a white form

6. Viola chelmea ssp. vratnicensis - originally from Mt. Orjen, Montenegro

Now the yellow ones - all in a special section (Chamaemelanium) - in Europe represented only by a single species (Viola biflora)
7. Viola xanthopetala from the Vladyvostok region
8. Viola brevistipulata from Japan

The last one is a very strange shrubby species from Chile (height more than 1m)

9. + 10. Viola rubella

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 06, 2009, 08:31:25 PM
Wow, what a great lot of pictures and Gerd I like the violets. I have a few new flowers today from the garden,  cheers Ian the Christie kind

 Arcterica nana
 Erythronium hendersonii
 Erythronium oregonum
 Erythronium purpurascens
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael on April 06, 2009, 08:41:39 PM
Nice plants Mike.  The last one is a Babiana, maybe angustifolia.

@ Ashley: i think it could be a Brodiaea too, but still not sure. None the less, the plant looks nothing like a Brodiaea...

@ Paul: Many thanks, it is Ixia paniculata indeed, the species with the longest tube in that genus (after PBS).

@ Arne: Nice Narcissus "Mount Hood". It must be my favourite Narcissus hybrid.

@ Gerd: Such a lovely collection of Viola! I have some seedlings of Viola paradoxa growing at the moment (5 months old but still small). Could you please PM me your adress?

And, Gerd, is Viola cryana really extinct (any possibilities of still be found in the wild?). And what about the high altitude Andean Violas, do you grow them? Are they easy?

-
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 06, 2009, 08:49:01 PM
What an avalanche of colour here tonight !! ;D :o
Thanks for the show everyone !
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 08:59:41 PM
Wonderful pics everyone, so many treasures to be seen. :)

Gerry, your Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’ is beautiful, in what sort of conditions are they growing?

Gerd, I particulary enjoyed your violas, are many of them scented?
I hope you keep posting them as you get them.
I found my first V. Cuneata seed germinating today ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 06, 2009, 09:01:43 PM
I do adore violets.... as does my very good friend who has no computer, or camera but she grows lots of the cultivars..... I will be showing her these photos from you Gerd when she next visits... ...so lovely to see them.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 06, 2009, 09:06:03 PM
What an avalanche of colour here tonight !! ;D :o
Thanks for the show everyone !
What else could I add to Luc's words?
So many plants, clicking from Edinburgh Show to Flowering Now. where else would you find such?
Fabulous!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 06, 2009, 09:27:57 PM
No Michael, the rosulate violas are NOT easy. Sometimes we see a wonderful plant on the Forum at one of the shows but I doubt if anyone has them seeding around. ;D

[attachthumb=1]

Helen, this is what I have as V. chaerophylloides. If not, it is quite close I think. I bought it just as Viola Japanese. This and V. koreana below, are both martyrs to the tiniest slug, let alone the big ones. I have very few slugs but if ever I find one, it is on either of these two plants which both get chewed right down to the ground or pot surface, time after time.

[attachthumb=2]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on April 06, 2009, 09:29:36 PM
Gerry, your Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’ is beautiful, in what sort of conditions are they growing?
Helen - in my small garden the only real shade is under a north wall which is where the Sanguinaria grows (along with Erythroniums). I have another clump further along the wall. I acquired the original plant at least 15 years ago. My soil is heavy clay, but these beds have had lots of grit & humus added.  When it gets really hot in mid-summer the Sanguinaria foliage doesn't look too good but it survives & the plants always flower the following year regardless. A tough & adaptable plant it seems. I love the way the flower emerges enclosed in the leaf.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 06, 2009, 09:37:00 PM
Hoping I'll not bore a lot of people I want to show a violet concentrated post
- all pics are from today -

I start with the 'usual' violet colour

1. Viola alba ssp. dehnhardtii originally from Segovia (thanks to Rafa)
2. Viola alba x chelmea - a naturally occuring hybrid from Greece
3. + 4.  Viola jaubertiana originally from Mallorca - one of my favorites
     with shining glabrous ivy-leaves
5. Viola uliginosa - originally from Sweden - a plant for the bog garden

The next one usually is also violet - here a white form

6. Viola chelmea ssp. vratnicensis - originally from Mt. Orjen, Montenegro

Now the yellow ones - all in a special section (Chamaemelanium) - in Europe represented only by a single species (Viola biflora)
7. Viola xanthopetala from the Vladyvostok region
8. Viola brevistipulata from Japan

The last one is a very strange shrubby species from Chile (height more than 1m)

9. + 10. Viola rubella

Gerd

Gerd,
super tinies. ;D
I like the Viola alba x chelmea.
It looks like having a face.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 09:39:51 PM
I do adore violets.... as does my very good friend who has no computer, or camera but she grows lots of the cultivars..... I will be showing her these photos from you Gerd when she next visits... ...so lovely to see them.

Maggi, perhaps you could take your camera next time you go calling on your friend and take some pics of her violas, I would love to see them. ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 06, 2009, 09:46:14 PM
Helen, it'll be ages till they're out and she visits me , I seldom visit her, I'm afraid  :-[
Anyone who knows me will tell you how little I go visiting!  ::) Perhaps I must make a special effort to be sociable :-\.... then, I expect, they'll all be eaten by slugs.  :P
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 09:50:44 PM
Helen, this is what I have as V. chaerophylloides. If not, it is quite close I think. I bought it just as Viola Japanese. This and V. koreana below, are both martyrs to the tiniest slug, let alone the big ones. I have very few slugs but if ever I find one, it is on either of these two plants which both get chewed right down to the ground or pot surface, time after time.

Lesley, thanks for the pics, I think the leaves on your Japanese one are wider than mine, but my memory plays tricks on me these days and it hasn't shown up yet, not sure if it has croaked or is still under snow.
I don't think I have seen any slugs on my violas, think they are too busy munching on the hostas, although I don't think the slugs show up until after the violas I have in the garden have finished flowering.

Helen - in my small garden the only real shade is under a north wall which is where the Sanguinaria grows (along with Erythroniums). I have another clump further along the wall. I acquired the original plant at least 15 years ago. My soil is heavy clay, but these beds have had lots of grit & humus added.  When it gets really hot in mid-summer the Sanguinaria foliage doesn't look too good but it survives & the plants always flower the following year regardless. A tough & adaptable plant it seems. I love the way the flower emerges enclosed in the leaf.

Gerry, I am really pleased to see what you say about the toughness of the Sanguinaria, I have some seeds germinating at the moment, but I don't have lots of shade as yet in my garden, so you have given me hope. :) :) :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 09:53:38 PM
Helen, it'll be ages till they're out and she visits me , I seldom visit her, I'm afraid  :-[
Anyone who knows me will tell you how little I go visiting!  ::) Perhaps I must make a special effort to be sociable :-\.... then, I expect, they'll all be eaten by slugs.  :P

Geezzzz Maggi, you sound like me!!! :o
I like the idea of you making a special effort, am sure she would appreciate it, perhaps you could also convince her she needs a computer and a digi and she can post pics herself. ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 06, 2009, 09:57:41 PM
Helen, it'll be ages till they're out and she visits me , I seldom visit her, I'm afraid  :-[
Anyone who knows me will tell you how little I go visiting!  ::) Perhaps I must make a special effort to be sociable :-\.... then, I expect, they'll all be eaten by slugs.  :P

Geezzzz Maggi, you sound like me!!! :o
I like the idea of you making a special effort, am sure she would appreciate it, perhaps you could also convince her she needs a computer and a digi and she can post pics herself. ;D


 Helen I have as much chance of convincing my little pal ( also Helen, by the way  :D ) that she needs a pc and a camera.... ANY camera, as I have of getting her to sign up for glider lessons.... which is to say, no chance at all, not in a month of Sundays.
She's been complaining that her garden is sorely neglected and  getting very weedy, and I think she feels that is giving the slugs more scope to eat her plants.....she should stay home more, that's what I say!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 06, 2009, 10:01:59 PM

She's been complaining that her garden is sorely neglected and  getting very weedy, and I think she feels that is giving the slugs more scope to eat her plants.....she should stay home more, that's what I say!  ;D ;D

Sigh!!! :( :( :( :(

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 06, 2009, 10:11:38 PM
Even if most of the snowdrops are over now there is still enough to flower during next days and weeks. Many of them are more or less ordinary spring flowers but they make each spring better.

Anemone nemorosa 'Pleuger's Plena'
 A. ranunculoides 'Avon'
 Camellia 'Jury's Yellow'
 Corydalis angustifolia 'Alba'.
 Narcissus 'Mount Hood'
 Primula
 Primula elatior
 Pulmonaria officinalis
 Pulsatilla vernalis 'Papageno'
 Viola odorata 'Albiflora'

Hallo Arne,
nice pictures from your "ordinaries". Like your yellows Primula elatior and A. ranunculoides 'Avon'
and the whites Viola odorata and N. "Mount Hood".
They realy make spring in Germany!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 06, 2009, 11:30:25 PM
A few more pics from Eric Jarretts garden after my trip last week.
Veronica sp ... "the one John Watson collected"  looking fantastic in tufa
Saxifraga 'Golden Prague', in raised bed with tufa
Hyacinthoides reverchonii, I like the habit and the flowers bear close inspection
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 07, 2009, 02:35:49 AM
Helen, Sanguinaria canadensis should be hardy for you - not that you need any more encouragement!  (Well done with the seed!) It's native to Nova Scotia, apparently, and eastern N. A.  They are quite popular here, both the single and double ones, despite the shortage of woodland-ish conditions. (I kind of prefer the simplicity of the single flowers but finally broke down last year and got a double).  Possibly in contrast to Gerry's observation (??), the leaves die down shortly after flowering here - are they longer lasting elsewhere?   Gorgeous plants!

And another melt is on!  Hopefully it's the last one...   :P  More Bulbocodium vernum, and I'm very excited to see Colchicum kesselringii emerging!

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 07, 2009, 09:13:40 AM
Thanks for the nice comments!

To Michael:  Regarding Viola cryana I don't have any other informations as you probably googled - extinct because of limestone quarrying and overexploitation by plant collectors ! (Wikipedia)

The rosulate Andean violets are awfully difficult. They need a lot of light and ventilation to stay in character, the roots are sensitive to fungus attacs and they dislike our summer heat. Nevertheless there are some experienced growers like Cyril Lafong which are able to cultivate them.
I guess if you have the opportunity to fence a small area at Pico Ruivo they will do fine there - Snow in winter is no problem.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on April 07, 2009, 09:21:27 AM
Helen, Sanguinaria canadensis should be hardy for you - not that you need any more encouragement!  (Well done with the seed!) It's native to Nova Scotia, apparently, and eastern N. A.  They are quite popular here, both the single and double ones, despite the shortage of woodland-ish conditions. (I kind of prefer the simplicity of the single flowers but finally broke down last year and got a double).  Possibly in contrast to Gerry's observation (??), the leaves die down shortly after flowering here - are they longer lasting elsewhere?   Gorgeous plants
Lori & Helen - I can't remember exactly when the leaves die down in my garden but it's certainly not shortly after flowering. Late summer I think. Generally speaking, I also prefer the simplicity of single flowers; 'Multiplex' (formerly 'Flore Pleno') is one of the few exceptions.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 07, 2009, 12:41:27 PM
Helen, Sanguinaria canadensis should be hardy for you - not that you need any more encouragement!  (Well done with the seed!) It's native to Nova Scotia, apparently, and eastern N. A.  They are quite popular here, both the single and double ones, despite the shortage of woodland-ish conditions. (I kind of prefer the simplicity of the single flowers but finally broke down last year and got a double).  Possibly in contrast to Gerry's observation (??), the leaves die down shortly after flowering here - are they longer lasting elsewhere?   Gorgeous plants!

Lori, I didn't realize I had said the Sanguinaria canadensis were germinating, ( I wish!!) :'(  I have them in the fridge at the moment, I suppose they'll take a LONG time if ever. ::)
I was more concerned about lack of shade in my garden for them.
Btw, your Bulbocodium vernum are lovely, did you grow them from seed?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 07, 2009, 12:49:20 PM
Especially for Lesley ...

Eh up, Lesley ... two more pulsatillas ... soon be in seed!


Pulsatilla vernalis - rain sodden
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 07, 2009, 12:52:15 PM
Glorious, Cliff!!  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 07, 2009, 01:19:46 PM
Quote
Btw, your Bulbocodium vernum... did you grow them from seed?
No, I got a couple of bulbs many years ago that have very slowly spread a little.  They are strangely hard to come by here.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on April 07, 2009, 01:40:04 PM
Here's the patch of ground where my Daphne cneorum isn't, plus a Hyacynthus sp. whose label has been eaten by the dog! >:(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 07, 2009, 01:43:58 PM
Veronica sp ... "the one John Watson collected"  looking fantastic in tufa

I'll say!!
It's gorgeous ;D

Especially for Lesley ...
Eh up, Lesley ... two more pulsatillas ... soon be in seed!
Pulsatilla vernalis - rain sodden

Cliff, they are absolutely wonderful, surely this isn't the same plant you've been showing?
How many do you have?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 07, 2009, 02:14:36 PM
A couple of saxes looking nice in the tufa

Saxifraga x eudoxiana
Saxifraga federici-augusti ssp grisebachii
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 07, 2009, 04:14:30 PM
As Cliff with his Pulsatilla pictures is challenging me and maybe other Forumists,
here a few pictures of "normal" Pulsatilla.
P. vernalis does not like Hyacinth soil, so I'll have to do it with P. vulgaris ;D


Title: moved from March thread
Post by: Lampwick on April 07, 2009, 04:51:58 PM
Nothing spectacular here, but plants that I have had for many years, (these three pictures were taken today). All are grow outside.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_CassiopeBeatriceLilley.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/CassiopeBeatriceLilley.jpg) Cassiope ‘Beatrice’Lilley’. –  Not as good a show as some years when none of the foliage can be seen.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_Anemonellathalictroides.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/Anemonellathalictroides.jpg) Anemonella thalictroides. –  This is growing in the corner of a large shady trough. Its also grown in the garden amongst Ericaceae subjects where it has seeded about in a pleasing manner.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_Violajooii.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/Violajooii.jpg) Viola jooii. –  I have had this a number of years and this is the best it has ever flowered with me; still a few more buds to open yet! In some catalogues and publications the specific name is spelt with just one “i”. I know it’s commemorative; but has it something to do with masculine or feminine regarding the person to whom a particular plan is named after?  ???
  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 07, 2009, 05:11:49 PM
Beautiful, Luit ... just beautiful ...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 07, 2009, 06:22:20 PM

Pulsatilla vernalis - rain sodden

Cliff, they are absolutely wonderful, surely this isn't the same plant you've been showing?
How many do you have?


Hi Helen,
I have eight or nine plants dotted about the garden - some in pots and a couple in troughs - nothing too big, but all flowering nicely this spring. Would you like some seed if they produce? 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 07, 2009, 06:28:51 PM
Luit,  it's beautiful, what kind of soil does it like?

Cliff, I have a few tiny babies at the moment, but would love some of your seed if you end up with some spares. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 07, 2009, 06:34:47 PM
Cliff, Luit, super Pulsatillas. Going perhaps from beauty to the beast, Asarum europaeum and Asarum heterotropoides are flowering in the garden today!
Title: move
Post by: maggiepie on April 07, 2009, 06:35:00 PM
Nothing spectacular here, but plants that I have had for many years, (these three pictures were taken today). All are grow outside.

[Viola jooii. –  I have had this a number of years and this is the best it has ever flowered with me; still a few more buds to open yet! In some catalogues and publications the specific name is spelt with just one “i”. I know it’s commemorative; but has it something to do with masculine or feminine regarding the person to whom a particular plan is named after?  ???

All three are lovely, are those little jooii babies I see around the plant?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 07, 2009, 06:41:07 PM
Asarum heterotropoides are flowering in the garden today!
Never heard of that one Chris, but a nice color!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 07, 2009, 06:44:04 PM
I see today that one of my long suffering Pulsatilla vernalis has sprouted a new leaf. I thought it was dead. What do I do now to keep it alive and hopefully produce flowers one day

Here's my Pulsatilla bohemica again with 17 flowers.

When I see Pulsatillas at shows have these been lifted from the owners garden? Everytime I look at my plant I see a best in show card sitting beside it. ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 07, 2009, 06:45:11 PM
Some plants flowering here in the garden:

Iris attica      
Prunus Kojo-no-mai
Magnolia stellata
Anemone pavonina                  
Cardamine trifolia              
Corydalis cava                          
Prunus Hally Jolivette
Magnolia loebneri Merrill 1                
Magnolia loebneri Merrill 2
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 07, 2009, 06:46:28 PM
Erysimum amoenum and a Townsendia in the rock garden. Asphodelus acaulis in the xeric garden- please humour my second posting of this plant -but today it looked even better.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 07, 2009, 06:49:54 PM
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=376.msg9866#msg9866 (http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=376.msg9866#msg9866)

In 2006 I tried to remove my Pulsatilla pratensis bohemica from my crevive bed because it was too big. I broke off all the big tap roots. What was in my hand I replanted in my rockery. In 2007 it only had two or three flowers. The broken roots in the crevice bed have now produced a small forest of this Pulsatilla
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 07, 2009, 07:34:44 PM
Last four images of Pulsatilla vernalis ... I promise!!   ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 07, 2009, 07:40:15 PM
When I see Pulsatillas at shows have these been lifted from the owners garden? Everytime I look at my plant I see a best in show card sitting beside it. ::) 

I'm sure that Pulsatillas at shows have not been lifted, they are grown in pots.  As you say yourself, the roots go deep and are almost impossible to lift without damage.  Quite often the pulsatillas at shows are in (very) long toms to accommodate the roots.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 07, 2009, 08:01:03 PM
Great show everyone !!!
I have some of mine flowering right now - why not start with a Pulsatille - it's been long since we've seen one...  ::)

1) Pulsatilla vulgaris rubra - just unfolding
2) Jeffersonia dubia
3) close up
4) Ranunculus ficaria 'Brazen hussy' - seeding around (a bit too) happilly  ::) - but I love the contrasting colours - I try to     
    dead head it after flowering...
5) Muscari azureum
6) Fritillaria michailovsky
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 07, 2009, 08:27:35 PM
I am very pleased to see so many wonderful plant picture, we are back to winter and the temperature is baltic tonight but here are two odd daffodils which grow in thousands in a woodland near me, cheers ian the christie kind.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on April 07, 2009, 08:52:06 PM
Erysimum amoenum and a Townsendia in the rock garden. Asphodelus acaulis in the xeric garden- please humour my second posting of this plant -but today it looked even better.

Asphodelus acaulis looks very attractive. I suspect it would need the alpine house in Scotland. Do you get seed?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 07, 2009, 08:56:48 PM
Luc,
Fine collection of springflowers!
As usual Belgium is a little bit ahead of my region (with the Jeffersonia for instance).

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 07, 2009, 09:45:50 PM
Anthony, the Asphodelus is actually old enough to have been grown in Scotland. It was never very happy in a pot, and didn't like my alpine house in England much better when I moved south. By the time I moved here, it was down to a few roots like sticks of liquorice- with nothing to lose I planted it out and it bulked back up to how it is now. This is the first flowering since its recovery- I'm hoping for seeds. I had the same response here from Ranunculus calandrinioides- but a couple of really pretty little beetles ate the flowers while we weren't here.  :'(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 07, 2009, 10:35:08 PM
Thanks for the many Pulsatilla vernalis Cliff. I struggle to keep them healthy through my hot dry summers but always have a few babies coming on. They are so cuddly, with all that soft fur. Like my little dog but without the teeth. ;D

The Asphodelus acaulis is a very attractive plant. I find it needs really hard growing, the poorer the soil the better which doesn't discourage flowers but keeps the foliage under control.

I've had a few seeds and they are large and black, like those of a hemerocallis, on short, curled up stems.
Title: moved from March thread
Post by: Lampwick on April 08, 2009, 07:37:42 AM
All three are lovely, are those little jooii babies I see around the plant?

I believe they must be little jooii babies. I can’t ever recall the parent plant producing offspring’s before, although it does produce seedpods each year. The pointed leaves to the top right of picture are those of Iris lacustris, which now covers quite a large area. I hope it doesn’t encroach on the little Viola too much! :'(

 8)
Title: moved from March thread
Post by: Maggi Young on April 08, 2009, 11:25:35 AM
Re the "jooi" versus "jooi"  question..... I think it is correctly jooi ....because of the preceding vowels.... ::) :D
Title: moved from March thread
Post by: Lampwick on April 08, 2009, 01:27:49 PM
Re the "jooi" versus "jooi"  question..... I think it is correctly jooi ....because of the preceding vowels.... ::) :D

Thanks for that info Maggi....... ;D

Just took this picture:
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_NbConnieNo2.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/NbConnieNo2.jpg)
Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Connie No 2’. I bought this from Hythe Alpines several years ago, but the nursery closed down about a year ago when Mike Smith, the proprietor, retired. I did have a number of choice plants from there over the years. This is small enough for a trough, growing not much over 7 cm high, and blooming in the second or third week in April with me.

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: John Aipassa on April 08, 2009, 04:33:04 PM
Erythronium dens-canis 'Charmer' flowering at this moment. Each year the flowers are multiplying more and more.

Cheers,
John
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 08, 2009, 06:50:37 PM
Stunning picture John !
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 08, 2009, 07:11:47 PM
I'll second Luc on that, super group of Erythroniums John.
Mixed bag from the garden today;
Iris reichenbachii
Muscari muscarimi
Viola tricolor nigra
Nothoscordum sellowianum ( formerly Ipheon ) -One of my first purchases from Potterton's via mail order when I lived in Aberdeen, back to flowering size after three years of sulking!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 08, 2009, 07:21:18 PM
Just a little white (albino) Viola in the garden.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: John Aipassa on April 08, 2009, 08:07:33 PM
Thanks Luc and Hristo,

I will post some more pictures of plants flowering this year and stop lurking.

Here is a hybrid Helleborus.

Cheers,

 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 08, 2009, 08:26:58 PM
And a very nice hellebore it is too!
Ian C, your daffodils are very interesting. The second one is Van Sion, I think, but I don't know the first one. It looks like one someone was asking about elsewhere that had been seen in a garden abroad I think.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ruweiss on April 08, 2009, 09:59:25 PM
Here is  Pulsatilla halleri slavica from wild seed, the amount of flowers is rather poor
against last year. It is the first Pulsatilla flower in every year and the flowers are really showy.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 08, 2009, 10:25:19 PM
Rudi,
what a delight! 8)
Very beautiful!
Title: moved from March thread, re posts on previous page!
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 08, 2009, 10:36:49 PM
As well as having a most beautiful dog, Lampwick has a superb website. Please do have a good look at it. I just have and will visit weekly at least. Heaps of excellent imformation and wonderful pictures. If we had a prize for best website......?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 08, 2009, 10:48:27 PM
Here is  Pulsatilla halleri slavica from wild seed, the amount of flowers is rather poor
against last year. It is the first Pulsatilla flower in every year and the flowers are really showy.
Rudi, that is rather an understatement. They are beautiful!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 08, 2009, 10:49:34 PM
Very special in spring when unfolding the leaves:

Salix moupinensis 1               
Salix moupinensis 2       
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 08, 2009, 11:45:17 PM
Those are lovely Luit. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 09, 2009, 08:22:15 AM
Brian - Is that Iris unguicularis? Very clean plant, super!


Thanks Chris, you have caused much mayhem here!  It was an Iris from Rod Leeds, which is unusual in some way, the label has long since disappeared by the blackbirds and a computer change caused a blip in the acquisitions list!  I have been searching but cannot find exactly what it is much to my annoyance.  We are going to visit Rod and Jane at the end of the month and I will see if he can elucidate me, it is the first time that it has flowered so I am very pleased!

Thanks for the wonderful postings, it is great to see the habitats as well as the plants and some really unusual things too - Evax?

best wishes
Brian
Title: Re: moved from March thread, re posts on previous page!
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 09, 2009, 08:56:14 AM
As well as having a most beautiful dog, Lampwick has a superb website. Please do have a good look at it. I just have and will visit weekly at least. Heaps of excellent imformation and wonderful pictures. If we had a prize for best website......?

I second that Lesley - lovely website !  Congrats to Lampwick  ??? ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 09:04:37 AM
Should this be on the 'Puzzles' page?  Who is Lampwick?  We know they are male and from Staffordshire, an excellent photographer, a terrific gardener and a web site guru.  Answers please - Diane, surely you know?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 09, 2009, 09:26:49 AM
Flowering on the rock garden: Aethionema saxatile (AGS SeedEx) and a Fibigia species (the pollen beetle attack has begun).
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 09, 2009, 10:09:58 AM
Should this be on the 'Puzzles' page?  Who is Lampwick?  We know they are male and from Staffordshire, an excellent photographer, a terrific gardener and a web site guru.  Answers please - Diane, surely you know?

Hi Cliff,
My name is John Husbands and I have been growing alpine plants for very many years. I used to regularly attend the Birmingham AGS group meetings, but haven’t been now for a few years. I am retired and have a great many interests and not enough hours in the day or days in the week to do all that I would like to do!

I have wrote a number of articles for the AGS bulletin, (I love writing) so you may see my name crop up there a few times.

My apologies for posting my irrelevant jottings here, (I couldn’t find the 'Puzzles' page)! ::)
But to make this post valid, here is my today’s plant photo. ;D

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_pagoda.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/pagoda.jpg) Erythronium ‘Pagoda’
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: chasw on April 09, 2009, 11:31:15 AM
Took this yesterday of the Sanguinaria growing amongst the Frits
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 11:46:21 AM
Hi John,
Many thanks for 'declaring' yourself on this splendid forum - it has removed the mystery but increased the familiarity for many around the globe.  Your name is very familiar to me from your excellent contributions to AGS Bulletins.  Needless to say I am very impressed with your web site - no wonder you struggle to find enough time for all of life's other pleasures!

Kind regards from East Lancashire

... And I will call Diane off the hunt now!   :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 09, 2009, 11:48:16 AM
Glad to see you have decided to "come out" John. ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 09, 2009, 11:54:22 AM
Hello, John..... I much prefer to call you by your name than the pseudonym :)
It was giving us a good puzzle, though!!



.......and I could never picture "Lampwick"  as a gardener, somehow  :-\!!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 09, 2009, 12:20:12 PM
... And I will call Diane off the hunt now!   :D 

Thank you Cliff, I couldn't sort the puzzle. And welcome to John, who I do remember from the Birmingham group.  The real puzzle, is the Lampwick connection - is it the dog?  or the name of a place? 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 09, 2009, 01:30:06 PM
... And I will call Diane off the hunt now!   :D 

Thank you Cliff, I couldn't sort the puzzle. And welcome to John, who I do remember from the Birmingham group.  The real puzzle, is the Lampwick connection - is it the dog?  or the name of a place? 

Aha, Diane has no television ..........that's the answer to this puzzle, Diane  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 09, 2009, 02:04:04 PM
Aha, Diane has no television ..........that's the answer to this puzzle, Diane  ;)   

Aha, no ... but I have a search engine  8) 
and I can find Dick Emery and Pinocchio connections and some more obscure  ::)
so I'm still none the wiser ???
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 02:08:50 PM
Aha ... I have TWO televisions and a thing called Sky (heaven's above), but I'm none the wiser either?  Is that how your appliances are powered up in Aberdeen ... by lampwick?   ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 02:20:25 PM
By Googling; Lampwick I have discovered a group called 'The Lampwick Continuum' who describe themselves thus:-

We are an iconoclastic group of eclectic, rugged individualists who periodically get together for no other reason than to enjoy each others company. We range from the ultra technical to the tremendously fanciful, and cover all points in between.

Sounds like the Pudsey Pigs to me!   ;D ;D


Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 02:38:01 PM
For newcomers to this wonderful forum, for very forgetful old timers and for anyone who couldn't believe it the first time - you will NEED to know the inside story on the Pudsey Pigs?

Please follow this link to the appropriate pages of the old forum where everything is explained.  You will need to scroll down the page (past some VERY pretty pictures) to images of 'people in a pub' - there the story will unfold before your very eyes ... you have been warned!

http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/141/14820.html#POST8181
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 09, 2009, 02:41:35 PM
Well, we must await "Lampwick" John's own reasons for his pen-name but I make the Dick Emery connection when I see the name!
Old soldier James Maynard Kitchener Lampwick was the comedian Dick emery's favourite character. He's the old boy withthe icecream in this clip....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Q-C49KDMw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 09, 2009, 03:56:02 PM
Lampwick is a character in Walt Disney’s 1940’s film “Pinocchio” – a disruptive and mischievous boy who is difficult to control and get through too; or so I was incessantly told by one of my teachers at pre-teen school. :o
She used to continually call me Lampwick, as I was deemed a troublemaker and played truant quite a lot and concocted fanciful excuses as to why I couldn’t make school. This quickly caught on with the other children. I got used to this nickname, and indeed got to like and prefer it to my proper name, as it distinguished me from the many other Johns. I started using this pseudonym some years ago when I joined a few notorious chat forums – I’ve stuck with it; but I don’t really know why!

I hasten to add (for the benefit of the moderators) that my disruptive and troublesome ways have somewhat subdued in my advancing years, although according to my wife I’m well into my second childhood!

Oops!....Am I now banned?  ::)
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 09, 2009, 04:42:02 PM
Some of us are well into our sixth childhoods, John!!!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 09, 2009, 05:12:11 PM
Thanks for the explanation John (Lampwick)
and thanks to Maggi for the clip - they don't make them like that nowadays (do they  ::) )
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 09, 2009, 05:53:54 PM
An extraordinary plant: Mandragora from China


Mandragora caulescens

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 09, 2009, 06:35:35 PM
An extraordinary plant: Mandragora

NO! You cant borrow my dog to dig it up!  >:(

Placed under the bed in a dish of milk would ensure an easy birth to the pregnant woman in the bed!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 09, 2009, 06:45:16 PM
It is easy to see why it was connected to the dark arts.
Some photos from my garden: Ranunculus ficaria 'Aurantiacus' with a nice allium I've forgotten the name of (any offers?)
Some self-sown Anemone nemorosa on the rock garden, followed by Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Rubra'. Another self-sown find, a Ranunculus ficaria with black leaves and pale cream flowers. Finally a WARNING to those thinking of planting Ranunculus ficaria 'Brazen Hussy' who may not have the patience to dead head - this is what you'll end up with!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 09, 2009, 07:02:27 PM
Finally a WARNING to those thinking of planting Ranunculus ficaria 'Brazen Hussy' who may not have the patience to dead head - this is what you'll end up with!

That looks quite atractive - I wouldnt mind that in my garden.  ;D
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 09, 2009, 07:31:44 PM
some "Pulsatillas" today in my garden

 
 Pulsatilla Papageno
  Pulsatilla Papageno
Pulsatilla Papageno red
Pulsatilla Papageno

  Pulsatilla unnamed
 Pulsatilla vulgaris 2

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on April 09, 2009, 07:41:21 PM
a nice allium I've forgotten the name of (any offers?)   

Anne, it's Allium paradoxum var normale.  The type species has a reputation for being invasive, because of producing bulbils in the flower head, although the var normale doesn't do this. 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 09, 2009, 07:51:49 PM
more pictures

 Pulsatilla Papageno white
 Narcissus Rip van Winkle
 Gagea lutea
 Erythronium japonicum
 Caltha multiplex

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Onion on April 09, 2009, 08:50:59 PM
I offer the same. Diane has the right name. This allium has only one leaf.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 09, 2009, 08:57:45 PM
a nice allium I've forgotten the name of (any offers?)  

Anne, it's Allium paradoxum var normale.  The type species has a reputation for being invasive, because of producing bulbils in the flower head, although the var normale doesn't do this. 

Yes, and I'm so glad to cultivate this species here. In my region it acts as a
hardy alternative for Allium triquetrum, which suffers in cold winters.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 09, 2009, 09:00:52 PM
Well goodness me! Lots of fun up above there, and especially back to the old Forum page in Cliff's link. What wonderful plants that year. I am still hankering after a little seed from somewhere of the Ourisia hybrid. O. microphylla does well here so.....?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 09, 2009, 09:44:24 PM
An extraordinary plant: Mandragora



Hans do you know what species it is and where it is from?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 09, 2009, 09:55:12 PM
some "Pulsatillas" today in my garden
 

I seldom saw so many Pulsatilla on this Forum within one week  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 09, 2009, 10:03:05 PM
Cliff, thanks for the link, I have to admit I had been wondering what it meant, I have no idea why I thought it was pugsley pig though.
So many beautiful plants there as well, I have to say I fell in love with Leuzea conifera, have never seen anything like it.
Hmmm I seem to be saying that all the time since I joined this forum  :o

For everyone else who has posted pics in this thread, I am enjoying them immensely, thank goodness for digital cameras  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 10, 2009, 11:21:02 AM
Flowering here now:

1) Jeffersonia dubia
2) Lewisia 'Ashwood Carousel hybrid'
3) Lewisia pygmaea
4) Malus...
5) Morisia monanthos
6) Rhododendron...
7) Viola sororaria 'Blue Diamond'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 11:52:53 AM
Wim,

I think your Malus is one of the Chaenomeles, also called "Flowering Quince" here, varieties.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 10, 2009, 12:33:29 PM
Thank you for the allium identification, I like it very much so I'm glad to have the name.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 10, 2009, 01:18:54 PM
Thanks Paul,

it is. I recognize the name.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 10, 2009, 03:07:53 PM
Tony,

the plant is Mandragora caulescens and grows in China.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: afw on April 10, 2009, 07:08:11 PM
Anne,

I think the Allium Paradoxum must be those I sent you last year. They do increase quite quickly via offsets.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 10, 2009, 08:38:14 PM
A lot of new flowers appeared - here is a selection from today

1. Anemone appeninna - from Mt. Orjen, Montenegro
2. Bergenia ciliata - flowering without leaves
3. Caltha palustris alba
4. Caltha polypetala
5. Draba dedeana - in a trough
6. Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink' - first white and later pink
7. Oxalis acetosella - a pink form, found in hills nearby
8.+9. Anemone ranunculoides - paler form
10. Anemone ranuculoides - the normal colour

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 10, 2009, 08:44:54 PM
and the rest:

1. Tropaeolum beuthii - from the greenhouse
2. Viola beckwithii - also inside
3. + 4. Viola alba cretica
5. Viola canadensis
6. Viola epipsila - for wet ground
7. Viola oligyrtia - a new species
8.. Viola rupestris (arenaria)

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 10, 2009, 09:01:22 PM
You've been very busy Gerd !  :D
What a gorgeous Viola beckwithii ?  Never heard or seen it before - very elegant !!

Here's some in my garden :

1) Anemone pavonina - new for me - planted last year 4 or 5 buds on the way !  :D
2) Arnebia pulchra - with it's mysterious vanishing spots.
3) Gentiana clusii - opened it's first flower today in it's trough
4) Primula auricula 'Van Delft'..... Luit ??

In a friend's garden (Luc II) - picture taken last week
5) Pulsatilla slavica -  I thought it was gorgeous - seed already ordered...  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 10, 2009, 09:09:03 PM
OOH, that pulsatilla..... superb! What a colour.... a dream plant!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 10, 2009, 09:09:23 PM
I thought they were wonderful images, Gerd and Luc - UNTIL I GOT TO THE PULSATILLA SLAVICA - MAGNIFICENT!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 10, 2009, 09:56:14 PM
That pulsatilla makes me drool  :P
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 10:20:41 PM
That Pulsatilla IS pretty amazing!!!!!  :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 10, 2009, 10:44:59 PM
Symplocarpus in bloom here yesterday.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 10:51:57 PM
John,

Cool!!  Does it pong much?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 10, 2009, 11:08:49 PM
Paul - Pas de pong!

I think you'd have to get down on all fours in the water to detect anything unpleasant. I've found the same with Lysichiton which are about a week away from opening this year, very strange. Viburnum Dawn is not out yet here and usually it is itching to bloom by mid-March. The witchhazels are still looking good.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 10, 2009, 11:53:49 PM
Excellent shots from everybody.

Gerd,
nice collection of violas. Tiny but very pretty.

Luc,
your P. slavica is superb! I sent you PM.


Here some of my Pulsatilla's

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 11:56:33 PM
 :o :o :o :o 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 11, 2009, 12:05:48 AM
On Good Friday last year I took a photo of my Pulsatilla vulgaris "Rote Glocke".
It was iced...We had a snowstorm with frost and hail.
But it has developed quite well :D

Some more white stuff...
Pulsatilla vulgaris...
The Magnolia stellata is superb this year. No frost have damaged the flowers.
And my frits...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 11, 2009, 06:17:13 AM
You've been very busy Gerd !  :D
What a gorgeous Viola beckwithii ?  Never heard or seen it before - very elegant !!

It seems you are also very busy Luc! Thank you for the compliments concerning Viola beckwithii - I would like it flowers as freely as your Pulsatilla!
Gerd

Armin
Fine Pulsatilla vernalis!

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 11, 2009, 07:19:35 AM
Gerd,
Your violas are FAB, I love Viola alba-cretica!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 11, 2009, 07:34:21 AM
So many beautiful plants shown here, Luc ,Armin etc. and a wonderful series of Viola by Gerd.

Luc, I remember that we grew this Primula, which we had under the name cv. Adrian?
It was a very good grower, but I found the color not so good.
I had every year one customer (trader) who bought a lot of it. He came from Belgium (any guess??)
It seemed that the Belgian liked this color but I could not sell it in Holland, nor in Germany or Switzerland.

This specific variety we acquired when we bought a whole bunch of micro propagated varieties from a nursery who bought them from
an English propagator, but could not sell them here.
So we got them really cheap which was good for our business.
I remember a few of the other Cultivars we acquired this way like : Blue Velvet, Brazil, Vulcan and marginata Hyacinthia.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 11, 2009, 08:02:48 AM
And, with a couple of warm days, the crocuses have started to spring up!  No varieties of particular interest, but a delight to see after the winter!
Also Colchicum kesselringii, just a tiny baby, planted last year.  I'm somewhat disappointed... I'd hoped to see the purple striping on the outer petal bases.  :(  (On the other hand, I'm pleased... a first spring-flowering colchicum - wow!)
Colchicum kesselringii
Crocus tomassinianus?
Crocus vernus
Crocus chrysanthus



Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 11, 2009, 10:03:08 AM
Yeah! The spring is really getting into stride now, isn't it?  :D
So appropriate to have all these wonderful pulsatillas.... Pasque flowers...... to show at Easter....
[attach=1]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 11, 2009, 12:32:15 PM
Wow, I go to bed and wake up to all these beauties.

Gerd, your violas are wonderful, especially the Beckwithii, I am still waiting for germination of my seed.
I also really like your Caltha palustris.

Luc, your Pulsatilla slavica is simply beautiful.

John, the Symplocarpus is a new one for me, I bet you can't wait for your 'Dawn' to open, I so love the scent of viburnums.
Both of my scented ones suffered broken branches this year. I would like to get Dawn too.

Armin, your pulsatillas are wonderful, I wonder why they are not more popular in nurseries here.

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: TC on April 11, 2009, 12:34:40 PM
I noticed this hiding in a corner of the greenhouse.  The bulbs were obtained for 20p in one of the "cheapie" house and garden stores at the end of November. All bulbs were five packets for £1.00 so we stocked up.  The amaryllis were more expensive at 50p !  I must admit that I had not come across a yellow muscari before.  This one is called " Golden Fragrance" and lives up to its name.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 11, 2009, 01:15:37 PM
Interestingly enough, this form of Muscari macrocarpum, marketed under the name 'Golden Fragrance', was mentioned this week in our local newspaper by Jim MacColl as being " a new variety of grape hyacinth, Muscari "Golden Fragrance". Mark it down for next year."
Seems you have beaten him  to it, Tom?!!  ;D



Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 11, 2009, 02:17:28 PM
Great pulsatillas Armin!  Here in the UK Good Friday saw good pulsatillas too.  Here are a selection of seedlings.
Two townsendias; Townsendia parryi and Townsendia condensata both from seed collected by SRGC stalwarts Mike and Polly Stone
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: hadacekf on April 11, 2009, 08:01:56 PM
Super shots from everybody.
Some photos from my garden.

Gentiana verna ssp. tergestina
Pulsatilla vulgaris red
Tulipa humilis Black Base
Anemone blanda
Fritillaria montana (Group)


Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 11, 2009, 08:17:40 PM
Leucojum vernum ssp carpathicum here yesterday. Crocus 'Violet Queen' (violet?) and a forced Crocus tomassinianus "Ruby Giant" (ruby?).

Iris 'Katherine Hodgkins'.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 11, 2009, 08:20:37 PM
Tony G I love your two Townsendias. I've has them both and killed both  ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Renate Brinkers on April 11, 2009, 10:31:35 PM
It is the best time of the year, isn´t it?
Everyday you walk through the garden you see new flowers which haven´t been open yesterday.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 01:42:26 PM
Lovely Soldanella Renate.
Flowering today in the garden Aster souilei [1year from seed from Vojtech Holubec] a real treat- and for Mark, who kills 'em, more of the Townsendia I posted the other day-  sometimes I should learn to wait as some things get better with age  ;)
Also Astragalus calycosus calycosus- a tiny little thing with flowers you really have to get close to, to appreciate  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 03:11:44 PM
This one's for Lori and Cohan- Aloinopsis spathulata outside in the xeric garden- first flower, 1year from seed.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 04:54:06 PM
Another Astragalus out on the rock garden- A.purpureus- some of my plants have white flowers others start white then flush purple. [Seed from Goteborg BG.]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 12, 2009, 05:22:24 PM
Fabulous plants, everyone, and thanks especially, Simon!  (I must say mine (A. spathulata) look no where near as good as yours, but they are still solid in the ground, and perhaps they will regenerate from the roots?)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 12, 2009, 07:05:56 PM
Some blurry photos of Leucojum vernum aestivum 'Nancy Lindsay', almost over. Blowing here a bit, I'll try to re-shoot tomorrow.  Four flowers on some scapes.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 08:08:00 PM
Thanks Lori- did you mean your plant had lost its leaves?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 12, 2009, 08:24:33 PM
Yes, more-or-less... the leaves aren't looking spatulate as they should, but instead are rather dried up... sadly.  Any chance for them?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 08:38:23 PM
Sorry I can't help Lori  :(
This is my first year with this plant -for me it only ever goes a bit flaccid on really hot days in summer- but recovers overnight.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ruweiss on April 12, 2009, 09:59:26 PM
Mark,
the death of the Townsendias is probably not your fault, both
species are usually monocarpic and T.condensata hates water on the leaves,
so cultivation in the alpine house is to recommend.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 12, 2009, 10:29:08 PM
Rudi, I agree Townsendias are shortlived, but i have several happily growing outside where they sat under snow for 3months this last winter. An alpine house here would be the equivalent of 'Boil-in-the-bag-Townsendias'  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 12, 2009, 10:48:16 PM
Leucojum vernum ssp carpathicum here yesterday. Crocus 'Violet Queen' (violet?) and a forced Crocus tomassinianus "Ruby Giant" (ruby?).

Iris 'Katherine Hodgkins'.

johnw

John,
suberb picture of Leucojum vernum ssp carpathicum  8)
Your crocus cultivar C. sieberi "Violet Queen" seem to be C. tommasianus...
The picture of C. tommasianus "Ruby Giant" looks for me more like "Whitewell Purple" (dutch form with white stem).


 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 12, 2009, 10:57:18 PM
And, with a couple of warm days, the crocuses have started to spring up!  No varieties of particular interest, but a delight to see after the winter!
Also Colchicum kesselringii, just a tiny baby, planted last year.  I'm somewhat disappointed... I'd hoped to see the purple striping on the outer petal bases.  :(  (On the other hand, I'm pleased... a first spring-flowering colchicum - wow!)
Colchicum kesselringii
Crocus tomassinianus?
Crocus vernus
Crocus chrysanthus



Lori,
nice crocus. To your "?"...
Crocus tomassinianus? yes, flower form and silver shining of inner pedals are to my view cultivar "Ruby Giant" (conditional in reality color is more reddish purple, many DSC have difficulties to reproduce correctly)
Crocus vernus -> yes, some dutch garden hybrid genes inside
Crocus chrysanthus[/i] -> no, this looks like pale, wild form of C. tommasianus

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 12, 2009, 10:57:21 PM
What super pictures from everyone, especially after not looking at this thread for a couple of days, so many beautiful treats.

I have (I hope I still have) Viola beckwithii from seed, JJA I think and 4 germinated this last spring.They stayed as cotyledons all through the summer then died down. I believe this behaviour is typical, so I don't expect flowers in a hurry. Just hoping they will show again in winter/spring. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 12, 2009, 11:00:07 PM
Some blurry photos of Leucojum vernum 'Nancy Lindsay', almost over. Blowing here a bit, I'll try to re-shoot tomorrow.  Four flowers on some scapes.

johnw

John,
guess its a typo. Should be Leucojum aestivum. Right?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 12, 2009, 11:13:51 PM
Some blurry photos of Leucojum vernum 'Nancy Lindsay', almost over. Blowing here a bit, I'll try to re-shoot tomorrow.  Four flowers on some scapes.

johnw

John,
guess its a typo. Should be Leucojum aestivum. Right?

Indeed and now corrected.   A couple of pots that were forced in the greenhouse.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 13, 2009, 12:20:45 AM
Tony,
nice Pulsatilla seedlings. The second picture is my favourite ;)

Easter Sunday we got 27°C warm :o. I can't remember such hot day early in April.
Nature is exploding :o 8) but many bulb flowers fading and withering quickly.

Here some impressions...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 13, 2009, 02:22:07 AM
Leucojum vernum ssp carpathicum here yesterday. Crocus 'Violet Queen' (violet?) and a forced Crocus tomassinianus "Ruby Giant" (ruby?).

Iris 'Katherine Hodgkins'.

johnw

John,
suberb picture of Leucojum vernum ssp carpathicum  8)
Your crocus cultivar C. sieberi "Violet Queen" seem to be C. tommasianus...
The picture of C. tommasianus "Ruby Giant" looks for me more like "Whitewell Purple" (dutch form with white stem).


 

Good to know tommies are hardy and vigorous, the source was Holland. I intend to advisel the BC nursery that siupplied the mis-labelled Ruby Giants at great expense.

Thanks Armin.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 13, 2009, 03:11:58 AM
Quote
And, with a couple of warm days, the crocuses have started to spring up!  No varieties of particular interest, but a delight to see after the winter!
Also Colchicum kesselringii, just a tiny baby, planted last year.  I'm somewhat disappointed... I'd hoped to see the purple striping on the outer petal bases.    (On the other hand, I'm pleased... a first spring-flowering colchicum - wow!)
Colchicum kesselringii
Crocus tomassinianus?
Crocus vernus
Crocus chrysanthus


Lori,
nice crocus. To your "?"...

Crocus chrysanthus[/i] -> no, this looks like pale, wild form of C. tommasianus

How interesting, and thank you, Armin!  Now I'm really tempted to post every crocus photo we've taken in the last couple of days, and  see if they really are what I think they are!

Monocarpic townsendias?!?  No, say it ain't so!  I already resent biennials for the extra effort they force me to make, but monocarpic species yet... ?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 13, 2009, 07:40:55 AM
Sorry Lori, but some Townsendias seem only too willing to flower themselves to death. On the up side they are easy from seed!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 13, 2009, 08:01:11 AM
Well, so long as mine go out with a dramatic flourish, I suppose I can forgive them!  :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 13, 2009, 09:55:39 AM
Lol- I guess we could always try doing what they suggest for Meconopsis, and go around cutting off the flower spikes to make them perennial  ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 13, 2009, 02:40:28 PM
Some pictures of what is flowering in the garden today:

1) Armeria juniperifolia 'Drake's Deep form'
2) Chaenomeles...
3) Chaenomeles...
4) Draba molissima
5) Erythronium 'Pagoda'
6) Polygala chamaebuxus 'Grandiflora'
7) Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Papageno'
8) Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt'
9) Tulipa
10) Viola sororaria 'Freckles'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 13, 2009, 03:26:33 PM
Here some pics from today :

maybe anybody knows the name of this Camelia cultivar ?

Mahonia aquifolium

thanks
Hans
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 13, 2009, 05:42:46 PM
Hi all, still very cold with frosts at night here however we were able to roll our Easter eggs with the grandchildren on Sunday a few more pictures from the garden today.  Erythronium taylori no1 and 2 Not many of these. erythronium japonicum from a different source, Primula deuteronana from Nepal. cheers Ian the Christie kind
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 13, 2009, 08:24:04 PM
Hi Hans,
Sorry, no name for the Camellia cultivar.
I guess, your Mahonia is a free flowering specimen of Mahonia aquifolium.

On this occasion I add som pics from today

1. Callianthemum anemonoides
2. Bellevalia forniculata
3. + 4. Viola canina x uliginosa - a natural hybrid from Sweden
5. Viola somchetica
6. Viola arenaria (rupestris) rosea

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 14, 2009, 04:41:41 PM
Gerd ,

thank you for naming the Mahonia ( I saw your answer just for a moment)

Here a pic from today :

Calochortus luteus
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: olegKon on April 14, 2009, 04:47:26 PM
Spring has come to Moscow at last. With new surprise. Can anybody help identify this Colchicum which appeared from under the snow? First snowdrops enjoy a warm day (Galanthus Robin Hood)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 14, 2009, 04:59:45 PM
Last four images of Pulsatilla vernalis ... I promise!!   ::)

They are STILL in flower ... so I will break my promise ... apologies!   :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: derekb on April 14, 2009, 06:55:36 PM

 This is the first time I have flowered this Acis.
 Acis tricophllum.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: derekb on April 14, 2009, 07:00:29 PM

 3 Pulsatilla from seed sent me by Ewelina the centre one is going over I have only put it in to show the range of colours.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Michael J Campbell on April 14, 2009, 07:03:11 PM
Quote
This is the first time I have flowered this Acis.
 Acis tricophllum.

How did you manage that? I have yet to succeed in flowering it. Any tips?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 14, 2009, 07:41:24 PM
Another picture of Erythronium purparascens and a Bee orchis which has been under glass no idea what it is but around 12 inches tall flower spike. cheers Ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 14, 2009, 08:01:47 PM
I have to agree with all you folk when you say that this time of the year is the best.
There are some wonderful flowers that you all put up here, I just sit here drooling over my keyboard, jotting some of them down on my “want list”  ;D

Hope you like some of these!  :)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_RhododendronGinnyGee.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/RhododendronGinnyGee.jpg) Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_RhododendroncalostrotumOban.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/RhododendroncalostrotumOban.jpg) Rhododendron calostrotum ‘Oban’
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_PhyllodocexintermediaFredStoker.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/PhyllodocexintermediaFredStoker.jpg) Phyllodoce x intermedia ‘Fred Stoker’
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_Phyllodocealutica.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/Phyllodocealutica.jpg) Phyllodoce alutica
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_PhylliopsishillieriPinocchio.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/PhylliopsishillieriPinocchio.jpg) Phylliopsis hillieri ‘Sugar Plum’
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/th_CAMELLIAjaponicaAdolfAudusson.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/Alpine_plants/CAMELLIAjaponicaAdolfAudusson.jpg) Camellia japonica ‘Adolf Audusson’
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 14, 2009, 09:51:15 PM
That's a very interesting Ophrys, Ian. Is it in a pot under glass or in a bed with glass protection?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 14, 2009, 10:51:43 PM
Quote
This is the first time I have flowered this Acis.
 Acis tricophllum.

How did you manage that? I have yet to succeed in flowering it. Any tips?
I did get a good potful to flower a few years ago.  Hot, dry summer before may have helped.  The pink form (ex Walllis) increases
fast ... fast .... fast :o
but seems to make mostly non-flowering bulbs, mine went from 5 to 500 bulbs in a few years.  I've chucked them all now, fed up with no flowers and suspicious of virus :-\
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ichristie on April 15, 2009, 07:19:44 AM
Hi, the Orchid is in a pot all the time it flowers well but lots of problems with black tips on the leaves it get very little water in the winter, cheers Ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 15, 2009, 08:11:25 AM
We have seen Bee orchids in the wild flowering off black withered leaves or from a cluster of grazed leaves-so any leaves at flowering time are a plus! We have seen them in a reserve in Lincolnshire, where they are regularly walked over/ trampled by visitors and flower on the shortest stems they possiby can. Tough little mites!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 15, 2009, 09:26:01 AM
Pics from my garden today morning.

Daphne genkwa
Fibigia triquetra
Frit.meleagris
Primula auricula
Primula carniolica
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 15, 2009, 11:34:54 AM
Wonderful pics everyone.  Love that Daphne genkwa, the Erythronium japonicum and so many others.  Special mention has to go to Hans glorious Calochortus luteus though.... what an absolutely smashing picture!!  Great stuff!!  8)

Thanks everyone.  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 15, 2009, 01:17:24 PM
The flowering D. genkwa is a real eyecatcher Karl !

Nice set of Rhodo's Mr Lampwick  ;D

Hans,
My Calochortus Luteus does not show buds yet - I hope it'll be as nice as yours !

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 15, 2009, 01:28:39 PM
Stunning Daphne Karl!
Is this the type which Fritz Kummert distributed?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 15, 2009, 02:53:34 PM
Quote
The flowering D. genkwa is a real eyecatcher ......

Stunning Daphne Karl!



 It most certainly is! Very fine indeed..... I thought at first glance at the photo that with that large amount of flowers this was a beautiful early Lilac/Syringa  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 15, 2009, 03:07:55 PM
Luc ,

I had this Calochortus bulbs since 3 years -this it was the first time flowering .

Good luck for yours
Hans
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: KentGardener on April 15, 2009, 05:46:13 PM
I don't get in these other rooms very often as I am a through and through Galanthophile!  But......

...I spotted this in the garden this afternoon and liked it so much I had to share it.

John  ;D

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: derekb on April 15, 2009, 06:41:17 PM
Quote
This is the first time I have flowered this Acis.
 Acis tricophllum.

How did you manage that? I have yet to succeed in flowering it. Any tips?
Michael the only thing is to give them a dry summer and keep them pot bound.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 15, 2009, 07:16:32 PM
..............My Calochortus Luteus does not show buds yet - I hope it'll be as nice as yours !


My Calochortus luteus doesn't even show leaves-another one for the compost bin :(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 15, 2009, 08:04:31 PM
I don't get in these other rooms very often as I am a through and through Galanthophile!  But......
...I spotted this in the garden this afternoon and liked it so much I had to share it.
John  ;D


John, this is an extraordinary specimen!

Coincenditally I found a double frit also, this time Fritillaria pyrenaica
- the paler coloured types always somewhat later than the dark ones.
Last pic shows another frit lover

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 15, 2009, 08:06:15 PM
My Calochortus luteus doesn't even show leaves-another one for the compost bin :(

David ,

dont give up  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 15, 2009, 08:07:05 PM
Just opened - Viola douglasii from the Western US

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 15, 2009, 08:57:20 PM
Gerd,
a very fine Viola :o 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 15, 2009, 10:03:23 PM
I second Armin on that Gerd, super monichki( small ) viola!
Flowering now in the oldest rock garden;
Iris bucharica bicolor
Iris Evening Shade
Iris skyline
Iris cultivar ( Maybe in the Argument clan or from seed )
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 16, 2009, 03:37:13 AM
Oh my, this area is so much later compared to most of yours, I hope these won't be boring!  (Or perhaps this will be like reliving winter?  ;D)
Soooo close... Corydalis solida spp. solida.
After a wonderfully warm Easter weekend, we had a little more snow, and with a couple of cooler days, the croci are reluctant to open again... but, on the bright side, it allows me to admire their outer petals too!
A few pushkinias, scillas and hepaticas are starting as well...
   
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 16, 2009, 05:39:41 AM
Jeffersonia dubia 'Alba'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 16, 2009, 06:43:49 AM
Superb pictures everyone. That is a magnificent Jeffersonia, John.

(Couldn't you sleep John)?   :D :D :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 16, 2009, 08:29:34 AM
Just opened - Viola douglasii from the Western US

Gerd

I had no idea there were so many beautiful Violas !  Thanks for introducing them.

I have the distinct impression you like them...  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 16, 2009, 10:31:33 AM
Superb pictures everyone. That is a magnificent Jeffersonia, John.

(Couldn't you sleep John)?   :D :D :D

Hi Cliff,
The Jeffersonia isn’t in the best position, but I do believe they don’t like being disturbed.
What is the preferred method of propagation please?

I am probably a bit of an insomniac, my mind is always thinking about things (I don’t worry about things, but I must always have something to do to keep me occupied!) Sleep gets in the way of my activities; I work and do things until I get tired, as soon as I wake I want to get back to my activities. If I wake in the night I will get up and spend a few hours on the computer; then as soon as my head hits the pillow again, I am fast asleep.  :o

I was concerned that I was posting wrong on the forum – I use, or was using photobucket. I believe this is frowned on by many so I am now uploading direct from my PC, and will try to remember to do so in the future!   ;D
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 16, 2009, 10:45:54 AM
Superb pictures everyone. That is a magnificent Jeffersonia, John.

(Couldn't you sleep John)?   :D :D :D

I am probably a bit of an insomniac, my mind is always thinking about things (I don’t worry about things, but I must always have something to do to keep me occupied!) Sleep gets in the way of my activities; I work and do things until I get tired, as soon as I wake I want to get back to my activities. If I wake in the night I will get up and spend a few hours on the computer; then as soon as my head hits the pillow again, I am fast asleep.  :o

Snap, John ... it drives my poor wife mad!   My only difference is that I remain awake when my head hits the pillow again!  :'(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 16, 2009, 01:28:21 PM
I don't get in these other rooms very often as I am a through and through Galanthophile!  But......

...I spotted this in the garden this afternoon and liked it so much I had to share it.

John  ;D
Quote
Coincenditally I found a double frit also, this time Fritillaria pyrenaica

Well this is incredible 3 lots of double Frits - I thought at first mine was a siamese Frit but it is separating into a double.  What promotes the double Frit ? My photo is under Puzzles thread
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 16, 2009, 06:27:28 PM
Quote
The Jeffersonia isn’t in the best position, but I do believe they don’t like being disturbed.
What is the preferred method of propagation please?
We had to pack Jeffersonia dubia bare rooted in compost to satisfy DEFRA when we moved here. They settled in, but didn't flower the year after. They also grow well from fresh seed in my experience.
Simon
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 16, 2009, 07:04:26 PM
Well I am even later. Not only are my plants late I am late at posting. ::)
First Hiemalis self sown under forsythias.
Then Chionodoxas self sown under Rosa rugosa.
Leucojum vernum at a wall. these three are from the town garden where everything is earlier.
The next leucojums are from the forest. self sown from a dozen in the 1960-ties
Also the woronowiis from single bulbs are in the forest.
The Arnotts have been sitting in the same place for over forty years (but have been thinned)
The doubkles are from my grandfather and may have been in the garden for eighty years. They spread all over the place. It seems that they are not sterile and that they come true from seed. They have moved a couple of hundred meters (not these I helped them) Comments are welcome
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 16, 2009, 07:14:24 PM
Some more flowers.
Ypsilandra thibetica is tricky in my place. Late frosts kill the flowers. this is the first time there are any flowers to speak about. It is not only very early but also scented.
The pink striped Helleborus thibetanus is flowering for the first time. My Other thibetanus did noylike the spring and will set no seed - nor will this one.
Anemone altaica on the other hand liked the winter and spring It is smaller than nemorosa and sturdier and much earlier.
Bulbocodium/colchicum vernum is quite good. This colour is fairly unique at this time of the year at leas in my place. I do have a Merendera sobolifera that also has this color this time of the year but it is so much smaller.
This is such a busy time. Garden work, flowers, photos - all in a mix
Göte
 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 16, 2009, 07:16:57 PM
A couple of Lewisia tweedyi.

The first is one I grew from seed and is around five years old now. If I had a bit more greenhouse space it would be a better plant as it tends to get put in a corner and forgotten about.

[attach=1]

The second is one of two L. tweedyi I bought from the Plant Shop at Wisley a couple of years ago with the idea of crossing them with my plant to get some different colour breaks.

[attach=2]  
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 16, 2009, 07:30:57 PM
Three more portraits for your perusal.  :)

The Daphne propagates easily from cuttings, which I take in May/June, I have it in several locations around the garden, as my wife, my two daughters and I adore the scent of these plants.

The Tiarella is not actually “in flower”, but I think many plants sometimes have an equal attractiveness in bud, (as shown here) or in their seed heads……Don’t they? ::)   
 
The Vitaliana has doubled in size since last spring, this is growing in a raised ercicaceous bed in almost pure Cambark. These beds have recently received a liberal top-dressing of Melcourt fine composted bark, bought from Ashwoods.  ;D
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 16, 2009, 07:38:18 PM
Quote
The Jeffersonia isn’t in the best position, but I do believe they don’t like being disturbed.
What is the preferred method of propagation please?
We had to pack Jeffersonia dubia bare rooted in compost to satisfy DEFRA when we moved here. They settled in, but didn't flower the year after. They also grow well from fresh seed in my experience.
Simon

Thanks Simon, I will look for seeds after flowering. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 16, 2009, 07:52:14 PM
David,  How do you get such great big 'in your face' flowers on lewisias?  There were so many like that at the Cleveland Show last weekend, Mine are only  a fraction of the size.

John,  that daphne is just super, bet the scent is intoxicating!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 16, 2009, 08:06:32 PM
Flowering earlier this evening on the xeric garden -Matthiola anchonifoilum- you gotta love nature's little oddities.  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 16, 2009, 08:07:15 PM
David,  How do you get such great big 'in your face' flowers on lewisias?  There were so many like that at the Cleveland Show last weekend, Mine are only  a fraction of the size.

Haven't a clue Chris ;D  I think the tweedyi flower is always larger than a L. cotyledon flower for example so I'm on a 'runner' there to start with. I always keep it a little bit moist when it is resting and when I start watering, in early February if the weather is good, it gets a half strength tomato fertiliser feed at every watering. Having said that, I too gloat over some of the L. tweedyi examples I see at the Shows.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 16, 2009, 08:08:43 PM
Some cracking stuff being posted here today folks. My 'Wants List' has been greatly expanded.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 16, 2009, 08:12:39 PM
OK, David, I'll get some tomato feed, but I doubt my little beauties will ever get flowers that big on them.  Never mind, I still love them.  One of the ones I grew from the seed you kindly sent me two years ago has so many flower buds it is going to expire I'm sure.  The newer ones I bought look very small and demure in comparison.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 16, 2009, 08:21:19 PM
Lewisia tweedyi flower size varies almost as much as the colour does. Thing to do is look for two with big, full-petalled blooms and cross them... it is possible quite quickly to get a strain with lovely fat flowers..... we had fun with this very project some years ago, seeking to produce large, up facing blooms with full, over-lapping petals... up to a dozen or fourteen per flower.... gorgeous fat girls!  All gone now except the one which lives a feral existence between the greenhouse glass and the back of the plunge. :-[
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 16, 2009, 08:46:41 PM
The Vitaliana has doubled in size since last spring, this is growing in a raised ercicaceous bed in almost pure Cambark. These beds have recently received a liberal top-dressing of Melcourt fine composted bark, bought from Ashwoods.  ;D 8)
John, now that is a beautiful plant. I have seldom seen such a rich flowering Vitaliana (here), but reading your
cultural method I maybe understand why :-\
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 16, 2009, 09:53:46 PM
The Vitaliana has doubled in size since last spring, this is growing in a raised ercicaceous bed in almost pure Cambark. These beds have recently received a liberal top-dressing of Melcourt fine composted bark, bought from Ashwoods.  ;D 8)
John, now that is a beautiful plant. I have seldom seen such a rich flowering Vitaliana (here), but reading your
cultural method I maybe understand why :-\

Hello Luit,  :)
Take a look at the bottom of this page: http://portraitsofalpineplants.com/Portraits%20of%20Alpine%20Plants.htm which shows how big it was last year. It’s wedged tightly between two rocks, and I would estimate that only about 1/10th of the underside of the plant is in contact with the compost, the majority of it has spread over the rocks. Am I right in stating that it is a crevice dweller in its native home?
 8) 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 16, 2009, 09:58:50 PM
Screes, rocky stony places and short turf on acid soils, John.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 16, 2009, 10:24:59 PM
John, it must be the combination of big stones keeping the ericaceous soil cool (and may be some luck ??   ;) )
I never saw it in nature, but I visited many gardeners and nurseries (mostly  continental) but saw it always
shy flowering.
I remember just once when I visited a German nursery where they were grown in 12 cm pots and they
were all full of flowers. I ordered several hundreds and sold them all, but in the next year in the same nursery
they had almost no flowers and in the following 10+ years it was the same. So the man had to give up, because
Vitaliana without flowers don't sell.

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 16, 2009, 10:43:58 PM
Some older alpine gardenening books (from the days when it was known as Douglasia, then Androsace) talk about different forms which are stongly or poorly flowering. I always assumed I had a poorly flowering form because it certainly has never performed like that. But I saw plants at higher altitude and with a colder winter than mine, flowering in NZ last year, edge to edge yellow. Most likely all our plants are from the same source originally so it's probably the culture that has been at fault for the "poor" forms. I'll shift mine to cooler, acid soil and place flat rocks around it.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 16, 2009, 11:07:18 PM
Just returned from a short break to find everything has gone mad.

Here are a few shots of the garden
Also my Magnolia Caerhays Suprise
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 16, 2009, 11:08:28 PM
and a couple more
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 16, 2009, 11:09:27 PM
Oh and I forgot this one
Pleione limprichtii
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 17, 2009, 06:15:48 AM
Most likely all our plants are from the same source originally so it's probably the culture that has been at fault for the "poor" forms. I'll shift mine to cooler, acid soil and place flat rocks around it.

Maybe John could have a look at the new Topic: Alpines at Wisley.
Lesley puts an interesting question there about the culture matters, regarding lime/acidity of the soil.

Quote
I always assumed I had a poorly flowering form because it certainly has never performed like that.

Lesley, the same was told me too, but I always had my doubts about that.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 17, 2009, 06:55:48 AM
When I had no garden I was forced to grow Vitaliana in a pot- it barely flowered. When I finally had a garden, I planted it in a peat and slate based scree. It made a large mat and looked decent- it was never full of flowers, but certainly happier. Sadly it never set seed, so i couldn't bring it with me.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 17, 2009, 09:37:42 AM
Oh and I forgot this one
Pleione limprichtii

Your garden looks absolutely stunning Ian ! Beautiful !
Something makes me think you like Rhododendron ?  ::)

As to your limprichtii (I had already spotted them in one of the garden views...  ;D ... ) they seem to enjoy life !!! Do you grow them in peat blocks ?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 17, 2009, 09:55:09 AM
Oh and I forgot this one
Pleione limprichtii

Your garden looks absolutely stunning Ian ! Beautiful !
Something makes me think you like Rhododendron ?  ::)

As to your limprichtii (I had already spotted them in one of the garden views...  ;D ... ) they seem to enjoy life !!! Do you grow them in peat blocks ?

Luc there are some bits of peat block in the mix but this is mainly a soil and humussy mix which I top up from time to time. Seem perfectly happy outside but they are covered with an open ended  cloche in winter just to keep off the wet. I also replace this  if there is any sign of frost when in flower. For me it does better outside than in a pot. But then I am useless at growing things in pots  :(

Yep I am a rhodo nut too  ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 17, 2009, 09:56:40 AM
Well worth the effort Ian - they look smashing ! ... as does the rest of your garden !  :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 17, 2009, 10:14:55 AM
Magnificent garden, Ian ... looks perfect for a garden open day!
Who needs to grow plants in pots when you can succeed so well in the open garden?  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 17, 2009, 10:31:50 AM
Ian,

Wow!!  :o  Seems so strange to think of Rhododendrons, Camellias, Magnolias etc in flower..... seems so far away now.  ;D  Then again I am just starting with the Galanthus season when all the Galanthophiles up north are starting to pine for them.  One of the wonderful things about this forum..... seeing things that remind you of other times of the year than where you are.  Your garden is just looking stunning!  Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for the great pics.  Most enjoyable! (to put it mildly). ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 17, 2009, 11:52:52 AM
Stunning garden Ian and beautifully designed.

I have to ask the names of the following rhodos:

The dwarfish red in 4091

The cream by the arbor and the pale violet in the left fore in 4092.

The two yellows - one dwarf in front of the blue Sapphire type and the larger one behind it in 4098

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 17, 2009, 12:38:41 PM
What a stunning garden, Ian .....just what I like to see with all those Rhodos!!

What's the funny flat green plant? I know I used to have it but I can't remember what it is.... I know it used to take a disproportionate amount of my time to maintain...... ::)
....also, your dogs look a bit undernourished!! ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 17, 2009, 12:40:21 PM
And is that a Lysichiton I see flowering beside that pond?  I've had one in a pot in water for years but never flowered it.  ::)  I probably need to plant it somewhere, but I don't have anywhere in the garden where it is likely to be wet enough I think.

And again, such nice pictures.  I had to go and check them out again to see which Rhodos John was talking about.... being nosey as I am.  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 17, 2009, 01:20:09 PM
Ian what a beautiful garden a pleasure to see.

Here is a ranunculus of a species I do not know from Abant in Turkey.It goes dormant in summer.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 17, 2009, 01:34:42 PM
Magnificent garden, Ian ... looks perfect for a garden open day!
Who needs to grow plants in pots when you can succeed so well in the open garden?  :)
Well some do but I haven't shown the ones that didn't  ::)


Thanks to all of you for the encouragement


What a stunning garden, Ian .....just what I like to see with all those Rhodos!!

What's the funny flat green plant? I know I used to have it but I can't remember what it is.... I know it used to take a disproportionate amount of my time to maintain...... ::)
....also, your dogs look a bit undernourished!! ;)

The lawn is Pam's thing but it does set the garden off nicely

The dogs belong to White and Mackay pre war from my mother in laws garden


Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 17, 2009, 01:38:27 PM
Stunning garden Ian and beautifully designed.

I have to ask the names of the following rhodos:

The dwarfish red in 4091

The cream by the arbor and the pale violet in the left fore in 4092.

The two yellows - one dwarf in front of the blue Sapphire type and the larger one behind it in 4098

johnw

R Elizabeth var Creeping Jenny
R Alison Johnstone a Trewithin Ciinabarinum x concatennnans hybrid its a light orange by the way

Both are Curlew I think

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 17, 2009, 01:40:30 PM
And is that a Lysichiton I see flowering beside that pond?  I've had one in a pot in water for years but never flowered it.  ::)  I probably need to plant it somewhere, but I don't have anywhere in the garden where it is likely to be wet enough I think.

And again, such nice pictures.  I had to go and check them out again to see which Rhodos John was talking about.... being nosey as I am.  ;D ;)

Paul you  are right and it is seeding itself all over. Where it grows it doesn't have it all its own way so it doesn't become the thug that it can be
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 17, 2009, 03:30:24 PM
Some plants that are flowering now in my garden (photographed in between two showers):

1) Anemonella thalictoïdes 'Pink Flash'
2) Chaenomeles
3) Cherry tree
4) Corydalis 'Kingfisher'
5) Epimedium diphyllum
6) Prunus
7) Silene acaulis 'correvoniana'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 17, 2009, 05:12:59 PM
Stunning garden Ian and beautifully designed.

I have to ask the names of the following rhodos:

The dwarfish red in 4091

The cream by the arbor and the pale violet in the left fore in 4092.

The two yellows - one dwarf in front of the blue Sapphire type and the larger one behind it in 4098

johnw

R Elizabeth var Creeping Jenny
R Alison Johnstone a Trewithin Ciinabarinum x concatennnans hybrid its a light orange by the way

Both are Curlew I think



Thanks Ian. Would you say Creeping jenny in the pic is a bit more orange than in real life?

I thought AJ might be a ambiguum x concatenans. I love all those cinnabarinum hybrids and am hoping 'What A Dane' will set a bud this year.

Very healthy Curlews. I couldn't tell if they were lepidotes or not from that distance.

And the pale violet in the arbor photo?

Nice Acer griseum too!

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 17, 2009, 07:00:29 PM
Stunning garden Ian and beautifully designed.

I have to ask the names of the following rhodos:

The dwarfish red in 4091

The cream by the arbor and the pale violet in the left fore in 4092.

The two yellows - one dwarf in front of the blue Sapphire type and the larger one behind it in 4098

johnw

R Elizabeth var Creeping Jenny
R Alison Johnstone a Trewithin Ciinabarinum x concatennnans hybrid its a light orange by the way

Both are Curlew I think



Thanks Ian. Would you say Creeping jenny in the pic is a bit more orange than in real life?

I thought AJ might be a ambiguum x concatenans. I love all those cinnabarinum hybrids and am hoping 'What A Dane' will set a bud this year.

Very healthy Curlews. I couldn't tell if they were lepidotes or not from that distance.

And the pale violet in the arbor photo?

Nice Acer griseum too!

johnw

AJ is concat X yunnanense got confused  ???

pale one is Pharalope

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 17, 2009, 07:09:55 PM
Lovely garden Ian wish mine was as pristine.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 17, 2009, 08:51:59 PM
Stunning Ranunculus, Tony!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Robin Callens on April 17, 2009, 09:15:30 PM

labbled as trillium rivale?! wrong.(bad ebay seller again arghh!) i dont know what species this is but perhaps albidium-

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd120/robsorchids/Picture002-4.jpg)


Hi Rob,

I think this Trillium could be T. parviflorum, you will be certain if it produces a dark red fruit.

Robin
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Robin Callens on April 17, 2009, 09:19:08 PM
Hi all,

A few pictures of plants out of the garden:

1) Ranzania japonica
2) Podophyllum pleianthum (5 seedlings sown in 2003)
3) Primula kisoana alba (1 little plant 5 years ago)
4) Pear tree (planted 30 years ago)

Robin
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 18, 2009, 03:44:09 AM
Forgive these pathetic offerings, please!  It's still so early here!  :)
One of the very first Pulsatilla vulgaris, a young self-sown seedling, and Pulsatilla alpina:

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 07:48:07 AM
Flowering now on the rock garden
Polemonium viscosum and the plant I've always grown as Oxytropis shokanbetsuensis
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 19, 2009, 08:44:38 AM
Oooooh, the Oxytropis looks interesting.  Not one I've heard of before, but I like the look of it. 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 19, 2009, 09:17:34 AM

1) Ranzania japonica

That is a beautiful Ranzania Robin, Does it always flower like this with the flowers in a head?
Mine have not yet started above ground. You must be a month earlier than I am
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 11:10:35 AM
Oooooh, the Oxytropis looks interesting.  Not one I've heard of before, but I like the look of it. 8)
Paul- it's a few generations on now from the original purchased plant- so it may not be true. The colour this year certainly looks more intense than I remember from previous plants.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 19, 2009, 11:47:55 AM
The combination of those leaves that flowers is pretty spectacular, although the plant itself may not be as spectacular in total (if you know what I mean).  Reminds me of a number of Aussie plants in some characteristics.  We have a lot of Fabaceae here in Aus.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 12:45:02 PM
Hopefully it will look better on the whole in a few days, but I posted early as we are expecting rain in the next few days.
Quote
We have a lot of Fabaceae here in Aus
I was in Australia a long time ago and I remember seeing a Kennedya on a badly eroded hillside (rabbits). It was a stunner and wished then I could grow Australian plants outdoors.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 19, 2009, 12:55:34 PM
Which colour Kennedya?  They come in reds, pinks, black, ranging from quite delicate things to quite large and entangling.  Great plants though!  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 19, 2009, 12:57:29 PM
Just curious, Simon, but how come all your photos are c C Greenwell?  Is it someone else that takes them for you?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 19, 2009, 01:22:19 PM
For those of you who do not visit the Onco thread, blooming today are I. stolonifera and I.'Tadzhiki Bandit'(regeliocyclus)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 19, 2009, 01:33:47 PM
Pictures taken today.

Haberlea ferdinandi-coburgi. This plant must be about 30 years old. It’s growing in a situation that no one in their right mind would put it! It’s in a shallow 6½” deep trough against a south facing wall, its roots are on the north side of a hypertufa rock. Why does it survive? Explanation here:
http://portraitsofalpineplants.com/Portraits%20of%20Alpine%20Plants.htm#H

Rhododendron 'Blue Steel'. This is a lovely dwarf plant, which was given to me by Birmingham AGS group member Christine Heap many years ago. The original plant eventually became quite large, “leggy” and aged, but I have quite a number of its children from cuttings around the garden. This is one of them.   

Uvularia grandiflora. To the top right of picture you may just be able to see seedlings of this popping up

Eriogonum ovalifolium ex. South Pass, WY. From RMRP 1997-1998. It has achieved a diameter of about 14 inches (forgive me, I still cant relate too well to metric mesurments!) :-[ and receives no winter protection.

 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 03:11:20 PM
Just curious, Simon, but how come all your photos are c C Greenwell?  Is it someone else that takes them for you?
Yes Christine, Chris takes all the pics- I am not very good with a camera  ::)

Quote
Which colour Kennedya?
It was quite a low sprawling one, and Pillarbox red with black, as I recall. It was in Victoria somewhere- if that helps.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 03:43:41 PM
Flowering this afternoon on the top rock garden:
2 plants- seed from a plant I purchased some years ago as Erigeron vagus.
Veronica species 'Dedegol Dag'
and Cerastium (lanatum?) this was originally in with seed of a Campanula from a seed exchange.
Ranunculus millefoliatus and Ranunculus (asiaticus?)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 19, 2009, 04:34:07 PM
Hi Simon,
That P. viscosum is a beauty! I grew it from seed years ago, and got it to flower quite well, but I couldn’t keep it. I would love to try it again; your picture has got me pining to obtain it again! It’s the same with Oxytropis and other Leguminosae – Lupinus and Astragalus – I wish I could succeed more with some of the American alpines. Is your Oxytropis shokanbetsuensis from the USA?  Although the specific name hints at an oriental.
 8)

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 19, 2009, 04:46:50 PM
Flowering this afternoon on the top rock garden:
2 plants- seed from a plant I purchased some years ago as Erigeron vagus.
Veronica species 'Dedegol Dag'
and Cerastium (lanatum?) this was originally in with seed of a Campanula from a seed exchange.
Ranunculus millefoliatus and Ranunculus (asiaticus?)

Great plants; and I do like the natural look of the top-dressing around the plants. Do you buy this or is it obtainable otherwise? I would like to know if top-dressing like this is obtainable here in the UK, but most garden centers near where I live have only got bags of “eye-hurting” white, and coloured glass-like dressings of garish amber and green etc.!  :o :o :o
 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 19, 2009, 05:11:50 PM
pictures from today
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 19, 2009, 05:42:22 PM
Jamie, super looking Oncos, bravo!
Here today a selction of narcissus cultivars flowering in the garden, sorry but the names are lost in the mists of time!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 05:45:16 PM
Quote
Posted by: Lampwick:Is your Oxytropis shokanbetsuensis from the USA? That P. viscosum is a beauty!
The Oxytropis was bought as a plant a long time ago- it is maybe 3rd generation from seed and I can't remember where i bought the original from. I think it is a Japanese species. The Polemonium is flowering in its first year- if the other spikes it is putting up have as many flowers as the first -I am not expecting it tobe long lived- but I will save seed and regrow it. I found that my Astragalus and Oxytropis lived for maybe 5 years in Scotland, and then England, before the plants became leggy and prone to dieback- i am not yet sure how they will behave here. The pictures of alpines I am posting so far are all of plants one year from seed. They made it through a long dry summer and very hard winter, but I do not know what will happen as they get older.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 19, 2009, 05:45:53 PM
 :) :) :) Just beautiful and so healthy looking.... the Pulsatilla flavescens is dreamy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 19, 2009, 05:54:51 PM
Ranunculus millefoliatus and Ranunculus (asiaticus?)

I am almost sure that the last Ranunculus isn't asiaticus because this species has
blackish anthers! But - sorry - no idea what it is.
R. millefoliatus is nice but an awful weed!

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 19, 2009, 06:06:18 PM
We are confused too, this has the same leaves as R.asiaticus and we only grow about 6 Ranunculus species, one of which is asiaticus. In previous years from the same leaves we have had black centered typical asiaticus flowers!  :P :P
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 19, 2009, 06:20:42 PM
Wolfgang, nice clean Pulsatillas!
From the gadren here today, a very mixed bag!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 06:27:35 PM
Not a show-stopper, but with a certain quiet charm- Geranium transversale laciniata
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 19, 2009, 08:38:54 PM
Great pictures from everybody. 8)

Below a Pulsatilla vulgaris taken during a trip in the Eifel.

If you like to see more Pulsatilla and Narcissus from the wild, please click:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3424.0 (http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3424.0)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Robin Callens on April 19, 2009, 09:01:38 PM


That is a beautiful Ranzania Robin, Does it always flower like this with the flowers in a head?
Mine have not yet started above ground. You must be a month earlier than I am
Göte

[/quote]

Göte,

No, it's the first time that my Ranzania does that but it's also the first time that it produces that many flowers.

Robin

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 19, 2009, 09:53:36 PM
Simon,

Love the leaves on that Geranium.  Very unusual!!  :o

Thanks for the great pics everyone,  Makes a lovely counterpoint to the autumn displays we're getting here at the moment!  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ewelina Wajgert on April 19, 2009, 10:05:57 PM
It is too late taken this year, but I have managed in last moment
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 19, 2009, 10:24:42 PM
Simon, Love the leaves on that Geranium.  Very unusual!!  :o
You should see what it looks like underground- now that is unusual!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 20, 2009, 12:34:31 AM
I haven't looked at this thread for a few days and find so much that is gorgeous and exciting, especially the Podophyllum pleianthum and the Ranzania which I can't germinate, even from fresh seed, though Gote and Ian C have done their best for me. :'(

Ian M, what an amazing garden! It looks very beautiful - even with a lawn ;D. So many lovely things, all in perfect condition. A wonderful sight to come home to, after a break away. :)

Lori, I'm pretty sure your Pulsatilla alpina is, in fact, P. vernalis. Cliff B has shown us so many that its portrait is almost engraved upon my heart, and certainly fixed in my eyes.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 20, 2009, 02:24:05 AM
Lesley, thank you so much for the ID!  (I do like to know what things are even if I don't know why it is what it is.  :)) As I look at the foliage, I'm sure you are right.  Grew them from seed years ago, and then, moronically, failed to write down what they were!

Corydalis solida ssp. solida
Erythronium dens-canis




Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 20, 2009, 07:52:30 AM
Simon, Love the leaves on that Geranium.  Very unusual!!  :o
You should see what it looks like underground- now that is unusual!

Simon,

And you're going to tell us about this........ ???

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 20, 2009, 08:13:46 AM
They form really strange storage 'tubers', which look like they have been extruded rather than grown.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 20, 2009, 09:08:28 AM
Sounds very un-geranium-like.  ???  Not come across the species before, but I'd grow it for the unusual leaves I think.  Always good to learn something new. ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 20, 2009, 09:23:49 AM
Super plants and pictures everyone !!
Keep 'em coming !!
Thanks for posting  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 20, 2009, 01:04:25 PM
Quote
I am almost sure that the last Ranunculus isn't asiaticus because this species has
blackish anthers! But - sorry - no idea what it is.
Gerd
It could possibly be Ranunculus creticus. If it is, it has proved hardier than we imagined and flowered for the first time in many years (we used to grow it in a bulb frame in England).
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ashley on April 20, 2009, 01:25:55 PM
Quote
I am almost sure that the last Ranunculus isn't asiaticus because this species has
blackish anthers! But - sorry - no idea what it is.
Gerd
It could possibly be Ranunculus creticus. If it is, it has proved hardier than we imagined and flowered for the first time in many years (we used to grow it in a bulb frame in England).

The flower matches but the leaves look partly divided rather than entire as in creticus
Any chance of another pic Simon, showing the leaves & perhaps a side-view of the scape? 
Nice plant anyway 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 20, 2009, 02:49:05 PM
A few pictures from my garden today

Anemone nemorosa 'Kentish Pink' 
A. nemorosa 'Hilda'
A. nemorosa 'Royal Blue' ???
A. nemorosa - odd looking thing
Erythronium revolutum -  from seed
Sanguinaria 'Multiplex'
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pulsatilla vulgaris white






Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 20, 2009, 03:11:22 PM
You did well to catch that bee in flight so well, gunilla!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 20, 2009, 04:21:25 PM
The bees are wild with the Pulsatillas so it's not so hard to get them on photo. This one looks as if he's been having a good time  :D

 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 20, 2009, 06:55:16 PM
Lovely set of pictures Gunilla.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 20, 2009, 07:03:58 PM
Gentiana clusii (reddish)
and some plants from the Alps which grow like a weed here
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 20, 2009, 07:16:48 PM
Gentiana verna
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 20, 2009, 07:40:30 PM
Some more Lewisias from the greenhouse today.

This is a white Lewisia tweedyi seedling from seed collected from the plant I pictured in reply 271 earlier. Seed was sown in late July 2008. The peachy coloured seedling below the white was from the same batch of seed.

[attach=1]

[attach=2]

Lewisia tweedyi 'Rosea'

[attach=3]

Lewisia oppositifolia var. richeyi grown from my own collected seed sown August 2007.

[attach=4]

[attach=5]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 20, 2009, 08:00:00 PM
David

What a lot of nice flowers -congratulation  8)

Here is from me a

Halesia carolina
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 20, 2009, 08:31:33 PM
Hans,

I am surprised that your H. caroliniana is in flower ahead of one growing here. I would have thought our season would be ahead of yours.

By the way, is that a bamboo threatening to move in on your Halesia?

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 20, 2009, 08:41:09 PM
Paddy ,

I think your winters are more mild than yours ....but in summer is it maybe more hot than in your climate ....so this is maybe a reason ?
We had really since some weeks a explosion of growing !

We have new plant this Halesia last year in May - on this place was a big old Yucca ....
yes - we have made a big stop underground against this bamboo  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 20, 2009, 08:56:35 PM
The bees are wild with the Pulsatillas so it's not so hard to get them on photo. This one looks as if he's been having a good time  :D
 

Gunilla, I think the bee was so impressed by your pulsatillas that it went a little crazy in the pollen - I think the photos are captivating and bee-utiful!  ;D  Do post some more....

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 21, 2009, 05:20:03 AM
As I understand there have been complaints here of a shortage of Pulsatilla photos  ;D, I shall try to help out... 

Pulsatilla patens in bloom along the Bow River in Bowmont Park, Calgary, today...
 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 21, 2009, 06:08:08 AM
There are a lot of stunning white flowers here recently!
- and very interesting Pulsatilla patens pics - a species to dream of!

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 21, 2009, 09:19:29 AM
Lori, thanks for that.  P. patens is certainly a stunning plant!  Must be wonderful to see so many in the wild.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 21, 2009, 10:34:28 AM
Lori, you've made my day with those stunning Pulsatillas... thanks!!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 21, 2009, 10:41:53 AM
Wonderful Pulsatilla patens Lori !!  Thanks a lot for showing !

Excellent batch of Lewisias David - they've always been favourites of mine !

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 21, 2009, 01:18:02 PM
Lori they are just beautiful :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 21, 2009, 03:31:48 PM
I missed this post but Pulsatilla in the wild are stunning !!
I love this kind of wild pictures !
Congratulations Lori !!!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 21, 2009, 03:46:10 PM
today some new pics :

Cornus nutallii ' Eddie's White Wonder '
Prunus 'Kanzan'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 21, 2009, 06:01:40 PM
It's not easy to catch all the flowers when spring step forwards - here are some
pics from yesterday and today

1. Cercis chinensis
2 + 3. Weigela middendorfiana
4. Pulsatilla albana - yellow form
5. Aubrieta scardica
6. Haplocarphus rueppelii - thanks to Franz H.!
7. Ranunculus malessianus - from the Sierra de Cazorla
8. Ranunculus muelleri from NZ

- the last two surprisngly hardy here -

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 21, 2009, 06:14:20 PM
- and the continuation

1. + 2. Viola anagae - from Tenerife, Canary Islands - fine species for alpine
           house cultivation
3. + 4. Viola delphinantha - this year a bad performance -
5. Viola hederacea - from Australia, a very small form
6. Viola pubescens (Syn. V. pensylvanica) from the US
7. The Confederate Violet - Viola sororia priceana - the pink variant is a
    cultivar - name lost
8. + 9. Viola spathulata

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 21, 2009, 06:23:44 PM
Quote
I am almost sure that the last Ranunculus isn't asiaticus because this species has
blackish anthers! But - sorry - no idea what it is.
Gerd
It could possibly be Ranunculus creticus. If it is, it has proved hardier than we imagined and flowered for the first time in many years (we used to grow it in a bulb frame in England).

The flower matches but the leaves look partly divided rather than entire as in creticus
Any chance of another pic Simon, showing the leaves & perhaps a side-view of the scape? 
Nice plant anyway 8)
Do these pics help at all?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 21, 2009, 06:42:13 PM
Flowering today on the rock gardens:
Papaver 'alpinum'
Geum montanum
Leontopodium species (name lost in the mists of time but a low creeping/ stoloniferous species)
Pulsatilla (seed grow from AGS SeedExchange 'Papageno')
Penstemon nitidus (flower buds just breaking)
and more Mattholia anchonifolium  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 21, 2009, 08:55:25 PM
The last one for today. One year from seed- a Dianthus hybrid. The parent was a dwarf hybrid from AberConwy Nursery, which I had to leave behind in its trough. I guess it will be landfill by now :'(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 21, 2009, 09:13:07 PM
Great plants and rock gardens everybody !
should be a lot of work to keep it so clean  :o ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 21, 2009, 09:34:29 PM
Hans,

The Cornus nutallii is fantastic. Cornus are excellent garden plants. I have a number of young plants in the garden which haven't yet reached their peak and so I am still looking forward to seeing them develop over coming years. Prunus 'Kanzan' was one of those planted everywhere trees here in Ireland, very commonly used as a street tree, very beautiful but seems to have been a troublesome tree in latter years with widespread deaths.

Gerd,

Love the cercis, great display. The Weigela middendorfiana is also in flower here, a species nicely different from the more common weigelas found in gardens.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 21, 2009, 09:35:43 PM
Gerd,
your rock garden burrows a lot of tiny treasures. 8) 8) 8)
Lovely violets. :D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 21, 2009, 10:05:29 PM
Great pics everyone.

Gerd,

That Viola delphinantha is amazing.... I can see why the delphinium link was made... the flowers are so similar.  Definitely like no Viola I've ever seen before.  :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 21, 2009, 10:11:57 PM
Paddy ,

Yes - those Cornus are fantastic !
I regret that I have not plantet more of them ...
...and my Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' looks ugly after this winter .....2/3 are frozen  :'(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 21, 2009, 10:35:40 PM
The bees are wild with the Pulsatillas so it's not so hard to get them on photo. This one looks as if he's been having a good time  :D

He looks like a young man after his first visit to a house of ill repute. Happily dazed but lucky to have got out alive! ;D

 

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 22, 2009, 12:23:04 AM
What a lot of great plants being shown by everybody.

Here is my Ranunculus asiaticus - very pleased to have this one
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 22, 2009, 06:22:32 AM
So many beautiful plants and great pictures on these pages.
Some pictures of plants flowering here during the last days:

Daphne arbuscula                             
Malus x micromalus 1                       
Malus x micromalus 2                   
Narcissus willkommii                     
Salix 1                                   
Salix 2                                 
Viburnum burkwoodii Anne Russell 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 22, 2009, 06:34:37 AM
Luit, super grown Narcissus willkommii!

Paddy, Armin & Paul - Thanks for the compliments!

Paul, Viola delphinantha from Greece and Bulgaria has two closely related species which are kosaninii from Albania and Macedonia and cazorlensis from Andalucia/Spain. It seems the last one is the most beautiful and the easiest one - nevertheless I lost it due to excess rain in winter.

Gerd

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 22, 2009, 06:38:47 AM
Eremurus spectabilis [syn. E. libanoticus] starts to bloom at the moment on Mt. Hermon and in the Golan Heights.

This species has a wide distribution that includes Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 22, 2009, 07:02:22 AM
spectacular eremurus in it's natural environment and what a great photos looking up from the baked earth to the blue sky and closely at the flowers.

I love these pages of what is flowering now in April - congratulations to everyone for such wonderful postings - we're still playing catch-up here in the Alps, the Spring has only just arrived!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 22, 2009, 08:03:56 AM
Gorgeous plants and photos everybody ... LOVE that Ranunculus asiaticus, Ian.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 22, 2009, 08:09:59 AM
Oron Eremurus on slopes is Magnifique !!!  ;D
Encore !!  more !!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 22, 2009, 08:24:30 AM
Viola ezanensis is flowering with a very nice and unusual foliage

(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/11/84/35/03/eos5dm29.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=500&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 22, 2009, 01:48:37 PM
A couple of flowers from the weekend.
The Pulmonaria is a self sown seedling close to a rubra 'Redstart' It is obviously a hybrid perhaps with the blue longifolia nearby. Anyway it is as early as rubra (here) and has much larger flowers.
The "Colchicum" is (Merendera) sobolifera looks like a smaller (bulbocodium) Colchium vernum but smaller ans a forthnight later.
The Crocus is heuffelianus 'Brian Duncan' from Janis.
As you see I am much later than most of you.
Göte
 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 22, 2009, 06:01:15 PM
Super spring flowers Göte, normally I go up a mountain if I want to see into the floral past , but now I can enjoy early spring from Northern Europe while ( in theory ) I  enjoy warmer temperatures!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: maggiepie on April 22, 2009, 08:23:54 PM
They are all beautiful, Gerd.
I think if I had to choose a favourite it would be Viola spathulata.

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 22, 2009, 08:28:03 PM
Great stuff everyone !!

Luit, I can almost smell the Viburnum birkwoodii !  ;D

Oron,
The view of that Eremurus is awesome !  :o

Nice to let us relive the early Spring Göte !!  ;)

Here's some flowering in my garden the last few days :

1) Gentiana angustifolia - acaulis group (it's been years since it last flowered this profusely !  Here's a happy chappy !  ;)
2) Dicentra "King of hearts" - starting it's long flowering period !
3) Lewisia tweedyi - yellow form - close up
4) Viola tricolor - I love to see them wherever they pop up !
5) Gentiana clusii - in a trough - 0 flowers last year - 5 now !
6) Saxifraga pedemontana
7) Anemone nemorosa robinsoniana with Rhododendron "Shamrock"
8) Veronica bombycina

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 22, 2009, 08:42:22 PM
They are all beautiful, Gerd.
I think if I had to choose a favourite it would be Viola spathulata.

Thank you Helen - a good choice! According to my opinion V. spathulata is the best recent violet introduction. It comes from Iran and was distributed by Dieter Zschummel - a famous plant lover from eastern Germany.
Unfortunately seedset from this species is very poor here.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 22, 2009, 09:25:35 PM
Lovely images Luc ...your big gentian is superb.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 22, 2009, 09:33:15 PM
Another great collection. Hard to choose a favourite but Viola eizanensis is super and Ian's beautiful Ran. asicticus - oh, and Ver. bombycina of course. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 22, 2009, 10:02:59 PM
Having internet connection problems today- I thought Ihad posted this several hours ago, but it doesn't seem to have made it. So here it is again.
Flowering today on the Rock Garden:
Lupinus latifolius latifolius
Penstemon attenuatus attenuatus
Arenaria species  (ex SeedExchange)
and more Penstemon nitidus longifolius
all in their first year from seed.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 22, 2009, 10:09:29 PM
They are all beautiful, Gerd.
I think if I had to choose a favourite it would be Viola spathulata.

Thank you Helen - a good choice! According to my opinion V. spathulata is the best recent violet introduction. It comes from Iran and was distributed by Dieter Zschummel - a famous plant lover from eastern Germany.
Unfortunately seedset from this species is very poor here.

Gerd
Gerd, does Dieter Zschummel produce a seed list?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 23, 2009, 07:54:44 AM
More damn pulsatillas ... when WILL they end?   :D

Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pulsatilla halleri
Fritillaria close-up
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 23, 2009, 08:01:34 AM
Simon, sorry for the vague ' distributed '. I mean Dieter Zschummel gave this
plant to some friends - he does not distribute in a vast extent.

I don't know if he had produced a seedlist recently. His main interest is Dionysia and Androsace.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 23, 2009, 08:14:26 AM
More damn pulsatillas ... when WILL they end?   :D

Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pulsatilla halleri
Fritillaria close-up
Such unusual images,Cliff, I love the pulsatillas of course but the detail of the rain drops caught in the hairs gives me goosebumps  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 23, 2009, 09:36:58 AM
Simon, sorry for the vague ' distributed '. I mean Dieter Zschummel gave this
plant to some friends - he does not distribute in a vast extent.

I don't know if he had produced a seedlist recently. His main interest is Dionysia and Androsace.

Gerd
Thanks Gerd. There never seem to be many people collecting seed in Iran.  :(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 23, 2009, 09:45:52 AM
Cliff,

No, these are not pulsatillas. These are examples of "against the light" photography!!! Perhaps, a little infill flash on one or two of them?

Excellent. Were you out while the dew was still on them or have you being using that flower photographer's friend, the spray gun?

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 23, 2009, 10:10:51 AM
Hi Paddy,
Still pulsatillas (in whatever light)!
Thanks for the kind comments and I certainly agree about the fill-in flash but, unfortunately, these were all taken with my little 3.4 megapixel camera and I can't override or introduce the flash at will.  The images were taken, hand-held, on a garden table after watering the entire garden with the hosepipe. If one could glance left then you might catch the newspaper and coffee cup.  Life is sweet!
Regards,
Cliff
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: vivienr on April 23, 2009, 10:39:09 AM
Cliff - there was me thinking you must have been lucky enough to have had some rain over that side of the Pennines!

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 23, 2009, 10:41:55 AM
Cliff, have you tried holding a paper tissue over the flash to get a diffusion?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 23, 2009, 10:50:27 AM
More damn pulsatillas ... when WILL they end?   :D

Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pulsatilla halleri
Fritillaria close-up

Cliff,

I don't mean to be rude, but.... just shut up!!  ;D ;D

Yes, I am exceedingly jealous and that is why I am being irritable.  ::)  Just wish I had all those Pulsatillas thriving here, instead of only on the computer.  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 23, 2009, 10:57:57 AM
Well here is something very ordinary,Paul, but never-the-less it is just beginning to flower on my rocks and I like looking deep in to the cushion as it reminds me of being on the reef at Cairns! ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 23, 2009, 01:42:11 PM
Robin,

It might be ordinary to you...... not to me.  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 23, 2009, 02:16:48 PM
Cliff, great 'artistic' pictures !!
congratulations and thank's for sharing
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 23, 2009, 02:25:26 PM
Well, Cliff, I am very glad you can find time from the newspaper and morning coffee to take these photographs for us.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Carlo on April 23, 2009, 03:08:14 PM
Easy enough to reflect a little light BACK into the face of the flower on those backlit images...can even be done in photoshop now to lighten up those shadows...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Kristl Walek on April 24, 2009, 01:33:36 AM
Not flowering in my garden, but photographed last week in sagebrush country of the Cascades; sent to me by my seed collector friend, Ken, with whom I will be working to add more western USA species to my list next season.

It is the lovely sagebrush violet, Viola trinervata---a very xeric plant with swollen (and bitter) roots not unlike Lewisia rediviva. And like the Lewisia, it also goes summer dormant.


Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 24, 2009, 09:25:17 AM
Wow.  Very striking, Kristl.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 24, 2009, 09:40:48 AM
I agree with Paul, Kristl : a real little gem !
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 24, 2009, 10:02:52 AM
Kristl, That's it!
After looking at this picture I nearly gave my plant to the compost!
My plant has a height of about 15 cm and only a pic of its one and only flower
is worth to show. Why do gardeners always try to cultivate the impossible?

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 24, 2009, 11:13:39 AM
I agree with Paul, Kristl : a real little gem !

Me to...a real treasure - the colouring is beautiful - the soil looks very dry was it near water?

Excuse my ignorance but what does 'xeric' mean, Kristi?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 24, 2009, 11:22:51 AM
xerophythes are plants who like dry :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerophyte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 24, 2009, 01:36:45 PM
Kristl,

looking at your picture of the viola reminds me somehow of a funny Italian movie series "Don Camillo and Peppone".
The violet leaves and its face look like "Don Camillo" with his priest/vicars cap acted by Fernandel...

For those who never heard of Don Camillo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Camillo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Camillo)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 24, 2009, 01:45:35 PM
Armin, I think you are correct,, for the priest's hat, but Don Camillo is a BIG man.... this viola is too tiny!!
I have read all the Giovanni Guareschi "Don Camillo" boooks, in translation..... I don't read Italian.... I love them, so cleverly written. It is years since I read them.... now I want to find them and read again :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 24, 2009, 01:46:08 PM
Armin :

and where are the big theeths from Fernandel ?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 24, 2009, 01:52:35 PM
Hans,
ooh - with a little bit fantasy... ::) ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 24, 2009, 02:01:36 PM
Stunning plant Kristl !!
I'd like to try it in the rockery...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 24, 2009, 05:40:17 PM
7) Anemone nemorosa robinsoniana with Rhododendron "Shamrock"

Thank you Luc, This is a splendid way to plant the Robinsoniana. I will keep it in mind when I replant.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 24, 2009, 10:46:42 PM
I'll be looking forward to your next seed list Kristl. Please put notice of it here on the Forum.

I never saw any of the Don Camillo films but the books have always been among my favourites and I do back to them every two or three years.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 25, 2009, 12:08:58 AM
I remember me Don Camillo with Fernandel !
I use to love it !
very funny !!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: WimB on April 25, 2009, 09:03:56 AM
Now in flower here:

Androsace sarmentosa
Anemone trullifolia
Aquilegia akitensis
Epimedium grandiflorum var. higoense 'Saturn'
Gysophila cerastioides
Pinguicula grandiflora
Prunus
Ranunculus traunfellneri
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 25, 2009, 09:36:48 AM
Lovely shots, Wim ... your images are very 'fragile' and that is not a criticism in any way, it is an admirable quality.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 25, 2009, 09:48:13 AM
I tried to send this yesterday but got the message that I now have forgotten but meant that the "input box" was too full
I try again.
Since I have a REAL winter when everything is dead I am obsessed by early flowers be they tiny or not  ;D
Here comes the tiniest of tiny.
#1: A generous person gave me a few small balls of Erigenia bulbosa = 'Harbinger of Spring' (Or 'Pepper and salt') This is the first year and I assume it will be somewhat larger next year. I is about 5 cm high now.
#2: I often loose them but Thlaspi stylosum is a favourite of mine.
#3: Not quite so small is Chrysosplenium alternifolium. It is supposed to signal that this is a good place to dig a well. It is literally called goldpowder in Swedish and Strindberg once wrote a (metallic) fairy tale about the copper-snake (Slow worm) and the gold powder at the iron spring under the silver linden.
#4: Japanese temple gardens seldom have many flowers but one can sometimes find the odd Heloniopsis orientalis (This is v. breviscapa).
None of these is very spectacular but they are nice and EARLY-
Göte
 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 25, 2009, 11:46:05 AM
Gote,

You may not think they're spectacular, but I'm quite taken by #1 and #4.  Both look rather intriguing.   I grew #3 at one point but didn't really think much of it (and it died, so it obviously didn't think much of me and my conditions either.  ;)).
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 25, 2009, 11:57:06 AM
So many lovely plants  beginning in all our gardens... what a delight.
This is a collection, laid out on a 3ft  by 2ft ( approx 90 cm x 60cm) paving slab, of all the rhododendrons in flowers in my garden today. There are about 66 , I think!

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 25, 2009, 12:14:50 PM
Gote,

You may not think they're spectacular, but I'm quite taken by #1 and #4.  Both look rather intriguing.   I grew #3 at one point but didn't really think much of it (and it died, so it obviously didn't think much of me and my conditions either.  ;)).
Thank you for your sympaty with the tiniest of tiny.
Australia is probably to hot/dry for #3 which as I tried to say is an indicator of high water table.
I am biased in its favour because of the "human interest". There is (slight) flavour of fairy tale to it - even without Strindberg.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 25, 2009, 12:23:05 PM
So many lovely plants  beginning in all our gardens... what a delight.
This is a collection, laid out on a 3ft  by 2ft ( approx 90 cm x 60cm) paving slab, of all the rhododendrons in flowers in my garden today. There are about 66 , I think!

(Attachment Link)
Maggi , what a charming kaleidoscope of Rhododendrons , suitable for a postcard to send to your friends -we here have to wait till august for the first ones to flower -there must be
about 130 different ones in my garden - mostly species .
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 25, 2009, 12:25:23 PM
So many lovely plants  beginning in all our gardens... what a delight.
This is a collection, laid out on a 3ft  by 2ft ( approx 90 cm x 60cm) paving slab, of all the rhododendrons in flowers in my garden today. There are about 66 , I think!

Lovely. Like a painter's palette.  66 rhododendrons  :o  how big is your garden, Maggi ?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 25, 2009, 12:41:37 PM
Looking at the photo on screen I see that the yellows  do not stand out well.... work needed there , I think, to show them all to better effect.

There are around 200  rhodos squeezed into our garden which is around 2/3rds of an acre total.......I have the metric area worked out somewhere! There used to be more than 300 but over the years some have been dug up and sent to the gardens of Friends.  They flower from January right through the year, with the summer and fall flowers coming from those plants generous enough to give "extra" blooms. 8)
My main summer flowers will come in August....at least  I still hope so....eventually, ... from a R. auriculatum..... but I have waited these 24 or so years so far for the first one..... I intend to keep waiting!!

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 25, 2009, 01:03:19 PM
Not a windy day then, Maggi?   Super idea!  I suppose you got your head gardener to sweep them up?   ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 25, 2009, 01:27:42 PM
Maggi,

Wow!!!!!  Stunning!!  So many Rhodos!!!  :o :o :o

Gote,

I bought #3 about 2 hours drive north of here where they grow it quite happily, but they are in a moister area than we are, plus they water way more than me because they are a wholesale nursery.  I wasn't aware of it's high water requirements, so if I try it again I will sit it in a pan of water.  I particularly like your #4, but haven't come across it before, and #1 because it is so tiny (which is very cool).  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 25, 2009, 02:26:04 PM
Not a windy day then, Maggi?   Super idea!  I suppose you got your head gardener to sweep them up?   ;D

 It was a lovely still morning, Cliff, though getting duller and breezy now.
Head Gardener disporting himself in Northern Ireland at the AGS  Ulster Group 70th anniversary show, so any tidying had to be done by me, shock horror!

Here they are now.... all scooped into containers with water.... be good to see how long they look good  ::)

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 25, 2009, 03:42:48 PM
Marvelllous rhodos Maggi, greatly enjoyed as we await the first which looks like it might be keiskei Yaku Fairy x pemakoense.

In bloom today, Shortia galacifolia after a long cool Spring - tough as an old boot and braves everything.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 25, 2009, 04:25:25 PM
Wow Maggi, your Rhododendron blooms are a real picture and I am amazed at how many varieties you grow - your garden must look wonderful after the winter.  Sadly I can only grow rhododendrons in containers as I have never had a garden with acid soil but grew up with ones that were 50 years old or more in Perthshire, so seeing them in such splendour always bring back happy memories..... :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Rodger Whitlock on April 25, 2009, 04:53:59 PM
Sanguinaria canadensis 'Multiplex'

This planting is about 20 years old and has slowly spread into an irregular circle a meter or so in diameter.

Growing in heavyish, damp soil mulched every autumn (if I don't forget) with oak leaves, plus a natural mulch of leaves of a Cercidiphyllum japonicum and an Acer circinnatum that grow overhead.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ian mcenery on April 25, 2009, 05:25:34 PM
Very nice selection Maggi 200 different eh  :o and I only have about 100  :( Perhaps if I dug up the lawn but they say divorce is expensive so hey ho.

By the way I don't think now is a good time to take cuttings  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 25, 2009, 08:55:21 PM
Robin, that is the terrific thing about Rhodos, they come in such a variety of shapes and sizes, with leaves in different colours, new leaves quite differently coloured etc, that therey make for a great structure to the garden all the year.  They are my favourite plants!
I have attempted to remember the names of the ones in the picture... I have listed them in the Rhodo thread : http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3470.0
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 25, 2009, 11:01:37 PM
Really beautiful Maggi, a treat to see so many at once. John's shortia is pretty good too. :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 26, 2009, 07:44:44 AM
Maggy, as I have no success with Rhodo in my garden I'm JEALOUS !!!!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 26, 2009, 09:56:24 AM
Here some pics from my garden today :

Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
Exochordia 'The Bride'
Rogersia 'Rotlaub'

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 26, 2009, 10:02:40 AM
some more :

Phlox 'Candy Stripe'
Phlox 'lost Label' ....maybe it is 'White Deligth'
Potentilla X 'Floragold'
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Graeme Strachan on April 26, 2009, 12:58:43 PM
Raffle Surprise
I am a newish member of the Aberdeen Rock Garden Club. At our monthly meetings where we have had some excellent talks, it is custom to have a fundraising raffle. A few months ago I won a prize and selected a little black pot with the remains of a dead plant in it. (All the other pots had what I thought were dead things in them). When I got home I deciphered the label and discovered I had an Aquilegia Saximontana. AHA - I know what that is - its a sort of columbine which would explain its dormant state. I then googled the name and found out a bit more information. I placed the pot on a sheltered position - my back doorstep and lo and behold a few small leaves started to appear in early Spring. It then suffered from a severe aphid attack but today as you can see  in the photo, I have a delightful little flower. Unfortunately I don't think it will last until the SRGC Rock Garden Plant Show in Aberdeen. (Ruthrieston West Church Halls, Broomhill Road, Aberdeen  AB10 7LU on Saturday 16th May from 11.30am to 4.00pm).

            Graeme
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 26, 2009, 03:27:06 PM
Diapensia lapponica with a bit of its red winter foliage still showing. No Lesley the gravel is not white, granite in full sun showing as white. ;D

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 26, 2009, 04:06:20 PM
pics from today

Anemone species
 Hylomecon japonicum
 Aquilegia akitensis
 Ranunculus spc Tien Shan
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 26, 2009, 04:36:48 PM
Gentiana Time

 Gentian - time.
 G. alba , G. Purple Strain
 G. albaviolacea
 G. albaviolacea 1
 G. albaviolacea 2
 G. angustifolia 9322
 G. Apricot
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 26, 2009, 04:43:44 PM
Some very fine colour forms in the Gentiana Wolfgang- are they seed raised?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 26, 2009, 05:13:36 PM
Gentiana time 2

 G. albaviolacea red
 G. angustifolia hel.
 G. Holzmannii
 G. Iceberg
 G. Purple Strain
 G.Alba Josef
 G.albaviolacea 3
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 26, 2009, 05:23:02 PM
 :o   Wolfgang, how do  you do it?????? I gasped in admiration when I came to your postings of gentiana just now, they are simply amazing with such a range of colour - I have never heard of an apricot gentian before, where does it come from? 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 26, 2009, 05:39:41 PM
Gentiana - time 3
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 26, 2009, 06:45:48 PM
Hans,

I like the rodgersia, great amount of foliage so early in the year. Mine are just coming, some only just poking above ground.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hans J on April 26, 2009, 06:55:09 PM
Paddy ,

it seems that we are really earlier in this year  ;)

Hans
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 26, 2009, 08:40:31 PM
Wolfgang, that is a remarkable gentian!  :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 26, 2009, 09:00:21 PM
Wolfgang,
herzlichen Glückwunsch! Super Enziane!
Well done - superb gentians 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 26, 2009, 09:06:34 PM
pics from today
Wolfgang,
Your Gentians make me speechless.  ;D
The Anemone looks like A. prattii. Check wit flora of china.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 26, 2009, 09:45:02 PM
thank you all for the interest of our Gentians

Regards,      Wolfgang
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 26, 2009, 11:06:22 PM
Wolfgang,

Thanks for the Gentian pics, and also for that first pic of your garden.  So luxurious!!  What a display!!  8)  So very different from our cold and blustery autumn day outside, here.  ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 26, 2009, 11:07:00 PM
New growth on Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 26, 2009, 11:12:10 PM
Bluebell time here in Norfolk.
Also good for Clematis alpina seen here in a friends garden - what a beautiful way to hide a fallen pear tree!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 27, 2009, 03:48:04 AM
Diapensia lapponica with a bit of its red winter foliage still showing. No Lesley the gravel is not white, granite in full sun showing as white. ;D

johnw

Whewwwww!! I'm so pleased to hear that!!! ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 27, 2009, 03:53:38 AM
wonderful gentians Wolfgang, especially the Apricot. A new colour break? :) But for me, Hylomecon japonicum does it best of all, probably because I have not been successful in establishing this lovely poppy relative. A stunning plant Hans.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lori S. on April 27, 2009, 06:27:21 AM
Of all the incredibly lovely plants and scenes shown here (SWOON!), I'm especially taken by the Shortia galacifolia... "tough as old boots" sounds like a great recommendation!  Johnw, is that fresh foliage in your photo, or does your snow cover keep the old foliage that pristine through the winter?  Does it need a lot of moisture or humidity or acid soil?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 27, 2009, 08:36:47 AM
Wolfgang,
Your Gentian collection is outstanding !!!  :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 27, 2009, 09:09:22 AM
Bluebell time here in Norfolk.
Also good for Clematis alpina seen here in a friends garden - what a beautiful way to hide a fallen pear tree!

Now that's what I call a fix!   :P  I love the feeling of walking through a sea of bluebells in the woods - not possible this year, so thanks Tony for posting a bit of eye candy...also the Clematis alpina looks magnificent in your friends garden tumbling over a fallen pear tree - is the colour true?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 27, 2009, 11:25:37 AM
"tough as old boots" sounds like a great recommendation!  Johnw, is that fresh foliage in your photo, or does your snow cover keep the old foliage that pristine through the winter?  Does it need a lot of moisture or humidity or acid soil?

Lori      -  I can't say if the Shortia would be hardy in Alberta but a fellow in Fredericton, New Brunswick grows the all the species and it can get cold there - Zone 4/5.

The long autumn and sun causes the red flush to the leaves, the leaves of some soldanelloides go completely red. The foliage usually stays clean through the winter though snowless, very cold winters might cause a bit of damage.

Yes evenly moist, acid soil and I mix some old rotten pine stump wood into the soil. S. uniflora is out now and the S. soldanelloides are coming fast, the latter has delicious icing sugar pink flowers. All spp. seems to be from summer humid areas but I've seen great clumps in coastal BC.

You will need very fresh seed especially for S. galacifolia.  They are very slow but worth a try.

Shortia (Schizicodon) soldanelloides uniflora (flowers much darker than shown) and 2 paler uniflora attached from today.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 27, 2009, 11:50:31 AM
New growth on Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii.

johnw
Are you sure that's not Ruby Chard, John?  Looks delicious ;D ;) ;)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Mike Ireland on April 27, 2009, 11:57:52 AM
Gentiana acaulis seems to like the dry warm spring this year.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 27, 2009, 12:10:03 PM
What a lovely blue drift 0f gentiana acaulis and a magnificent close up of one trumpet  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 27, 2009, 12:32:55 PM
Mike, that is a fabulous clump.... and a delightful photo of the bloom.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 27, 2009, 01:47:29 PM
Impressive mass of Gentians Mike !  :o
And I was so proud of my plant carrying 25 flowers...  :-\
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: olegKon on April 27, 2009, 02:11:53 PM
We as always lag behind. After the snowy previous weekend this weekend showed +20C. Nothing in the garden seems to take time. Just a few things, lovely after a 6 month winter
1. Pulsatilla slavica
2. Helleborus multifidus
3. Gymnospermum altaicum
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: olegKon on April 27, 2009, 02:15:27 PM
This is what winter does with cyclamens. They are all on the ground. Actually they are not supposed to grow here outside. But here it is.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Mike Ireland on April 27, 2009, 02:47:07 PM
This years seedlings of Erodium trifolium.  As the plants become woody I pull them out and allow freshly set seed to germinate.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 27, 2009, 04:08:30 PM
In the year 2004 this plant (Sanginuaria canadensis) had one (1) flower.
I have not touched it in any way. 2008 it had 36 flowers.
It is a pity that they are gone so quickly.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 27, 2009, 06:01:34 PM
Bluebell time here in Norfolk.
Also good for Clematis alpina seen here in a friends garden - what a beautiful way to hide a fallen pear tree!

Now that's what I call a fix!   :P  I love the feeling of walking through a sea of bluebells in the woods - not possible this year, so thanks Tony for posting a bit of eye candy...also the Clematis alpina looks magnificent in your friends garden tumbling over a fallen pear tree - is the colour true?
The colour of the clematis is true to life, not sure which cultivar it is.  They also had a fabulous blue one but time was short for photos :(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 27, 2009, 06:09:41 PM
Oleg, the P.slavica is a stunner, super rich colour.
Göte, that's a pleasing rate of increase eh?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 27, 2009, 06:33:20 PM
This is what winter does with cyclamens. They are all on the ground. Actually they are not supposed to grow here outside. But here it is.

Hristo - I am surprised Cyclamen coum is hardy in Moscow.  I cannot grow here for very long. I must say I can't recall the Cyclamen ever being heaved out of the ground here (where heaving is a big problem especially with newly planted rhodos and the like).

I assume that is coum. Am I correct? What was its origin?

johnw - +21c on the past weekend
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: olegKon on April 27, 2009, 09:23:25 PM
Hristo, glad you enjoyed it.
John, It is coum. My neighbour brought it from the Russian Caucasus. If you are interested I can ask her about the exact place. All the bulbs have survived for 5 years so far with thin mulch, a layer of fir tree branches and, of course, snow on top. Anyway it is heaved out in spring, sometimes with part of the root system, when nights are frosty followed by thaw at day time. So I have to be very careful about it.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerry Webster on April 27, 2009, 09:31:26 PM
Wallflowers, bearded iris & other garden escapees along the margin of the chalk cliffs to the E of Brighton. These have presumably  self seeded & the band of flowers now extends for well over 2 miles.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 27, 2009, 09:43:35 PM
Hristo, glad you enjoyed it.
John, It is coum. My neighbour brought it from the Russian Caucasus. If you are interested I can ask her about the exact place. All the bulbs have survived for 5 years so far with thin mulch, a layer of fir tree branches and, of course, snow on top. Anyway it is heaved out in spring, sometimes with part of the root system, when nights are frosty followed by thaw at day time. So I have to be very careful about it.

Hristo - Sorry about the wrong name!  Interesting, I wonder if this is Cyclamen coum ssp. caucasicum. I have heard it is hardier and perhaps hardier than C. kuznetzovii. 

johnw   
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 27, 2009, 09:45:12 PM
Really super Gerry. Beats dandelions. ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 27, 2009, 11:53:46 PM
Gerry,

this landscape is gorgeous !!!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 28, 2009, 05:47:39 AM
Gerry, stunning colours and really is nearly the med! I wonder though, do you know if this has had a negative effect on any native species growing in this area, as such chalk landscapes are often refuges for some of the UK's rarer native species?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 28, 2009, 06:50:04 AM
Gerry,

Wow!  Beautiful, but a bit of a concern if it is forcing other things out?

Mike,

Very speccy Erodium.  Good solid marking on the flower.  Not heard of it before.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 28, 2009, 08:33:00 AM
Great view Gerry !!   :o :o
Competing with the Riviera ???  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 28, 2009, 10:41:45 AM
Bluebell time in the western part of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Inspired by the show of Tony G. from April 26th I made my first visit to an occurence of Hyacinthoides non-scripta near Baal, close to Hueckelhoven and Erkelenz.
I was attended by Erich Pasche. Thanks to the advice and good guidance of two friends we visited two places with masses of flowering bluebells.
In German this plant is called 'Hasenglöckchen' - which means little bell of a hare.
Here are some impressions

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Mike Ireland on April 28, 2009, 11:07:24 AM
Clematis fremontii and an unnamed Clematis sp. collected near Lake Baikal.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 28, 2009, 12:53:14 PM
Gerd,

Very cool pics of the bluebells.  Looks like an amazing amount of them!

Mike,

Love those Clematis, particularly the fremontii.  The combination of the purple and cream look like they'd be pretty special!!  :o  The integrifolia.... does it open further than that, or does it stay as in your picture?  Both are VERY nice Clematis.  Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 28, 2009, 01:34:29 PM
A few bits and pieces from the garden this week ...

Ranunculus parnassifolius - a lovely dwarf form
Arisaema close-up
Papaver suaveolens
Gentiana acaulis
Pulsatilla vernalis - a SUPER bloom after flowering - I adore the colours.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 28, 2009, 02:57:06 PM
Cliff - a very attractive dwarf form of Ranunculus parnassifolius, is there a
a name for this variety?

I add Viola capillaris here  - a shrubbhy species from Chile.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 28, 2009, 03:06:17 PM
Cliff - a very attractive dwarf form of Ranunculus parnassifolius, is there a
a name for this variety?

I add Viola capillaris here  - a shrubbhy species from Chile.

Gerd

Thanks Gerd,
Not to my knowledge.  It is still a very juvenile plant ... I will watch it with interest.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 28, 2009, 04:52:12 PM
A few bits and pieces from the garden this week ...

Ranunculus parnassifolius - a lovely dwarf form
Arisaema close-up
Papaver suaveolens
Gentiana acaulis
Pulsatilla vernalis - a SUPER bloom after flowering - I adore the colours.

All your photos looking lovely and especially the youthful bloom of the Ranunculus parnassifolius, whatever its name is...... the Papaver suaveolens is magic too (how come it's out so early?)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 28, 2009, 05:37:58 PM

... the Papaver suaveolens is magic too (how come it's out so early?)

Probably couldn't wait for tea ... !   :D

It hasn't realised it is in Lancashire yet!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Mike Ireland on April 28, 2009, 05:57:04 PM
Paul

The integrifolia type flower has not opened any further, yet.  We'll see how it performs as it gets older.

Mike
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 28, 2009, 10:27:14 PM
Good fortune Rob with your Myosotidium. It likes damp shade here and reasonably frost-free. Cliff, sorry to say such a thing but that particular Puls vernalis, close-up and so hairy, reminds me of a Helicodiceros flower. Daresay it isn't so smelly. ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 29, 2009, 10:28:55 AM
We have had sunny and warm weather for a long time now and it's beginning to get dry. A few pics from my garden today.

Glaucidium palmatum
Glaucidium palmatum dark seedling
Glaucidium palmatum var. leucanthum - starting to unfold it's buds
Anemone x lipsiensis
Hylomecon japonica
Uvularia grandiflora
Trillium grandiflorum
Anemone nemorosa 'Pink Delight'
Anemone nemorosa 'Pink Delight'
Pulsatilla vulgaris


Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 29, 2009, 10:39:50 AM
A real delight, Gunilla, to see such unusual and elegant flowers from your garden. Your Glaucidium palmatums look truly amazing - no wonder you guessed the answer to the puzzle Cliff set!  Hope you get some rain, it's very cold and wet here in the clouds - I'll try wishing some to stay North...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 29, 2009, 10:47:36 AM
Thanks Robin.  Please keep on wishing, we need those clouds now  :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 29, 2009, 12:21:33 PM
Lovely images, Gunilla ... more please when you can spare the time?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2009, 12:31:17 PM
Lovely images, Gunilla ... more please when you can spare the time?

There is nothing to add - so we enjoy some flowers which are over here a second time.

From me only 1 pic - Thalictrum orientale (outside)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 29, 2009, 01:20:55 PM
Gerd,
That is indeed a nice Thalictrum. It looks superficially as a red Isopyron thalictroides.

Gunilla,
Great pictures, A couple of questions: Where did you get the seed for the dark Glaucidium? There was a similar one on the Trillium list some time ago and that was a chamse seedling from Seed from NARGS.  Is the pink nemorosa reliably pink? I mean is it the same year from year? My pinks (single) always go white most of the years.

Everything is happening at the same time here now but My Glaucidius are just starting to show above ground.

Göte
 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 29, 2009, 03:40:26 PM
Pictures taken today........ :)

 Penstemon paysoniorum
 Eriogonum caespitosum
 Delospermum nubiganum
 Asperula suberosa
 Primula 'Garryarde Guinevere'
 Phlox 'Kelly's Eye'
 Oxalis ‘Ione Hecker’
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 29, 2009, 04:02:20 PM
Your asperula looks extremely happy in the corner of that trough, John ... a beautiful plant.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 29, 2009, 04:38:38 PM
John, I long ago heard a little story about the naming of Phlox 'Kelly's Eye', but don't remember
how it really was. I just know that it was something to laugh.
Can you tell me more?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on April 29, 2009, 05:07:09 PM
Thanks Cliff,
There are many plants I can’t succeed with, but for some uncanny reason this has always done well in my garden. I bought it in 1971 from C. G. Hollett, Greenbank Nursery, Sedbergh, Cumbria. The first few years I covered it with glass during the winter months, but for many years now it’s left to look after itself with no cosseting from me. ::)

Luit,
Perhaps you are referring to John Kelly’s description in the Stanton Alpine Nursery (1976) catalogue shown below.  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 29, 2009, 05:58:16 PM
Gunilla,

The anemone nemerosa looks so beautiful but the glaucidium is fabulous - we always envy the plants which have proved difficult to grow in our own garden.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: wolfgang vorig on April 29, 2009, 06:33:43 PM
some pictures

 the last Hepatica nobilis alba
 Petrocallis pyrenaica
 Anemone ranunculoides semiplena
 Anemone hortensis var stellata
 Anemone eranthoides
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 29, 2009, 06:37:40 PM
Wonderful photos Wolfgang...something to dream about!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 29, 2009, 06:42:38 PM
Wolfgang, the last three are simply outstanding, new variations to me and looking great.

Paddy
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 29, 2009, 07:09:03 PM
Luit,
Perhaps you are referring to John Kelly’s description in the Stanton Alpine Nursery (1976) catalogue shown below.  ;D


Thank you John!
In the story I heard then was something about red eyes after
a long drinking night, but my remembering is a bit vague   :-\
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Armin on April 29, 2009, 07:16:18 PM
Bluebell time in the western part of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Inspired by the show of Tony G. from April 26th I made my first visit to an occurence of Hyacinthoides non-scripta near Baal, close to Hueckelhoven and Erkelenz.
I was attended by Erich Pasche. Thanks to the advice and good guidance of two friends we visited two places with masses of flowering bluebells.
In German this plant is called 'Hasenglöckchen' - which means little bell of a hare.
Here are some impressions

Gerd

Gerd,
must be a lovely place and nice trip.
Did you find hybrids with H. hispanica escaped from gardens?

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 29, 2009, 08:36:04 PM
What a difference a year makes! 
Dryas octopetala - a seedling 3 or 4 years old.
2008 pic first
2009 is a wonderful display taking me back to the Eiger Trail last June.
This is why I try and grow alpines :) :) :)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 29, 2009, 09:17:01 PM
 8) Lovely display of Dryas clinging to your path Tony, they obviously think they're on the Eiger Trail - would love to add them to my new beginnings when I become more expert  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2009, 09:36:12 PM
Did you find hybrids with H. hispanica escaped from gardens?
Armin, perhaps there are a few because there are some Hyacinthoides hispanica in blue and white at the edge of the forest near some houses. This might become a problem for the pure H. non-scriptus population in future.
I didn't try to identify hybrids. It was stated that the non-scriptus were occuring naturally there.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 29, 2009, 10:08:14 PM

Gunilla,
Great pictures, A couple of questions: Where did you get the seed for the dark Glaucidium? There was a similar one on the Trillium list some time ago and that was a chamse seedling from Seed from NARGS.  Is the pink nemorosa reliably pink? I mean is it the same year from year? My pinks (single) always go white most of the years.

Gote,
The seed came from a swap with a STA member. Only one plant had this dark colour. 
A. nemorosa 'Pink Delight' is the same pink every year but it is a VERY pale pink. From a distance it looks like a greyish version of 'Vestal'. 
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 29, 2009, 10:11:24 PM
Visiting a wonderful garden today with lots of new plants to me I was shown this Disporum maculatum which was a real little treasure. I also saw some bracteate bluebells, does anyone know where they can be obtained?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on April 29, 2009, 10:28:50 PM
Just a few pics I took in the garden today:

Aquilegia flabellata Mt Horohoro form
Nice double white arabis
Camassias - they don't usually bloom until Chelsea, early this year
Clematis 'Freda'
Coronation cowslips - got these from the seedling swap at HPS one year.  Had to dig up most of them, they were taking over.... but saved this particularly good red one
Dodecatheon pulchellum col. Alaska (or so it said on the label)
Gypsophila cerastioides
Sax. cebbanensis
Soldanella sp.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 10:43:42 PM
A simply gorgeous selection of new things out today. Especially the glaucidiums, the hylomecon, the asperula....... and the delightful uvularia. My grateful and envious thnaks to those who posted and shared with us all.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 30, 2009, 04:30:32 AM
Some pictures from my garden of the last two days.
Karl
Androsace villosa ssp.taurica
Aquilegia scopulorum
Daphne alpina 3+4
Gentiana kochiana "Alba"
Globularia cordifolia
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 30, 2009, 04:39:18 AM
Additional photos from my garden.
Haberlea rhodopensis
Ramondia nathaliae
Wulfeniana carinthiaca 3+4
Rhodos+Azalee
Linum spec.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 30, 2009, 05:43:34 AM
Fantastic pics everyone.  Lighting up a flu-ridden day for me (got a bug unfortunately... no I haven't been near Mexico so no pig jokes please!  ;)).  Sunny outside but feeling too icky to enjoy it.  Thoroughly enjoying the pics here though.  Thanks you for brightening my day!!

Special mention has to go to Gunilla for her wonderful pink double Anemone nemorosa (never seen anything like it!  ;D) and the Glaucidium palmatum.  Fantastic!!  And that last Ramondia posted by Karl is pretty speccy too!! 

OK, back to my aching and snuffling now.  ::)  Thanks everyone. 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Viola on April 30, 2009, 08:02:53 AM
I wish you a speedy recovery with that Paul simmered fun with yours again you could have.
Karl
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: gote on April 30, 2009, 08:46:18 AM
Karl,
That is the most fantastic Ramondia I have seen It beats the one I saw in Catalonia.
Göte
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 30, 2009, 09:36:13 AM
Wonderful display everyone !  Great plants from all around !
Thanks for sharing !!!

Get better soon Paul !!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ashley on April 30, 2009, 09:37:18 AM
In the garden now, though hardly alpines ;)

Abies koreana
Anthemis punctata
Arum hygrophilum
Embothrium coccineum
Euphorbia griffithii
'Fireglow'
E. mellifera
Myosotidium hortensia
Myrrhis odorata
Rheum palmatum
'Atrosanguineum'
Uvularia perfoliata (a magnet for slugs here)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 30, 2009, 09:49:01 AM
Ashley,

Love that Embothrium.  Great colour, isn't it?  Well it looks like that in the pics I've seen.

Thanks for the best wishes everyone.  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 30, 2009, 02:19:21 PM
After some very welcome rain, a trip around my garden.
Amelanchier pumila - a shrub which I keep to about 1.2m high by taking out older stems. Four daphnes, which are scenting the garden beautifully, D. 'Cheriton' with a phlox on the rock garden, D. cneorum 'Eximea' on the edge of a raised bed, D. 'Burkwoodii' and D. 'Velky Kosir' with Alchemilla erythropoda.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 30, 2009, 02:22:29 PM
Great looking Daphne Anne !
The scent in the garden must be heavenly !
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 30, 2009, 02:24:42 PM
On the rock garden, Aubrieta 'Elsa Lancaster', which stays very compact, and Tulpia 'Little Princess'. A couple of troughs containing two very small plants - Valeriana supina (I didn't know it was going to be THAT small) surrounded by 3mm grit, and below it Aquilegia laramiensis.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 30, 2009, 02:30:10 PM
Yes, it's gorgeous, especially on a damp evening.
Just three of our ferns, which are all powering up now - Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Asplenium scolopendrium 'Crispum', and Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'.
Also in the shade, Hosta 'Krossa Regal', Cortusa matthioli 'Alba' and Paris quadrifolia.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on April 30, 2009, 02:33:47 PM
Finally a few oddments - Tulipa 'White Swan', Menyanthes trifoliata, Lathyrus aurea, and Fritillaria meleagris 'Alba' with Primula sieboldii.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 30, 2009, 02:51:39 PM
Super images, Anne ... those ferns are beautiful.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 30, 2009, 05:29:57 PM
Shortia 'Leona' (uniflora x galacifolia), a hybrid by Steve Doonan, a nice pink.

johnw - +18c today after a blistering Tuesday at 27c.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 30, 2009, 05:35:57 PM
Shortia uniflora ex Danish seed.

All from today.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 30, 2009, 05:49:54 PM
Just getting ready to open Rhododendron tsariense.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 30, 2009, 06:02:51 PM
Incredible shortias, John ... very envious!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Brian Ellis on April 30, 2009, 06:40:47 PM
Your Lathyrus aureus is way ahead of mine Anne!
...and those shortias, what can I say John :-X
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 30, 2009, 08:16:42 PM
Fine springflowers here!

Anne, is your trough, which looks a little bit like a castle your own composition?
If there isn't a copyright I'll build a similar one.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 30, 2009, 08:29:18 PM
My garden shows a colourful selection of springflowers. Here are some
pics from today

1. Phlox - Erigeron - Fritillarias
2. another Phlox and Fritillarias
3. Prunus prostratus
4. Papaver from seeds collected last year in Crete
5. Erinacea pungens
6. Anemone trifolia
7. Trillium grandiflorum
8. Viola hybrid from the Eastern US - parents unknowm
9. Wistaria sinensis - this year at its best

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 30, 2009, 08:39:45 PM
Wonderful, Gerd ... just wonderful.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on April 30, 2009, 09:11:09 PM
Collected in 1886 Fargesia nitida, the Umbrella Fountain Bamboo is flowering here, it had been trying to open flowers last autumn even into December. Tuesday's 27c caused an eruption and as we pass by it we get covered in pollen. The chance of 3 lifetimes to grow this one from seed before it dies.

I dread the seed cleaning process. We collected 2 garbage bags of seed when the last Fargesia species bloomed in 1998 and each seed had to be cleaned individually, our fingers were numb for a month.

johnw
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gunilla on April 30, 2009, 09:29:03 PM
What a beautiful collection of spring flowers Gerd!  Your Anemone trifolia look so vigorous. I have never managed to grow them well :'(
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 30, 2009, 10:04:57 PM
Collected in 1886 Fargesia nitida, the Umbrella Bamboo is flowering here,
johnw
Still remembering the date you must have a fabulous memory at your age then John  8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 01, 2009, 02:55:39 AM
Howdy All.  Fantastic pics everyone, thanks.

Anne,

That is some display of Paris quadrifolia!  8)  And those wonderful ferns, and the beautiful dark Daphne!!  :o :o  Wonderful.

And I have to ask how in the world you made that "castle" trough (as Gerd called it).  I'm trying to get my mind about how you actually constructed that all in one piece by the look of it? ???

Thanks again everyone for the wonderful pictures.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Magnar on May 01, 2009, 07:32:45 AM
The last week of April also provided some flowers in the high north. :)

Helleborus thibetanus
Colchicum trigynum
Iris x Frank Elder
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on May 01, 2009, 07:52:04 AM
Magnar, your iris Frank Elder is a real beauty - it obviously loves the North of Norway is it native to the Northerly zone?
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Gerdk on May 01, 2009, 08:41:49 AM
Thanks for the nice compliments!

Gunilla, Even in my garden Anemone trifolia never has the vigour of
Anemone nemorosa. The group shown developed from plants introduced  about 30 years ago.

Gerd
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Magnar on May 01, 2009, 08:50:28 AM
Magnar, your iris Frank Elder is a real beauty - it obviously loves the North of Norway is it native to the Northerly zone?

Ragged Robin : This iris is a hybrid between I. histrioides from Tyrkey and I. winogradowii from the Cauacsus mountains.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lampwick on May 01, 2009, 04:54:42 PM
Todays pictures.  :)

Erysimum 'Orange Flame'
An easy dependable alpine plant with brilliant tangerine-orange flowers all summer.
 
Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Nanum’A lovely dwarf form, ideally suited for a trough, as seen here. The creamy-white flowers on 10 cm. stems are followed by tiny apple-green leaves, with a distinct burgundy edge to them. 8)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Carlo on May 01, 2009, 05:01:19 PM
Well done John. I too am a fan of E. grandiflorum 'Nanum'. It's just starting to flower here,  but I'd take if for the leaves alone. I'm not getting the red edging seen in your photo, presumably because mine are in shadier haunts. I love the small leaves and the plant's near bun-form in the shade. Can't wait to start whacking my five plants into pieces and spreading it around the woodland garden...
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: annew on May 01, 2009, 10:33:51 PM
I have a new plant of it too, Carlo, and I want to do the same ! The trough is one made of hypertufa onto a chicken-wire framework and moulded by hand doing one layer per day over 3 days. Things don't do well on the top layer because it gets too dry, I think. Of course, I could water it more frequently! ::)
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 02, 2009, 12:33:47 AM
Isn't that Ep wonderful.  A favourite of mine, when in flower or when in leaf.  SO diminutive, but so delightful!  ;D
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: johnw on May 02, 2009, 01:51:11 AM
Collected in 1886 Fargesia nitida, the Umbrella Bamboo is flowering here,
johnw
Still remembering the date you must have a fabulous memory at your age then John  8)

Luit  - Not that old, I was but a child when it was collected.

Just catching up on postings as the internet has been down here.  A rather tense 36 hours here as a huge wild fire (the second in two days) threatened the gardens of 6 friends on the southwest side of the city. The humidity was 23% with gusty winds. Can't imagine what Australia just went through.

Mercifully rain came today around noon time but it was a very close call.  Twenty or more houses gone.

johnw

A shot from last night:

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Afloden on May 02, 2009, 01:18:38 PM
Ashley,

 Your Uvularia is U. grandiflora. The tepals don't have the right shape to them. Check the back of the leaves and I'll bet with some magnification they are pubescent.


 Aaron Floden
 Knoxville, TN
 UT Herbarium
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Rodger Whitlock on May 02, 2009, 06:21:29 PM
There's a key to uvularia species at

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=134281

I've noticed that uvularia for sale are often misidentified.

Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ashley on May 03, 2009, 10:44:03 AM
Your Uvularia is U. grandiflora. The tepals don't have the right shape to them. Check the back of the leaves and I'll bet with some magnification they are pubescent.

You're right; well spotted ;) 8)  Label now corrected. 
Many thanks Aaron and Roger
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on May 04, 2009, 09:32:21 AM
That's an excellent site you signposted, Rodger.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Roma on May 04, 2009, 09:43:50 PM
I am a bit late with these pictures but there is so much to catch up with on the forum just now I don't get round to posting.  My Clematis macropetala is very good this year.  It didn't get frosted and was not eaten by roe deer.  The first pic was taken on April 24th and the second four days later.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ranunculus on May 04, 2009, 10:05:57 PM
Beautiful clematis, Roma.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 04, 2009, 11:05:21 PM
Superb!
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: ChrisB on May 05, 2009, 12:51:30 PM
Very pretty, Roma.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 07, 2009, 12:33:52 AM
Very cool Clematis.  I have 'Maidwell Hall', which I love dearly.  Repeat flowers in autumn I find here as well.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Roma on May 07, 2009, 11:31:45 PM
Cliff, Lesley, Chris, Paul, Thank you for your kind comments.
Title: Re: Flowering Now - April 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on May 08, 2009, 09:58:13 AM
So pleased to see your clematis Roma - it's gorgeous the way it displays each flower in tiers.  I have done a search on the site and can find no thread specifically on clematis....I love the alpinas and plan to establish some here scrambling up wild cherries/fir trees in the garden.  Unbelievable they are difficult to find!!!!!!!  In the UK I used a specialist nursery where they had some very unusual varieties which I grew but now would like to find out more for my Swiss mountain climate.  Kristi had some amazing gems for the rock/crevice garden too which I would like to try....I miss them terribly.  :'(
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