March 2015 in the Southern Hemisphere

[Robert]

Don't you need two varieties of apple flowering at the same time to get fruit? I think that's the problem with our peach tree.

Anthony,

I am a farmer and orchardist (with peaches), in one of the peach growing districts of California. I am aware of a few peach varieties that are not self fruiting, such as 'J. H. Hale'. Most are self fruiting. The varieties that are not self fruiting, of coarse, will not self fruit unless there is a different and compatible variety close by. Compatible is an important consideration as another variety may or may not be compatible. The local nursery folks should have this information and know the varieties that do best in your area. Right now, our part of California is not getting enough chilling hours for some of the fruit varieties, including some peach varieties such as 'Rio Oso Gem' to grow properly or set fruit. If you have been having unusually mild winters lately this may be a consideration too. It is easy to tell when a fruit tree is not getting enough chilling hours.

Good luck with your peaches!

[fermi de Sousa]

I phoned Otto last night to wish him a happy birthday. He sounds well but (like me) is suffering a little from creaky joints.

And happy birthday to you for today, Lesley!
cheers
fermi

[Shadylanejewel]

The following image is for Lesley Cox.

Looks like the real deal to me! No flowers but I'm very hopeful it is the true Primula juliae   

Thank you again for your help!

[Otto Fauser]

Thanks David for your good wishes . The joy of growing old -as I do most of my weeding on my knees due to 2 hip replacements I always carry a sturdy bucket with me which is a great help to stand up again . Large boulders in my Rock Garden serve the same purpose .

[meanie]

LOL fermi. 

Biarum davisii, A wonderful little arum, isn't it?

Thouroughly wonderful! On my search list now.

[Maggi Young]

Thouroughly wonderful! On my search list now.

Rannveig Wallis may sell that ....

[Maggi Young]

What a shame it is that Otto and Lesley are not nearer neighbours, or we could  enjoy the thought of them celebrating their birthdays together with some fabulous pastries!
My birthday greetings to both are equally sincere - here's hoping you both keep weeding, in Australia and New Zealand, for many years to come!
Hope you're having a super day, Lesley! 

[Jupiter]

What a shame Otto and I are not near neighbours! I'd be over there picking his brain daily. He'd have to chase me out with a rake.   

[meanie]

Rannveig Wallis may sell that ....

Does anyone have contact details?

I made the mistake of checking Biarum out on the PBS site - oh sweet lordy! Another bundle of "I wants" 

[Matt T]

Kurt Vickery also listed a good range of Biarum sp. last year. You can find his details on this Forum.

[Maggi Young]

Does anyone have contact details?

I made the mistake of checking Biarum out on the PBS site - oh sweet lordy! Another bundle of "I wants" 

 Mrs Rannveig Wallis, Llwyn Ifan, Porthyrhyd, Carmarthen, Wales SA32 8BP
Tel: 01267 275205     rannveigwallisATuwclub.net   - replacingAT with @

Kurt Vickery also listed a good range of Biarum sp. last year. You can find his details on this Forum.

   Kurt's email :  kvickery67ATbtinternet.com   - replacingAT with @

[meanie]

Thank you Maggi 

I must stay away from forums as it's costing a fortune! I am seriously considering spending US$40 on some seeds for Tibouchina grossa..............

https://www.flickr.com/search/?tags=tibouchinagrossa

Lord knows why  but I just want one.

[Hoy]

Meanie, why not buy a ticket to Colombia and pick some seeds yourself!

I did see a lot of other colours in Venezuela but not the red one! (It is endemic to Colombia)

[Tasmanian Taffy]

I also wish that I lived closer then Otto would be chasing two of us with his rake Jamus     

[meanie]

Meanie, why not buy a ticket to Colombia and pick some seeds yourself!

Ever heard of the Columbian Cocaine Routes 
Snakes, spiders and wild cats are one thing but Kalashnikov bearing cocaine lords are an altogether different proposition!!