Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Bulbs => Ian Young's Bulb Log - Feedback Forum => Topic started by: Ian Y on January 04, 2017, 11:38:10 AM
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Many people stop gardening in the winter but not in the Bulb Log.
Click the link for the first Bulb Log of 2017.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan041483529585BULB_LOG_0117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan041483529585BULB_LOG_0117.pdf)
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Hello Ian.
Thanks again to start a new year for us to bulb log. Thanks to you I have just remembered to cut the foliage of the Helleborus that I forget each year.
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Looking forward to another year of insights from another "maturing gardener"
;D
cheers
fermi
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Thank you Fred and Fermi for your continued encouragement and support.
This week in the Bulb Log the weather continues to be kind with both work and flowers developing.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan111484136449BULB_LOG_0217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan111484136449BULB_LOG_0217.pdf)
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Another fabulous bulb log! Those chance seedlings are all beautiful and they'll make more vigorous plants than the established clones. 'Craigton Chorister' is doing well here, but I missed the flowers whilst I was away :'(
Glad to hear you're on a selection programme for short-stemmed Daffs for dingy northern climes! I came home to a bulb frame absolutely full of flowers but all floppy on long stems. Unfortunately everything came into growth rather early for me this year. Still, lots of colour to brighten the days.
Your Celmisia looks a lot like one I was given last year, C. mackaui (http://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/taxon/Celmisia-mackaui.html) It's a lowland species and even my young plant is producing roots above the soil level. Maybe your plant will fit the description?
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Thank you for the comments Matt, yes there is an advantage to short stems.
You are correct about the Celmisia , C. mackaui does ring a bell - I am sure I did find that out some years ago but just forgot the name - thanks.
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Hi Ian,
the "hoops" are a major part of our early daff displays.
The Rod Barwick (Glenbrook Bulb Farms) introductions 'Kholmes' and 'Smarple' (both from N. bulbocodium subsp. bulbocodium var. conspicuus x N. cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. foliosus) were the first I manged to get a hold of from local sellers before finding out that he put out a catalogue (hard copy, never on-line!) and that was the real start of it!
Now we have interesting seedlings coming up in the garden the way they come up in your sand plunges!
Nowadays the hybrids bred by Lawrence Trevanion and Graham Fleming (Mini-Daffs on the Forum) are superseding Rod's but all are still worth growing - as long as you have the space! ;D
cheers
fermi
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Eranthis pinnatifida makes its appearance but Narcissus are still the flowers of the week - snow falling on the garden enter the snowdrops.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan181484736810BULB_LOG_0317.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan181484736810BULB_LOG_0317.pdf)
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Thanks Ian for another amazing informative log. I may not comment much but I'm always blown away by the time and effort you put in to these photos and articles. It is much appreciated :)
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Thank you Shaun it is nice to be appreciated.
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A Bulb Log with extremes from the heavy work of tree felling to the delicate beauty of Narcissus.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan251485343675BULB_LOG_0417.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jan251485343675BULB_LOG_0417.pdf)
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Ian,
I finally had a chance to read the latest Bulb Log. Our garden too needs the removal of some trees this year and, of coarse, the yearly trimming and pruning of the other trees and shrubs. I am always complaining that there is no sun in our garden, even here in sunny California. Most of our front yard has been taken over by a large oak tree limiting what can be planted and maintained. Thanks for the reminder that it is okay to remove trees - its okay! :o :)
I had to chuckle about the slugs and snails chewing on the bulb tips as they emerge. The other day on the South Fork of Cache Creek I saw that the emerging tips of the wild bulbs were being chewed on by the elk! ;D I have to admit that it is not a laughing matter when the slugs chew on the emerging tips of the bulbs in our garden, especially the younger seedlings. With some attention they seem to survive, however I am glad that I am not dealing with elk in the garden as some folks seem to in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S.A. In the wild it appears that most of the wild bulbs survive the elk and grow on to bloom. In the wild, our blooming season has already started here in California.
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Eranthis byunsanensis is the star of this week's Bulb Log with a strong supporting cast.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb011485950459BULB_LOG_0517.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb011485950459BULB_LOG_0517.pdf)
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This week's Bulb Log is a celebration of the Hoop petticoat Narcissus.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb081486557259BULB_LOG_0617.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb081486557259BULB_LOG_0617.pdf)
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Hi Ian,
hoops are some of my favourite daffs!
Lovely to see them in bloom over there while they are asleep here
cheers
fermi
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Shoots, roots and snow all in this week's Bulb Log.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb151487153179BULB_LOG_0717.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb151487153179BULB_LOG_0717.pdf)
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It is an exciting time of the year isn't it! Lovely to see Galanthus 'Lapwing' too, I think it might have to be my Desert Island snowdrop - not that it would last long there!
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'Lapwing' is really lovely - recently arrived from another good pal, Brian. I'm very pleased to have it.
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This latest Bulb Log features Galanthus and Eranthis flowering in the garden.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb221487763212BULB_LOG_0817.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Feb221487763212BULB_LOG_0817.pdf)
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Garden's looking great Ian. I love your natural style planting and it shows you eye for design and form. Looks a shambles though when I try it!
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Thanks David, shambles can be good ;)
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Ian,
The garden looks very natural. I congratulate. You can be proud.
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Thank you Franz, we are very proud of our garden but always see new ways to improve it.
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Ian,
The garden looks very natural. I congratulate. You can be proud.
Franz, we regard this as a great compliment coming from a man with a garden as lovely as yours. Thank you!
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Which cartoon dog does that snowdrop most resemble?
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(Attachment Link)
Which cartoon dog does that snowdrop most resemble?
I'm inclined to agree with you, Alan! I seem to remember saying the same when it was named!
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I loved cartoons when I was young and I still hold a great affection for the ones I enjoyed then. Although as basic images they are quite similar, 'Droopy', the dog on the left in my previous post, was renowned for looking miserable even when avowedly happy. 'Snoopy' on the right, although capable of showing a wide range of emotions, was generally a happy dog with a smile on his face. To see a snowdrop with such a miserable-looking 'face' named as 'Snoopy' feels like having a dear old friend maligned. So it's one that will never grace my collection. Sorry, Ian, the Christie kind.
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This weeks Bulb Log looks Inside and Outside.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar011488369508BULB_LOG_0917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar011488369508BULB_LOG_0917.pdf)
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Thank you Ian again. It is such a pleasure to see pictures of your garden, I can't express in words how much I enjoy them, and your garden is so inspiration to me.
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Hello Ian
A great Bulb Log as usual and some interesting comments in respect of Trillium seed .
I don't think I've ever observed underground germination of Trillium seed occurring at the same time as the parent plants are flowering and although some years I get a very small number of Western T. sps seeds in a very small number of pots germinate in early summer ,(December), at that time similar parent plants are already starting to form seed in the garden.
The bulk root and subsequent rhizome activity here is mid to late summer and early autumn and so as a matter of interest I like to check ungerminated seed pots more frequently ,(weekly), during this period .
Here's a couple of pics I took today.
T. chloropetalum seed that germinated end of January this year showing rhizome and root development on a couple of seeds .
Single seed of T. ovatum forma maculosum :D that has germinated in the last week ...
You can just about make out the swelling where the rhizome will quickly become more apparent although it will be rather small when the first leaves appear in spring.
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Dave I am in agreement with your observations, in the Bulb Log I was referring to the general gardening use of the term germination to indicate the appearance the first leaves above ground which is happening now.
The initial growth in Trillium seed is fascinating and as you show starts, depending on conditions, any time from mid summer to autumn which relates to the new root and bud growth that is also happening underground in many species which I have also showed in previous Bulb Logs, http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2006/090806/log.html (http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2006/090806/log.html)
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The plants and gardeners endure extremes from glorious sunshine to heavy wind and rain but the Bulb log continues.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar081488968834BULB_LOG_1017.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar081488968834BULB_LOG_1017.pdf)
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Thanks for the clarification Ian.
Cheers Dave.
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The Bulb Log Erythronium season gathers pace but that is not all that is in flower........
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar151489577111BULB_LOG_1117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar151489577111BULB_LOG_1117.pdf)
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In the Bulb Log Fritillaria are flowering under glass while spring continues apace in the garden..
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar211490105703BULB_LOG_1217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar211490105703BULB_LOG_1217.pdf)
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Erythronium hendersonii in this weeks Bulb Log where the garden is bursting into flower after three days of summer weather!
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar291490778339BULB_LOG_1317.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Mar291490778339BULB_LOG_1317.pdf)
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Bulb Log 14 now online with Trillium, Erythronium, an update on some troughs and news of an Erythronium Festival.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr051491387401BULB_LOG_1417.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr051491387401BULB_LOG_1417.pdf)
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Erythronium 'Craigton Cover Girl' opens with more Erythroniums, Trillium, Fritillaria, Narcissus and so much more growing in mixed plantings makes this such a special time of year.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr121491992394BULB_LOG_1517.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr121491992394BULB_LOG_1517.pdf)
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Erythronium 'Craigton Cover Girl' opens with more Erythroniums,
And she certainly lives up to her name!
cheers
fermi
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A lovely lovely plant and a wonderful view! :)
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The Bulb Log Diary has been assigned this INTERNATIONAL STANDARD SERIAL NUMBER (ISSN) :
ISSN 2514-6114
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Cograts. What is it and what does it do ???
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;D ;D Not a lot, but it does mean that copies are "deposited " for posterity with the British Library (http://www.bl.uk/bibliographic/main.html)and that anyone with the number can track it - it's a sort of formality I suppose - in that it formalises the publication - bit like your parents getting married!
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Ah, I see now. There ought to be a copy of the Erythronium Book in the British Library?
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Because it's an online publication it need not be there in the paper , so to speak - they keep copies of everything like that online in some sort of digital library. To be honest I don't understand exactly how it works!
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What's the difference between an ISSN and an ISBN?
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What's the difference between an ISSN and an ISBN?
Broadly :
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) identifies a single, nonrecurring publication (book, DVD etc).
The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) identifies a serial, recurring publication, such as a monthly journal or a publication that may be updated.
ISBN are used for books. ISSN are used for newspapers, magazines and such. The ISSN identifies the serial as a whole, each issue has the same ISSN as all other issues, be they weekly, monthly, quarterly, whatever.
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Thanks Maggi.
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"Erythroniums in cultivation- a great turn out for Ian Young's stunning opening talk of Erythronium festival at Inverewe Gardens (NTS) on the west coast of Scotland"
Part of Scottish Gardens promotions too
Quote and pix from Kevin Frediani, Property manager NTS
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Ian says the gardens are looking terrific - and the weather is cool but lovely and sunny.
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Bulb Log 16 of 2017 is now online
Trilliums are beginning....
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr191492599329BULB_LOG_1617.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr191492599329BULB_LOG_1617.pdf)
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New Bulb log on line featuring Erythroniums at the Festival in Inverewe Garden and at home plus native and wild plants.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr261493199707BULB_LOG_1717.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Apr261493199707BULB_LOG_1717.pdf)
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Erythroniums continue to flower in this week's Bulb Log and are joined by Trillium click the link to view.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May031493805939BULB_LOG_1817.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May031493805939BULB_LOG_1817.pdf)
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Ian, surely you pinched a bit of white Erythronium revolutum pollen from Inverewe to bring back with you for your white revolutum? Maybe some white pollen from the one with the most clumping tendency? I would have found it irresistible to get a bit of pollen.
Jan
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Ian,
You must've been in Erythronium Heaven in Inverewe!
Great to see such prolific flowering there and in Aberdeen,
cheers, see you soon,
fermi
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Ian, surely you pinched a bit of white Erythronium revolutum pollen from Inverewe to bring back with you for your white revolutum? Maybe some white pollen from the one with the most clumping tendency? I would have found it irresistible to get a bit of pollen.
Jan
No Jan I did not bring back any pollen but I am hopeful of receiving some seed from the whites.
Ian,
You must've been in Erythronium Heaven in Inverewe!
Great to see such prolific flowering there and in Aberdeen,
cheers, see you soon,
fermi
It has been a good Erythronium year Fermi, I am looking forward to meeting up with you and many others in a few days time.....
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I like your pictures of Cochlearia danica, Ian. It's lovely to see on dual carriageways at this time of year. I would love to get hold of seed of the deep pink or purple forms. There are a couple of places between Aberdeen and Kintore where it would be possible to park the car and collect a few plants but they are on the central reservation and I cannot bring myself to dash across the road, trowel in hand to acquire some. I noticed when in Sweden a few years ago the salt tolerant roadside 'weed' was another seaside plant Armeria maritima. Much showier than the Cochlearia.
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Roma, I Have also been keen to colect the pink form but I share your caution over venturing into the middle of a busy road however I found a small colony on the coast near Stonehaven and will return when I come back from the Czech Conference to collect some seed.
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Ian is enjoying himself in Pruhonice- but left the Bulb Log with me to load - this week he's thinking about ground cover as well as flowers....
download the new BulbLog here
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May101494410340BULB_LOG_1917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May101494410340BULB_LOG_1917.pdf)
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Bulb Log 19 17 cover
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The Clans begin to gather in Czech Republic last evening!
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Bulb Log Czech International Conference Special focuses on the Gardens we visited.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May171495022732BULB_LOG_2017.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May171495022732BULB_LOG_2017.pdf)
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I really want that tufa wall :(
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This week the Bulb Log has the second part of my report from the Czech International Conference with highlights including plant sales entertainment and a show with a difference....
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May241495616719BULB_LOG_2117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May241495616719BULB_LOG_2117.pdf)
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Back in the garden with seasonal changes in this weeks Bulb Log...............
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May311496225767BULB_LOG_2217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017May311496225767BULB_LOG_2217.pdf)
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This Bulb Log celebrates the ordinary - plants that grow themselves.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun071496828516BULB_LOG_2317.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun071496828516BULB_LOG_2317.pdf)
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Ian, I so agree with you. It's the ordinary, not the extraordinary plants that provide a unifying thread or background in a garden. Most gardens would be the poorer without them.
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The white form of the Erinus has colonised the cracks in paving here alongside numerous self sown chives. they flower at the same time and combine beautifully. A happy accident, though I have to keep an eye on Susan who is rather suspicious of anything so keen to propagate itself, so anything straying from where it was planted is liable to removal. ;)
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I am starting a number of new projects in this weeks Bulb Log...
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun141497436003BULB_LOG_2417.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun141497436003BULB_LOG_2417.pdf)
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Hi Ian (and Maggi)
Amazing to see how your gardens used to look!
Gardens are never static and do evolve over time and as our interests and needs change.
In our garden we are slowly getting tree cover to be able to grow more shade tolerant plants, though erythroniums may still be out of our hands! The number of raised beds and rock gardens has also substantially increased over the last 17 years here,
cheers
fermi
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As I already said, the Bulb Log is one of my favourite readings, there is always something to draw inspiration from.
This time I have to say double thanks - your image picking Erythronium seeds with the tweezers reminded me last evening that I forgot to check on Epimediums. This morning I rushed outside with a coffee filter in hand (my favourite recipient for collecting seeds in the garden) and found some already spilled on the ground :P But few capsules were still hanging ready to drop at the slightest touch :)
Erythronium americanum as well is very sensitive to weather. Periods of cold rains when they were in flower this spring resulted in capsules with only 1-4 good seeds inside.
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Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback Fermi and Gabriela - it is encouraging, reassuring and informative to hear your comments.
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Meconopsis and Dactylorhiza are the flowering plants that feature in this Bulb Log.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun211498034426BULB_LOG_2517.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun211498034426BULB_LOG_2517.pdf)
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With great pleasure I have read the log with all those marvellous dactylorhizas. And later in the evening together with my wife. Ian, thanks for doing us this favour. And now i understand the mecanism behind the phenomenon, dactylorhizas choosing a trogue to grow in it. The first time i have seen this was in the RBGE in trogues in front of the alpine house. I was astonished. I the log you gave the clue. Many years of not-disturbing, the soil is completely washed out. No nutritients are available any more and enough fungi, to provide germination of the almost invisible seeds.
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Thank you Gerrit it gives me great satisfaction that you and your wife enjoy my Bulb Log.
If we observe our plants carefully they will always teach us what are their likes and dislikes we just have to learn to intemperate interpret and understand what we see.
As you correctly state these areas with low nutrition and no disturbance will also be rich in fungi the perfect conditions for the orchids.
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intemperate
ɪnˈtɛmp(ə)rət/
adjective
having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate.
"intemperate outbursts concerning global conspiracies"
synonyms: immoderate, excessive, undue, inordinate, unreasonable, unjustified, unwarranted, uncalled for; More
given to or characterized by excessive indulgence, especially in alcohol.
"an intemperate social occasion"
Not what you meant, Ian?
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:D No. Ralph, not what he meant - that's what you get when you pair a dyslexic with predictive text. Ian meant "interpret"
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Rather nice tribute to Ian and the Bulb Log from Matt Matthus, NARGS President and well-known "blogger" in this interview for DIYnetwork.com -
http://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/creative-genius-matt-mattus-growing-with-plants (http://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/creative-genius-matt-mattus-growing-with-plants)
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In the Bulb Log self-seeding with volunteer plants adds to the wild natural planting style and who wants to pave over our drive?....
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun281498644919BULB_LOG_2617.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jun281498644919BULB_LOG_2617.pdf)
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I like the Dactylorhiza weeds that spreads in your garden ;D
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As well as lilies this Bulb Log also covers collecting and sowing seed of early flowering plants , re-potting bulbs and sand beds.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul111499780036BULB_LOG_2717.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul111499780036BULB_LOG_2717.pdf)
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What an exciting and also busy time of the year it is, flowers, seeds sowing, bulbs replanting.... :)
I was intrigue by the remark that there are no ants in your garden?!
I have to make a correction for Jeffersonia - the one shown is J. dubia - the delightful Asian counterpart of the NA J. diphylla. But, interesting that in our region J. diphylla seeds are also ready, my friend (and forumist) who has a mature plant just told me.
I found that the seeds are not easy to keep in moist storage (comparing with other species); I will try a new method this year.
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Well done for being among those spotting that Ian wrote diphylla when he meant dubia, Gabriela!
There are no ants in our garden - there never have been. We are at a complete loss to know why this might be. There are ants to be seen in the area but we've never seen even one in the garden!
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From Gabriela ..... " Finally Jeffersonia diphylla seeds and capsules for a little photo session :)
(Moist kept seeds are available in the web shop of Gabriela till July 12th" (http://botanicallyinclined.org/))
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Jeffersonia diphylla split capsule still showing seeds attached to the fruit wall
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Jeffersonia diphylla seeds - grid 1 mm
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The beautiful mother-plant in early April - at Aspen Grove Gardens of forumist Robert P.
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Jeffersonia diphylla - at Aspen Grove Gardens of Robert P.
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A two-year old seedling in Gabriela's garden
Gabriela writes : Some seeds come along every year and some don't... Just to let everyone know that Jeffersonia diphylla (twinleaf) fresh seeds are in stock! They need to be sown fresh or kept moist (it doesn't go too well in their case). Read more here :
http://botanicallyinclined.org/growing-jeffersonia-from-seeds/ (http://botanicallyinclined.org/growing-jeffersonia-from-seeds/)
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Thank you for the advertising Maggi :) I feel we are taking over Ian's bulblog but I said I'll post the capsules, so here they are. Plants know best how to disperse their seeds - green, upright
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- seeds ready - bending over with the lid open
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Fear not Gabriela, I love getting posts and feedback especially when it shows the details of capsules, seeds and dispersal like yours.
Contrary to my slip in naming last week I have not had seed set on Jeffersonia diphylla so it is great to see them.
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This week's Bulb log shows how everyone should have an island or two plus updates on the new beds I am working on.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul121499855367BULB_LOG_2817.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul121499855367BULB_LOG_2817.pdf)
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The islands are of great effect Ian, but first one needs to have a pond, or two ;D
On the other hand probably everyone could have a trough or more incorporated in some areas; it is such a great idea!
I could surely use a few, if I could only make myself to start building them first. There is plenty of info about this subject on the forum that's for sure!
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Just a wee note that Gabriela is off to the mountains, so her website will be out of operation till 10th August :)
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Aliens and invaders take over the Bulb Log.......
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul191500458506BULB_LOG_2917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul191500458506BULB_LOG_2917.pdf)
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Bulb Log includes -splitting Erythronium, Trillium seed, new Corydalis plus I review a new book on Lilies.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul261501064079BULB_LOG_3017.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul261501064079BULB_LOG_3017.pdf)
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Aliens and invaders take over the Bulb Log.......
(Attachment Link)
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul191500458506BULB_LOG_2917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Jul191500458506BULB_LOG_2917.pdf)
Oh, I like this bulb log. The story about all invaders and aliens, thus weed and vermin. Humorous comments in stead of complaints. Ian, you have given us a glance in the very secret corners of your garden. A garden, comparable to the most beautiful garden of Scotland (in my opinion) Cluny House Garden.
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Thank you Gerrit I am happy to share our garden each week, Cluny is one of our favourite gardens also.
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A great compliment to our garden, Gerrit - thank you!
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Ian, you wrote an interesting thing (among many others every week), that you can't grow lilies, primulas and gentians any more.
I think I will be having the same problem in time, there are so many trees around my garden, and so far I have made new beds with a good soil, but the older woodland beds are now around 10 years old, and I have only top dressed them with new compost and leaf mold. I have been following your bulb log for a long time, so I should know what plants you can grow in those conditions, but would you say that bulbs in general do well in woodland soil conditions (or are the exceptions)? And which are the best perennials in your opinion in your garden? It would be interesting if you wrote a log post about this. :)
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Leena, thank you for your interesting post and suggestions for future topics, I will work on that for a future Bulb Log.
The main reason we do not grow so many lilies now is that they tend to be short lived and I have not been raising new ones from seed - something I hope to rectify.
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This Bulb Log looks at a garden without flowers!...........
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug021501665440BULB_LOG_3117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug021501665440BULB_LOG_3117.pdf)
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Absolutely terrific Ian thanks a lot. You are right about fern sporelings we find them regularly around the garden and frame area often in the most inaccessible places.
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Click the link for latest Bulb Log with Summer Time Blues and Wild Things.............
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug091502275350BULB_LOG_3217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug091502275350BULB_LOG_3217.pdf)
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This week's Bulb Log celebrates Rhododendrons in the garden.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug161502868870BULB_LOG_3317.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug161502868870BULB_LOG_3317.pdf)
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Wonderful rhododendrons Ian, and how exciting and rewarding when they flower after 20+ years.
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To be honest, Ashley, when the R. auriculatum opened its first flower buds a few years ago we both nearly fainted clean away!There kept being buds that Ian insisted were flower buds - but they never were - so when flowers did actually open we could hardly believe it.
Now that the plant is getting more light again we hope it will be a bit more generous with flowers.
A garden seat was placed in front of it, when it was planted - the idea being that we could sit by the pond, taking tea in August under the fabulous white scented flowers - it was such a long wait the wood of the seat was too far gone to sit on when it began to flower and has now disintegrated completely! :o
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Definitely time for a new seat Maggi - and table or holders for liquid refreshments 8)
R. auriculatum and you deserve no less.
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Nice idea, Ashley!
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Hi Ian,
I am catching up on some past issues of the bulb log (#27 5 July 2017). I was very fascinated to see Triteleia ixioides blooming in your sand plunge greenhouse. I was very curious if you grow any other Themidaceae? or maybe other gardeners in Scotland? Have you tried any in the outside garden? In its native habitat, species such as Triteleia peduncularis grow under very mesic conditions.
I noticed the Alliums too. California species such as A. validum grow at high elevations in very swamping conditions. Is this species grown in Scotland? Good forms can be quite pretty. Allium obtusum and A. campanulatum are very tiny xeric species. It seems like they would grow well in your greenhouse sand plunge.
From time-to-time, I get questions on the performance of California species in climates that are much different from their native habitats. Question I, too often, have no answer for. Perhaps you or other forumist have their experiences with California bulbous species.
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Hi Robert
I have been growing Triteleia ixioides 'Splendens' in a well drained raised bed for over 20 years. I live about 10 miles north west of Ian so, further from the sea my garden is colder. It seems quite hardy.
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Hi Roma,
Thank you so much for the information. It seems that Triteleia ixioides is also tolerant of summer moisture.
Your plants look great! 8)
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Robert
As Roma has already pointed out there are a number of Triteleia grown over here both in the garden and under some protection.
I am also grow an increasing number of the smaller Allium including, some from North America, in the sand plunge which like the Triteleia flower after most of the other bulbs in the sand have died back and so extend my flowering season.
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Autumn flowering starts in this Bulb Log plus a look at some troughs as they age.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug231503481454BULB_LOG_3417.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug231503481454BULB_LOG_3417.pdf)
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Great Bulb Log edition. The trough discussion was of much interest. Trough plantings are an alpine world in miniature and it was comforting to see older troughs and how some plants took over and others petered out. After the heat and drought of last summer here, many troughs are ready to be redone and I have some new ideas after seeing some of the rock work in the older troughs, thanks for showing them.
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Ian,
Thank you for the reply.
I will follow along and see what is up. 8)
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Great Log Ian.
I can live with mosses as well.
Your pictures show very little liverwort ? which would just about take over the garden here if I let it.
Here are pictures today of a small trough showing how thick and unsightly it had become and how it looked after a quick tidy up. I'm sure that Oxalis magellanica which had been smothered in places will quickly start to regrow and cover the bare patches . Despite the liverwort I came across some Trillium rivale seedlings which I carefully removed and eventually replanted .
I also took the opportunity this afternoon to 'redo' a tired looking trough and build up . I plan to leave it for a few days for the mix to settle before planting out and adding a sandy topdressing.
Cheers Dave.
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Good series of pictures Toolie showing the all to familiar problems we face and yes we do have a number of liverworts however allowing the mosses and pearlwort to grow crowds it out.
Two things kill liverwort, lack of water and lack of light, it is easy to cover it with sand which will kill it off for a while but it is not so easy to stop the water, much the same as you have down there Dave.
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I don't know if this works on all liverworts, but touching their "leaves" with a dab of household vinegar kills the ones that infest my pots.
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Rick, a local nursery here does the same. I wondered why the whole place smelled of vinegar and was told that they had sprayed all the liverwort.
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I have tried the two often suggested vinegar and bicarbonate of soda treatment and neither worked for me.
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Old growth, new growth, ripe seed, new flowers that is autumn in this week's Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug301504089379BULB_LOG_3517.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Aug301504089379BULB_LOG_3517.pdf)
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Old growth, new growth, ripe seed, new flowers that is autumn in this week's Bulb Log.
The only time when we can enjoy all these at the same time! Love it :) :) I mean the bulb log and the fall all together 8)
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Blog from Kenton J. Seth about his visit to Aberdeen....
http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/a-walk-on-beach-with-ian-young.html (http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/a-walk-on-beach-with-ian-young.html)
More from Kenton about his Scottish and UK Trip ....
http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/what-have-i-got-to-do-to-get-some-good.html (http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/what-have-i-got-to-do-to-get-some-good.html)
http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/the-future-of-rock-gardening-with-ian.html (http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/the-future-of-rock-gardening-with-ian.html)
http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/ (http://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/)
https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/crevice-gardens-and-smarter-maintenance.html (https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/crevice-gardens-and-smarter-maintenance.html)
https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-post-apocalyptic-crevice-urbanite.html (https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-post-apocalyptic-crevice-urbanite.html)
also :
https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-post-apocalyptic-crevice-urbanite.html (https://kentonjseth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-post-apocalyptic-crevice-urbanite.html)
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Interested to see Veratrum fimbriatum 'up North'. I thought it was a bit tender but guess you are near the sea. I have had it in flower for 2 (3?) years now but in my dry Thames valley climate it loses its leave well before it flowers. Not a nice looking resultant plant but delightful flowers. Do you get any seed? I don't. Wondering where to create a boggy area here. Not very easy in a sunny garden as it apparently prefers light shade. When I eventually get round to installing my pond I will include a damp area alongside but the shade might be difficult.
This has been a difficult Veratrum year for me. Last year I had 10+ V. nigrum flower stems, this year only 2, and no V. album flowers. Acquired a V. californicum recently. See how that goes. Hopefully not so dry next year but I will have to do a lot more "muck spreading" to up the organic content.
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Bulb Log where the Autumn storm arrives along with Autumn Crocus, Autumn Colchicum, seed, bulbs, troughs......
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep061504694064BULB_LOG_3617.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep061504694064BULB_LOG_3617.pdf)
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Interested to see Veratrum fimbriatum 'up North'. I thought it was a bit tender but guess you are near the sea. I have had it in flower for 2 (3?) years now but in my dry Thames valley climate it loses its leave well before it flowers. Not a nice looking resultant plant but delightful flowers. Do you get any seed? I don't. Wondering where to create a boggy area here. Not very easy in a sunny garden as it apparently prefers light shade. When I eventually get round to installing my pond I will include a damp area alongside but the shade might be difficult.
This has been a difficult Veratrum year for me. Last year I had 10+ V. nigrum flower stems, this year only 2, and no V. album flowers. Acquired a V. californicum recently. See how that goes. Hopefully not so dry next year but I will have to do a lot more "muck spreading" to up the organic content.
Brian as I stated in the Bulb Log we have had mild winters since we planted them so their hardiness has not been tested through a more typical winter of frosts. To spread the risk I planted one in the front garden and one in the back both along with shrubs that will prevent the ground becoming too wet.
No seed yet but I am hopeful - check out this week's Bulb Log online form mid-day Wednesday for more........
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Living the moment while planning ahead - Crocus, Colchicum, Cyclamen, Veratrum all in this week's Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep131505298600BULB_LOG_3717.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep131505298600BULB_LOG_3717.pdf)
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Hi Ian,
It should not be surprising that Veratrum fimbriatum thrives in your Scottish garden. This species grows in the summer fog belt along the northern California coast. The summer fog brings very cool summer temperatures and drizzle. This is nothing like interior northern California - extremely hot and dry.
I have never seen Veratrum fimbriatum in the wild, however it is quite typical for the leaves of Veratrum californicum var. californicum to become tattered and insect eaten in the wild. For me, this is one of the many signs of autumn in the high Sierra Nevada. The plants would not look right if the leaves did not become yellow, tattered and eaten by autumn. I am attempting to establish this species in our Sacramento garden. If successful, I hope the leaves do look yellow, tattered and eaten by autumn. If they looked perfect it would not bring the look and feeling I want in our garden. Nobody wants their garden ravaged by pests, however less than "perfect" actually is, or at least can be in my mind, perfect.
Thank you for all your efforts to bring us the Bulb Log. :) 8)
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Robert, thank you for the first hand information of Veratrum fimbriatum growing in the wild, sounds like I should not worry about the leaves being chewed and tattered when it flowers.
Thanks also for your kind words of support.
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Hi Ian,
I took this photograph of Veratrum californicum var. californicum today in the Sierra Nevada.
[attachimg=1]
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Hi Ian,
I took this photograph of Veratrum californicum var. californicum today in the Sierra Nevada.
[attachimg=1]
and growing far away in Aberdeen it looks very similar.
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Ian,
I take it from the photograph that you also grow Veratrum californicum in Aberdeen?
Veratrum californicum does not need to deal with snails in the Sierra Nevada!
I am not sure what eats the foliage in the Sierra Nevada, however when they first emerge and come into growth the foliage is perfect and never eaten.
Thank you for sharing the photograph. 8)
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Photo is of V. fimbriatum, Robert.
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This week's Bulb Log brings more autumn flowering Colchicum, Crocus, Cyclamen along with other seasonal colour.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep201505901969BULB_LOG_3817.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep201505901969BULB_LOG_3817.pdf)
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The autumn colours bring the growing season to a close but in the Bulb Log this is the beginning.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep271506503128BULB_LOG_3917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Sep271506503128BULB_LOG_3917.pdf)
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The hamamelis leaves look wonderful beside the cyclamen!
It looks to me that your eucomis bicolor are growing in at least partial shade. Is this correct, or were the photos just late in the day? I have always put eucomis in full sun - it would be good to know if they will be OK in shade too.
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The Eucomis do get some sun, Carolyn - as much as any plant can in an Aberdeen garden! Poor things have to take their chances here.
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Thanks, Maggi, I will leave mine where they are - maybe we will have a sunny summer next year! We can only hope.
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This week's Bulb Log brings Fruits, Flowers,colour and some planting out in the garden.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct041507112237BULB_LOG_4017.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct041507112237BULB_LOG_4017.pdf)
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Thanks for another interesting Bulblog, Ian.
Freesia laxa is in leaf here and will be in bloom soon not long after yours!
cheers
fermi
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Colour, digging and bulbs flowering in the sand beds all in this Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct111507718934BULB_LOG_4117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct111507718934BULB_LOG_4117.pdf)
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Autumn tasks continue in the Bulb log - lifting leaves,planting out, while more Crocus flowers open.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct181508322541BULB_LOG_4217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct181508322541BULB_LOG_4217.pdf)
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Most impressed by your sand-bed experiment in the Bulb House Ian. Did you have to strengthen your staging at all or did you just add extra sand to that existing in your plunges?
Lovely little Cyclamen mirabile too. I noticed that you leave a larger amount of the tuber above the top dressing than I do with mine. I normally cover mine with grit. Is this something you have evolved to suit your particular conditions and am I making a mistake?
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David, I did not strengthen the staging it is carrying around the same weight as it did when filled with pots - I am also impressed with the way the bulbs are growing so well.
As for the Cyclamen I have some where the tuber is buried others where it breaks the surface so I have no firm rule.
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Art and the garden in this Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct251508925749BULB_LOG_4317.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Oct251508925749BULB_LOG_4317.pdf)
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A fascinating Bulblog, Ian.
I've appreciated your artistic eye in the garden and in your artwork - all part of the creative way of life.
cheers
fermi
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I enjoyed it a lot Ian. Having not a jot of artistic ability in my make-up I can only marvel. I have a friend who is totally deaf and has been from a very early age but has a wonderfully artistic eye both in his garden, his drawing and painting and indeed his needlework.
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Thank you Fermi and David for your kind comments and support.
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I'm like David - completely devoid of any artistic competence - but as the saying goes, 'I know what I like." And I liked this bulb log a lot.
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The last embers of autumn, out of season flowers plus more Crocus in this Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov011509536307BULB_LOG_4417.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov011509536307BULB_LOG_4417.pdf)
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Another interesting log. I have had seed on Eucomis bicolor, a few self sown babies around but this year I set out to collect seed. Not many capsules, not many seeds in each either and they open to release the seed while the capsule is still greenish and fleshy so I missed quite a few chances. Maybe it is not very self fertile? Or is it just at the edge of it's growing tolerance in the UK?
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I'm like David - completely devoid of any artistic competence - but as the saying goes, 'I know what I like." And I liked this bulb log a lot.
Than you David for your kind comments, it is always good to receive feedback.
Another interesting log. I have had seed on Eucomis bicolor, a few self sown babies around but this year I set out to collect seed. Not many capsules, not many seeds in each either and they open to release the seed while the capsule is still greenish and fleshy so I missed quite a few chances. Maybe it is not very self fertile? Or is it just at the edge of it's growing tolerance in the UK?
While Eucomis bicolor has proven hardy, we have grown it outside for 30 plus years, I suspect the lack of seed could be down to the fact that by the time the seeds would be developing our temperatures are falling too low.
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Bulb Log where autumn comes to a close revealing the winter garden.
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov081510140047LOG_4517.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov081510140047LOG_4517.pdf)[attachimg=1]
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Bad weather and dark days kept me out of the garden most of this week so this Bulb Log looks back at the construction, planting and flowering of the bulb house sand beds.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov151510745134BULB_LOG_4617.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov151510745134BULB_LOG_4617.pdf)
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It is a good system you have there ian. Do you use the space under the beds?
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Yes Ian I use it for various purposes see link below
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2013Aug141376478049BULB_LOG_3313.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2013Aug141376478049BULB_LOG_3313.pdf)
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It's really useful to have all this pulled together into one log Ian, thanks so much. You've been doing this a couple of years longer than I so it will be interesting to compare results over time. Like you I have also pondered what effect the old decomposing roots will have. One difference between yours & mine is that you have no topdressing - was this choice for any specific reason?
So far the only down side to planting out like this that makes me slightly uncomfortable is not being able to see the health or otherwise of the bulbs each year like you can when re-potting annually.
But otherwise, like you, I am so far very happy with the results. I will be converting another couple of plunges next summer.
Cheers
Paul
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Hi Ian,
apart from the smaller alliums have you considered some of the "themids" to extend the season?
Triteleia, Brodiaea and Dichelostemma flower into the late spring. I think Triteleia terrestris and T. jolonensis would be worth considering. I've just posted some pics on the Southern Hemisphere thread.
Like Allium you do have to dead-head if you don't want them infiltrating into other bulbs' territories!
cheers
fermi
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Thanks Paul, it was my decision not to surface dress, makes it easier to poke about in summer to see how the bulbs are doing.
Fermi I do have one Triiteleia so far but have to be aware that I have to let the sand dry out in July so that does limit the season a bit.
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Find out why sea shells are important to the Bulb Log..................
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov221511348771BULB_LOG_4717.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov221511348771BULB_LOG_4717.pdf)
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Outside the dying embers of autumn colour - inside the blossoming of the new seasons flowers all in this Bulb Log.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov291511955580BULB_LOG_4817.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Nov291511955580BULB_LOG_4817.pdf)
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Ian,
I thoroughly enjoyed your recent bulb log. I also completely support your concept of growing multiple generations of garden raised seedlings to add diversity, garden adaptability, and interest to our gardens. For whatever it is worth, I would like to add a few comments on this topic.
Depending on what one wants for their garden, one might want to practice good seed saving techniques to properly maintain pure and vigorous seed lines. If one does not mind growing hybrids then growing open pollenated seedlings works well. To maintain purity of many species, especially strongly outbreeding species, some method of controlled pollination may be required. This is especially true for gardeners that have large collections of plants within the same Genus. As an example, most if not all, species within the Genus Lilium are obligate outbreeders. They will not accept their own pollen. Species such as Lilium pardalinum have an extremely dominant floral phenotype. If one grows other West Coast Lilium species in their garden, depending on the situation, many if not all the seed set by the lilies will be hybrids. With Lilium pardalinum in the garden many of the F1 offspring will look like Lilium pardalinum, but will be in fact hybrids. This is fine for a gardener if they do not care, but then all the seed donated to a seed exchange will be hybrid seed.
Another issue with strongly outbreeding species is inbred depression. Many gardeners grow large collections of species with only a single specimen (or at the best only 2 to 3) of each species. With strongly outbreeding species there is a high risk of inbred depression when attempting to grow multiple generations of plants from a single (or only a few plants with mixed genotypes) specimen. I see this in the Genus Lilium, Allium, the Apiaceae Family, and many more.
Even within species tolerant of inbreeding such as Fabaceae, genetic bottlenecks can be created defeating the intent of creating a genetically diverse population within our gardens. In nature some cross-pollination will occur with species that easily inbreed.
Some gardeners may wonder why some species will at first easily regenerate by seed in their gardens, but over time die-out. There can be many reasons for this, but excessive inbreeding needs to be considered too.
To practice pure seed saving techniques other considerations need to be considered, however the above thoughts are a start. By practicing good seed saving techniques we can broaden the diversity of species we maintain in our gardens though multi-generational seed lines.
Ian, thank you for promoting diverse, highly adapted populations of multi-generational garden seedlings. I think the concept is spot on! I hope my comments are taken as nothing more than my personal ideas and observations.
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I agree with all your points Robert, I think we gardeners have a responsibility to maintain the plants that we have in cultivation and the only sure way to do that long term is by continually raising them from seed.
Keeping species pure in a densely planted garden is an added problem but it is possible and sometimes I have covered a flower before it opens so that I can control the pollination.
We were among the last growers to have Meconopsis sherriffii growing in our garden and every year I carefully pollinated the flowers and raised the seedlings, some years we had 50 to a 100 plants which we gave away in groups of 5 to be planted together. The continual inbreeding caused genetic damage and I noticed a decline in the amount of good pollen on the flowers the last year we flowered it none of the pollen was fertile and so we lost this treasure.
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Ian,
I have read about the issues surround the Genus Meconopsis and inbred depression. Not many gardeners have the space, or want to devote the space, to 50 plants or perhaps more to one species. It is a challenging dilemma.
As a gardener, the desire for the "true thing" is very understandable, however generation after generation of my own garden raised seedlings will be much more adapted to my garden than a wild seedling. The desire for the "real thing" is at least partly to blame for the increasing restrictions on "wild" plants, seed, etc being transported and sold. In these days of the "industrialization" of everything, horticultural advancements are most likely to be made by so called "amateurs". As you say, it is up to us to keep many of our treasures going.
Thank you for continually advocating the growing of generation after generation of garden raised seedlings for our gardens and to share with other gardeners. I will try to do my part too.
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This Bulb Log sees the first snow of the winter - I hope it is not the last.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec061512560192BULB_LOG_4917.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec061512560192BULB_LOG_4917.pdf)
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Bulb Log where Winter turned into Autumn for a few days before returning.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec131513163430BULB_LOG_5017.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec131513163430BULB_LOG_5017.pdf)
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Are those big clumps in the tree bird nests?
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They are "witches' broom" growths in a Betula - they are quite dense clumps of tiny twiggy growth - but some small birds can find a way in to shelter and the wood pigeons often nest on top of them. There are more on a betula next door, too - and the largest, flatter-topped clumps serve as a good feeding platform for the sparrow hawks.
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At first I thought they might be mistletoe until I looked closer. Ian should try grafting some as they could be great garden plants. I assume they are native birches which are not so happy here with our occasionally dry summers.
Gentiana acaulis in flower here......... ???
john - +9c & overcast
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Hello John, the witches brooms are a result of a fungus, Taphrina betulina. The fungus causes a gall, which is what we see on the birch.
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Thanks for identifying the Taphrina betulina Ian.
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Bulb Log 51 - Driveway Planting Special - how to get the best out of your drive.
[attachimg=1]
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec201513769419BULB_LOG_5117.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec201513769419BULB_LOG_5117.pdf)
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The Ian Young bulb log of Dec 17 is a verry good excemple for the year round greening of small garden areas with very fine plants.
I was verry surprised, that wild orchids grow there good.
I like this and will realize this in similar places here!
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We are often surprised by the plants which enjoy life in this position, Harald-Alex. For instance , the ground is hard and mostly dry but Fritillaria meleagris if happy there!
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Ian, a useful and colourful way to brighten up a driveway. You mentioned dandelions. In north yorks. dandelions flowering in old meadows give an indication that spring is well under way and summer is not far off.
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Drive looks great. we have concrete blocks with holes (=planting pockets), so i will see what I can get to grow - it's bone dry in summer.
I have a naive/heretical question - do you ever park a car in your drive?
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Keith,
Bulbs sounds a good option for your small summer dry planting spaces
Cars are only occasionally on that drive but read to the end of the Bulb Log and you will see the other drive where our car sits all the time.
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The 780th Bulb Log and the last one of 2017 is time to reflect back on the past year and look forward to the next.
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http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec271514373368BULB_LOG_5217.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2017Dec271514373368BULB_LOG_5217.pdf)
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Ian, maybe a few small shrubs could be retained as cover for wildlife in your clearance? I have not yet got round to removing the old runner bean stalks and have seen blue tits finding insects among the old leaves. A valuable source of food for them at this time of year. I have the only front hedge in our street which is used for shelter by small birds. Everyone else has interwoven fences which do not provide shelter, have to be painted with preservative and do not prevent people from entering their properties. We, as gardeners, can do much for our local wildlife. I see more wildlife in my garden now. I think this is because more of our countryside has been destroyed, not because there is more wildlife. I,m sure you will already garden with wildlife in mind but many people have not taken this into account when planting their gardens. My garden is small but there are a variety of habitats for wildlife and plants. Perhaps other members could tell us about the wildlife that use their gardens?
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Ian, thank you for the ongoing Bulb Log; it has really grown into an invaluable resource.
Thanks too to Maggi and Fred for their perennial work on the Forum, giving us all across the world such a wonderful meeting place.
They are much appreciated.
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Ian, maybe a few small shrubs could be retained as cover for wildlife in your clearance? I have not yet got round to removing the old runner bean stalks and have seen blue tits finding insects among the old leaves. A valuable source of food for them at this time of year. I have the only front hedge in our street which is used for shelter by small birds. Everyone else has interwoven fences which do not provide shelter, have to be painted with preservative and do not prevent people from entering their properties. We, as gardeners, can do much for our local wildlife. I see more wildlife in my garden now. I think this is because more of our countryside has been destroyed, not because there is more wildlife. I,m sure you will already garden with wildlife in mind but many people have not taken this into account when planting their gardens. My garden is small but there are a variety of habitats for wildlife and plants. Perhaps other members could tell us about the wildlife that use their gardens?
Ian there is no shortage of habitat in our garden in fact it is quite the opposite with masses of habitats. I also leave the remains of seasonal growth for as long as is practical before cutting it back. When I say I am cutting back some shrubs to open up the ground there will still be stacks of dense shrubby cover. Like you we have plenty of birds and other wildlife in the garden.
I have a friend who lives nearby who hangs out bird feeders but got very few birds visiting while our garden with no feeders was full of birds. I explained to him that it was the lack of cover ll he had was grass with a pole to hold the feeders so I recommended he plant a tree and a few shrubs within no time he was getting some birds.
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Ian, thank you for the ongoing Bulb Log; it has really grown into an invaluable resource.
Thanks too to Maggi and Fred for their perennial work on the Forum, giving us all across the world such a wonderful meeting place.
They are much appreciated.
Thank you Ashley for your ongoing support we all appreciate your kind comments.
Happy Gardening.
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Keith,
Bulbs sounds a good option for your small summer dry planting spaces
Cars are only occasionally on that drive but read to the end of the Bulb Log and you will see the other drive where our car sits all the time.
Thanks Ian. Something weird happened because I only only had the first 18 pages when I first read the log. Bulbs do seem like a good option.
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Spring time memories
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