Hi Robert,
On the east coast of Australia is a line of mountains called "The Great Dividing Range" and the southern "tail-end" of it is Mount Macedon which is about 60km south of us. We are inland of the Dividing Range so weather that affects the east coast doesn't always affect us.
My friend lives in Kyneton which is at 520m above sea level (ASL) compared to Redesdale which is 290m ASL. Kyneton is more affected by Mount Macedon than we are.
I hope that explains a bit of the difference between our gardens - she's also a more experienced, diligent and capable gardener than I am!
cheers
fermi
Hi Fermi,
Thank you for your climatic and geographic information. The climatic conditions in specific areas of Australia are still an enigma to me, however your geographic information is helpful.
During the 1980’s I attempted to grow some Meconopsis from seed up at our Placerville farm. They were just some generic hybrids. I managed to bring one struggling seedling to bloom. It produced one very pale blue flower and then promptly died. Climatic conditions here appear to be very different from your area in Australia. Our farm is located at an elevation of ~ 455 meters. With the climatic changes that have taken place during the last 40-50 years growing Meconopsis at our Placerville farm is completely impossible. In our region I would have to be at an elevation of 2,000 meters before climatic conditions would make the cultivation of Meconopsis possible. This region is ~ 60 km east of our Placerville farm in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Most of our native bulbs including most (but not all) of our Calochortus species are still dormant. I am hoping that the first set of Calochortus hybrids bloom this coming season. They are based partly on a line of Calochortus luteus originally from the Deer Creek Hills where the Sacramento Valley meets the Sierra Nevada foothills. This is still a botanically rich area. Brodiaea coronaria can be found in these habitats with annuals such Escscholzia lobbii. Vernal pools are common and represent a very specific habitat with specific plant species associated with them. It is in these vernal pool habitats where Brodiaea nana is found. This species has similarities to Brodiaea minor, however they are quite distinct and occupy completely different habitats. Brodiaea minor, in our area, is almost always found growing on Serpentine or Gabbro where there is very little competition from other species, especially non-native invasive grasses. Brodiaea minor is frequently seen with Lewisia rediviva var. rediviva as well as Eriogonum nudum var. nudum and the attractive spring annual Platystemon californicus.
I am still working on my new line of Gilia capitata with an extended blooming cycle into the late summer. This line is based on ssp. mediomontana and pedomontana, both of which are commonly found in our region. Progress is slow. It will take time until I am satisfied with the results.
Great to see so many fine plants. Thank you for sharing.
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