Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: Robert on March 02, 2022, 03:41:22 PM

Title: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 02, 2022, 03:41:22 PM
Akke,

The book by Janis Ruksans is called “Buried Treasures”. Timber Press published it in the USA in 2007. It would be nice if I got the name of the book correct. Oh well, James Clerk Maxwell was known to make mistakes in his mathematics, so I guess I am not the only one prone to mistakes. I read the book a number of years ago and enjoyed it immensely.

Below are some photographs of a plant nursery in Occidental, California. The nursery closed over 15 years ago and the founders of the nursery are in the Other Existence.

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A scene of the nursery near the entrance.

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Another view of the nursery.

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The garden was attached to the nursery.

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It was easy to drift into the garden.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 02, 2022, 03:44:30 PM
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There was a pond in the garden.

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The garden had many very interesting plant species and was very well designed.

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Cupressus cashmeriana was one of many trees growing in the garden. I was given cuttings off this tree, which rooted well. Jasmin and I grew one of the cuttings on in our Sacramento garden. Unfortunately, the tree became too large before we could control its height and we had to remove the tree. It is kind of sad for me to lose this tree.

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Marshall and Lester’s house was at the upper end of the garden and overlooked the whole garden. When business was slow, Marshall would invite me to the house for tea and we would talk plants for hours. I was very fortunate to have such a mentor!

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The nursery is closed.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 02, 2022, 08:40:21 PM
Robert

Thanks for the beautiful pictures, the old nursery looks so peaceful and harmonious. I appreciated the Limnanthes alba very much as well, really thoughtful, good luck with the seed-gathering, it would sound better if you could do so without (destructive) fires.  Sorry to hear about your Cupresses cashmeriana, it certainly looks attractive.
‘Buried treasures’ isn’t available in the public library system, I didn’t check the university or the hortus botanicus library yet.

While thousands of Crocuses are flowering, some stood out. Spotted them thanks to Spot, she was investigating with her nose.
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Behind an old grating some Crocuses (chrysanthus cv?) are growing between equally old tiles. As a species/cv probably not very interesting, the place they’re in, is. Ants?

Jasmin

Language leaves enough room for humorous (non) accidental misunderstanding, I can think of plenty examples comparing Dutch/Frisian and Dutch/German. Personally, I think it’s sort of strange that starting a conversation in English is considered normal around here, while starting in German is rude, it seems to me that mostly germans take the trouble to learn Dutch. My father had, including/espacially English/Americans, something to say about foreigners living here and not bothering to learn the language, well he was really good at them, fluent in five and different levels at a few others. He taught me the basics but was proud that my Italian ended up superior to his, rusty by now, still useful sometimes.  At the moment I still try to figure out how to relate to my mother, financial crisis and corona didn’t do my situation any good either. No pressure, your stories help me think;).

Pondering about Suiseki, creating the new mini-moss-garden-to-be, me and neighbour (joint-venture)!had a resemblance in childhood memories about stones looking good. Some, to us, collectionables were used, mostly I tried to create different circumstances. Previous moss-miniature took about four years of utter neglect. The new one was a bit more designed, trying to create different conditions, the result is better then the first set-up.

Ps seeing and listening to our birds, are Naomi an Dariya doing ok?


Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 02, 2022, 10:40:59 PM
Beautiful pictures of the nursery, Robert!
Spot has a good sense of appreciation, Akke!

Here is our backyard just after sunset today. As you can see, it is still winter here and not much happening. I still find it calming.

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Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 02, 2022, 10:42:36 PM
Oops, all of them showed up 90 degrees counterclockwise. Don’t know how to fix it…

 edit:
... Maggi fixed it for you
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 03, 2022, 07:25:09 AM
Nik

Still beautiful pictures.
It happened to me before, the advice to modify (cutting edges in my case) worked.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 03, 2022, 03:42:41 PM
Thank you, Maggi!!!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 03, 2022, 04:07:54 PM
Here is again Hamamelis x intermedia, this time without the snow. It is the only thing in bloom in our yard. Sadly, hungry deer ate most of the flowers and small side branches that they were on, but there are few survivors.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 03, 2022, 08:03:21 PM
Nik

Even better right way up, the ‘balancing’ rock is attractive as before. I’m not sure if I saw the small tree in previous pictures, I hope you’ll share some more pictures soon.
It’s sad that yout only blooming plant was badly damaged, what’s left of Hamamelis x intermedia is beatiful.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 03, 2022, 08:23:59 PM
Akke, the small tree is a dwarf Japanese maple cultivar ‘Rhode Island Red’. It was severely damaged a couple of years ago by a birch tree falling on top of it during a wind storm. As a result, more than 75% of the branches had to be removed. Here is a picture from last spring, and I’ll definitely post new ones this season.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 03, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Lovely, Nik
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Rick R. on March 03, 2022, 09:02:17 PM
All Hamamelis and related are deer and rabbit magnets.

I grew a Cashmir cypress as a houseplant for 7 years.  It was incredibly beautiful.  it seemed to do fine under normal house conditions.  The tree succumbed to a root disease, I think. 
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 03, 2022, 09:07:57 PM
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Spring weather can be erratic and our weather has been very erratic since the end of February to 1 March 2022: Five days ago we experienced record low nighttime temperatures and now we have record-breaking high temperatures. The weather has always created challenges for gardeners; however extremes in the weather are now becoming more frequent in our region. The extreme wintertime dry weather has continued. A new record has been broken for the most days without measurable precipitation in Sacramento, California during the winter season: 53 days. The forecast is for rain in the next couple of days, so the record appears that it will end at 55 days. [Pray we get rain!  Even though the low pressure and storm are touching the northwestern corner of California, this heat hardly seems an indicator of rain potential. Neither of us, nor the weather service models, seem capable of any accurate prediction anymore.]

Pictured above is a new garden bed that I cleared of weeds and can start planting over the next few years. I do not want to plant “just anything”, so I will ponder my choices carefully. With long range gardening plans it is helpful to be optimistic about the future, including the impacts of the weather on one’s garden.

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The first flowers of Eschscholzia caespitosa are opening in our garden. These days, I never plant this annual species as they reseed readily without my help.

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Eschscholzia lobbii is another annual species. This species too has started to reseed in the garden without my help; however I still plant tubs of this species to enjoy each season.

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This tub full of Eschscholzia lobbii and Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. chrysanthemifolia is a product of nature. I never sowed the seed in this pot; they just came up on their own without my intervention. We are enjoying this combination immensely. The lacy Eucrypta foliage is delicate, a sweet textural combination with the Eschscholzia.

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Last autumn I bought a cheap package of California wildflower seed mix to see what might come up. I was pleased to get some Nemophila menziesii var. menziesii in this mix. There appears to be some genetic drift in the commercial seeds: All the wild plants in our region produce much deeper blue-colored flowers and have a much more compact habitat of growth. In the future, I will grow some plants from wild seed and compare the results.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 03, 2022, 09:12:30 PM
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I grow Diplacus pictus in containers. The plants are relatively small and the flowers are small too. In a container the plants can be massed or combined with other small plants. In a container the small flowers can be observed closely and appreciated.

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More Diplacus pictus in bloom.

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Out in the open garden Sisyrinchium bellum is starting to come into bloom. These days I grow only our local native species and continue to weed out the non-native Sisyrinchium species and hybrids.

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I have a container full of Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis coming into full bloom. This perennial variety demands completely dry soil conditions during its summer and early autumn dormancy. I am experimenting with plants in the open garden (with summer irrigation) to see if they might bloom during their first season of growth and can be thus be handled as an annual.

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Different forms of Primula (Dodecatheon) hendersonii produce flowers from early February to Late April. It is one of my favorite species. I am now in a position to continue breeding these beautiful plants. Like Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis, this species demands dry conditions during their summer to early autumn dormancy.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 03, 2022, 09:15:35 PM
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Rhododendron moupinense x johnstoneanum is one of the few Rhododendrons still growing in our garden. This hybrid thrives despite our summer heat and blooms consistently every spring. [As an indication of climate change, we always had to cover the plant in the past to protect the flowers from frost.  Last week’s frost would have demanded flower protection.  This week’s heat allows us full enjoyment of the flowers.]

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The flowers of Rhododendron moupinense x johnstoneanum are quite large. The white, flushed pink flowers are striking set off against the deep green foliage of this hybrid.

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Moraea macronyx consistently blooms and preforms well in our cider-block garden. While dormant during the summer, they are kept dry. As we produce more, we will test this species in other locations in our garden.

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Our Japanese Maples are beginning to leaf out. Many varieties have dramatic foliage when the leaves first emerge in the spring. Acer palmatum ‘Higasayama’ is one of our favorites in this regard.

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Violas are so very common, however a tub full of Violas is very colorful for many months and their fragrance is very pleasant especially near a pathway.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 03, 2022, 09:18:25 PM
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Erythronoim multiscapideum ‘Rubicon’ is one of my best selections of this species to date.

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I will end this posting with a closer view of Erythronium multiscapideum ‘Rubicon’.

Nik,

[Jasmin]:  Thank you so much for the lovely views!  It does not matter that initially the photos were sideways:  Sometimes we do need another perspective. 

I am deeply grateful for your participation:  Everyone with a garden, please join in!  This Forum is for all of us.  Given the stress we all have, the garden and nature are comforts.  Some of us are garden meditating; everyone is welcome.

Akke,

Just as we create gardens, we choose peace: loving thoughts, words, and actions.  It sounds easier than it is.  Sometimes, life feels like a compost pile.  Some is too hot, like chicken manure, and needs time before feeding the garden.

Think of your mother as the crocus coming up through the pavement:  her good qualities you appreciate to focus on, accept and love, without change.

Compassion is cultivated, as a garden:  Think the shape of another’s life and choices.  Blame, to seek outside ourselves for our happiness or unhappiness, is tempting.  A war veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome said, “Hurt people hurt people”.  PTSD is too common and ongoing:  The acute form is from one-time events: a bomb, flood, fire, volcano, etc.  The complex form is from extended, prolonged, and/or multiple situations of trauma:  physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological violence—witnessed in person, on TV, or movies.

Trauma is so common, and most is not acknowledged or grieved:  It is both ambiguous, and disenfranchised.  People get stuck:  Situations beyond our control create chronic challenges.  The younger people are when traumas occur, the greater and deeper the wound can be.  It can be as minor as a plant affected by frost, slugs, or insects temporarily, or as serious as a tree struck by lightening or crushed by snow:  alive, but gashed or misshapen.

Ambiguous loss takes two forms, but people have combinations: 
    physically absent, but psychologically present:  missing persons—soldiers, kidnappings, war, violence, stillbirths, abortions, divorce, adoption, immigration-- loss of animals (run away, stolen, dead).
    Psychologically absent, physically present:  the body is, but the mind is not—dementia, brain trauma, addictions/work, stroke, mental illness (PTSD, etc.).

Everyone suffers and has suffered from all the above--as individuals, communities, and nations.  None of us knows how we would respond if it were our experience, plus we are all unique. 

My family’s attitude toward language and skills was the ability to go anywhere.  Recently, I was asked about my Norwegian, since my mother’s roots are Grimstad.  The adults spoke and wrote letters, but what I learned was not taught, and it was their older dialect.  I had books in German, but nothing in Norwegian.  Yet, I had/have my bunad, 17 May, Norwegian flags and foods, and other things.  I never asked questions.  Norwegian taken for granted? Gender?  Loss of my biological father?  My “fathers” were other family members:  Uncle Eugen and my beloved Papá, both of Vienna, Austria.

As my mother aged, she turned more rigid: I think she regressed to childhood, a space she perceived as safe:  before war and violence; yet, she knew she was my mother, and was upset by contradictions, afraid of losing control.

The birds are fine except when they turn into the most demanding, impatient, bossy creatures.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 03, 2022, 09:22:15 PM
Robert,
Hope,that this helpful for you
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 03, 2022, 10:52:12 PM
Robert, I am so envious about your Sisyrinchium already blooming… Our local species (one of them, but the only one in our yard) doesn’t bloom until early June. I discovered Sisyrinchium angustifolium accidentally few years ago in the yard and have been propagating it since. Very easy to do, a good clump will produce at least 20 new plants. And it self seeds so easily. I planted it mostly in rock cracks, it seems to do great there. It is amazing how much moisture rock crevices hold. Here are some pictures from last summer.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 04, 2022, 06:39:14 PM

I grew a Cashmir cypress as a houseplant for 7 years.  It was incredibly beautiful.  it seemed to do fine under normal house conditions.  The tree succumbed to a root disease, I think. 

Hello Rick,

It is amazing that you could grow Cupressus cashmeriana as a houseplant for 7 years! I would have never attempted such a strategy.


Robert,
Hope,that this helpful for you

Rudi,

Thank you for posting the photographs and information concerning Mr. Ruksans book Buried Treasures. Yes, I am sure it will be very helpful.


Robert, I am so envious about your Sisyrinchium already blooming… Our local species (one of them, but the only one in our yard) doesn’t bloom until early June. I discovered Sisyrinchium angustifolium accidentally few years ago in the yard and have been propagating it since. Very easy to do, a good clump will produce at least 20 new plants. And it self seeds so easily. I planted it mostly in rock cracks, it seems to do great there. It is amazing how much moisture rock crevices hold. Here are some pictures from last summer.



Nik,

I agree Sisyrinchiums can work extremely well in a garden setting. I especially liked your photograph with the Sisyrinchium combined with the blooming Sedum (?). Our three local Sisyrinchium species keep me busy. It seems that there are a number of Sisyrinchium species native to your area.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 04, 2022, 09:50:08 PM
On a sunny but cold March afternoon, the daffodils are waking up, the mosses are doing great and Sternbergia lutea shows signs of sunburn. I think the winter sunburn is a good indication for spectacular show of flowers in the fall. I strongly believe that is the trick with Sternbergia lutea.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 04, 2022, 10:09:02 PM
Nik, Robert

Thanks for the lovely pictures, espacially the combinations of plants are inspiring, Enscholzia lobbii/ Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia and Sisyrinchium angustofolium/ sedum (?) look good together. I’ll be keeping a better eye on the Japanese maple unofficialy (but very well composed) planted in the park, apparantely ignoring colour perspective.

Robert

Your previous picture and explanation of Cercis occidentalis in the container, is another point of inspiration. Tonight I brought Quercus inside my neighbours place and it was really fun, he knows about pruning and adores Quercus. Thanks.

Jasmin

There’s so much reassurance and consolation in your words, I’ll read them again and think of them now. For this moment I’m just thankful that my mother seems to get more understanding.

Nik

Another thanks, yout spring seems to be around. the picture with the moon is really special.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 05, 2022, 01:51:10 PM
Akke and Robert

The Sedum is S. sarmentosum. It always blooms at the same time as the Sisyrinchium.

Robert

We have 5 species of Sisyrinchium in Connecticut: angustifolium, atlanticum, fuscatum, montanum and mucronatum.

Akke

That is the sun, not the moon.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 05, 2022, 07:30:01 PM
Nik,

Do you grow any of the other Sisyrinchiums species that are native to Connecticut or your region?

The mosses in your garden are very beautiful. There are not many mosses in our Sacramento, California garden. It is so dry during the summer. There was a time when they were more common.

Spring must not be very far away now that the Narcissus are beginning to emerge from the earth.

[Jasmin]:  The pictures of the Sysyrinchiums growing through the rocks, the close-ups of the emerging Narcissus and the moss were exquisite.  The moss really transformed into this golden universe.  Absolutely lovely!

I attempted to photograph a favorite rock, and some recently emerging blooms and flower spikes.

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Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons getting ready to bloom.


Akke,

I enjoy container gardening. There is plenty of room for many small plants in our garden. I also like the close inspection and care of small plants that a container provides, plus I like moving containers around when something special is blooming.  We re-situate current blooms to our most-frequented paths.

We only received a trace of rain from the last storm. The record number of days without measurable precipitation continues. The continuing dry weather has a major impact on our native flora, especially vernally moist ecosystems such as vernal pools and seasonally moist seeps. Species such as Limnanthes alba and Limnanthes douglasii ssp. rosea (both native to our area) are dependent on these wetland ecosystems. During the Medieval Warm Period there were major prolonged droughts in California. Modern land development and land use practices did not exist during this time period, so during these warm and dry periods many plant species could migrate to new and more suitable locations. Modern land development and land use practices has so fragmented many ecosystems and plant populations, that species become stranded in habitats that can no longer support them. I think it is easy to see the connection between climate change, land development/land use practices, and the impacts to horticulture. Gathering seeds from threatened populations (for example even a common species such as Limnanthes) has its challenges. For me, a collection of a single individual plant of any species has very limited possibilities. In my horticultural world, a diverse population or land race has unlimited possibilities. I appreciate your comments on Limnanthes. This species would very likely be very amendable to container culture in many different climatic zones. I will continue my in depth study of this Genus and the wetland ecosystems they inhabit. Limnanthes has now moved up on my priority list. Thank you for bringing up this topic!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 05, 2022, 09:01:11 PM
Now flowering in the garden and the Alpine house:
Callianthemum farreri grows well with me in the open garden, but this rooted
cutting from last year already shows the interesting flowers in this unusual color.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leucogenes on March 06, 2022, 12:04:40 PM
Absolutely fantastic pictures...Rudi. Apparently you and your plants are doing well...perfect.

Callianthemum farreri is in my eyes the most spectacular species of this genus. As it is much colder here than with you, there is nowhere near this growth at this time of year. A small disadvantage in spring...but a "blessing" in summer when cultivating alpines.

Callianthemum farreri is so valuable to me that I do not dare to use parts of it for the
for propagation. At present I can see five buds on my specimen in the rock garden. The current temperatures will probably require a little more patience from me. 🤞

Best wishes and health

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Nik on March 06, 2022, 04:41:24 PM
On a dark and rainy morning, here is our side yard, the view from our living room. Jasmin and Robert, thanks for the wonderful comments. Robert, I have not encountered the other Sisyrinchium species in our yard. Sorry for the empty Cymbidium benches, the plants are still indoors in bloom. They will be out as soon as there is no chance of frost.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 06, 2022, 08:23:57 PM
Thomas,
thank you for your friendly comment. A single plant of Callianthemum farreri with
5 flowers is sensational and a sign for an optimal situation, I have never seen such
a plant before. These plants form underground runners which can be detached for
propagation.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 06, 2022, 08:40:25 PM
Forgot to mention a Czech rockgardener who lives in a similar cold region,
he reported, that C. farreri became weedy in his garden and generously
gave away pieces of these plants during a conference. In Gansu and
Sichuan they grow at 3500-400m, so I can be glad, that they grow at all
in my climate.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 06, 2022, 10:26:31 PM
And more pictures to enjoy, thanks.

Nik

Your picture of the sun is incredible, something worth a try. Great view in your side yard, thanks,
Sorry for the empty Cymbidium benches, the plants are still indoors in bloom. They will be out as soon as there is no chance of frost.
‘IJsheiligen’ (last chance of frost) here is around 15th of may, do you have something like that?

Rudi

More spring coming, your plants look great, Callianthemum farreri stole the show.

Robert

It’s an honour to give you some inspiration as you and Jasmin are continually inspiring me, in return your remark about Limnanthes made me think about our eco systems and urbanization, more of a longterm project.
Limnanthes douglasii, called yellow-white swampflower and easily available here, is likely to do fine. I understand your story about limited versus unlimited possibilities as we destroyed so many species in this country, over here I’m not sure if agricultural activities haven’t been equally important. We have something called ‘ nature’ , mostly isolated patches of special circumstances, still climate change never seems to be worrying enough to most people to actually do something.   
I love your rocks and plants surrounding it, first one seems smaller than the second one. Our new moss garden is still not watered while we’re having a period of of dry weather, not unusual or worrying as there’s so much reserve from previous weather, same time temperatures are more normal at the moment but probably higher in a couple of days.

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Crocus angustofolius and biflorus are still there, Scilla bifolia ‘rosea’ and Chionodoxa luciliae flowering, Tulipa violacea and polychroma are waiting for higher temperatures I think, first one has shown promising buds for 10/14 days.
Second container at my neighbours’ is already very springlike, it might be overcrowded.

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The apple tree in the ‘Heemtuin’ (part of the city park) is delightful to see, though I missed the buzzing today.

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Cornus mas (park), the big one, full of flowers. First smaller ones started about a month ago.

Container gardening is really enjoyable, moving them is one great part,  the close inspection and observing might be even better. Things you wouldn’t notice in a garden situation are magnified, it’s an enriching experience.
Studying the ‘given’ oak and deciding which parts to prune has intensified this, neighbour and I have been looking at it thoroughly, before repotting and pruning. We’ve been very busy in a meditave way.

I just wish you’ll finally get some rain.

Rudi

Interesting extra information on C. Farreri


Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leucogenes on March 07, 2022, 05:25:19 AM
Rudi

Thank you for the helpful information regarding the runners in Callianthemum farreri. In fact, in the last two years I have spotted some leaves at about 20 to 30 centimetres. As soon as the ground is no longer frozen and the temperatures remain permanently above 10 Celsius, I will try to carefully dig up a stolon. My only specimen so far is now 6 years old. It is in close proximity to Leontopodium andersonii, a few remaining representatives of the New Zealand alpine flora and other Asian jewels that require similar conditions.

It is indeed a small miracle that it grows so well in your area...because I suspect that in your region you will soon be able to start mining lemons...😏

With Callianthemum farreri I especially like the time when the flowers are not yet fully open. Then you can see the majestic blue colouring particularly well... like in this photo from the past.

Nik

What a great view into your garden. In my eyes a priceless privilege to have natural rock formations in the garden. Just my taste...for there is no better designer than nature.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 07, 2022, 05:45:35 PM
Leucogenes


With Callianthemum farreri I especially like the time when the flowers are not yet fully open. Then you can see the majestic blue colouring particularly well... like in this photo from the past.


Beautiful picture of a lovely plant.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 07, 2022, 09:21:25 PM
Major changes are taking place in the atmospheric pattern of the Northern Hemisphere. I am hoping that this translates into precipitation for our part of California. So far nothing looks promising in the 7-day forecast, however there are plenty of hints that our weather could shift to a wet pattern during the 8 to 14 day forecast period. [This would be welcome for us, and for the parts of Australia that receive flooding rains when we experience drought.]

Currently, our weather is still spring-like, with dramatic shifts in the temperature from day to day. Sunday morning there was patchy frost in our neighborhood. Now, Monday, there is a cold, dry north wind. Currently, the sky is increasingly filled with mid-level milky clouds. The forecast is for the weather to turn warm tomorrow and the next day with above-average temperatures before the next cold, dry windstorm arrives.

This coming week will be extremely busy: I will be making my first survey and assessment of the Caldor Fire burn area. The site I will visit--if possible--is prime habitat for species such as Viola lobata, and V. sheltonii. Also, I am keenly interested in the status of species such as Erythranthe bicolor, E. guttata, and Diplacus kelloggii.

Other sites I wish to visit--outside the Caldor Fire burn area--are the various vernal seeps situated on the Mehrten Formation geologic feature in the Transition Life Zone. As alluded to in my pervious posting, these vernally moist ecosystems have been severely impacted by the chronically dry conditions during the last 20 plus years.

In our Sacramento garden, the parade of spring flowers continues.

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The flowers of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus ‘Skunk Hollow White’ are now open. I have other “white” selections of this species. When the flowers of these other forms open I hope to post a few photographs. The “muddy” white color caused by traces of blue pigmentation in the petals will hopefully be apparent.

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The early forms of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus with their typically colored lavender-blue flowers are beginning to open.

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The first flowers of Allium falcifolium are now opening. This is another common California native species.

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The flowers of Narcissus jonquilla are very fragrant.

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I grew this Narcissus from a set of open-pollinated seed labeled Narcissus hispanicus ssp. perez-chiscanoi. I have a very difficult time finding detailed information on this species to confirm its identity. This is the first time these plants have bloomed, and I am pleased regardless of their true identity.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 07, 2022, 09:23:04 PM
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The flowers on our containerized Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis, are beginning to bloom.

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One of three remaining elepidote Rhododendrons in our garden. This one is a cross of Rhododendron degronianum ssp. yakushimanum ‘Dwarf Form’ x ririei.
This Rhododendron has done surprisingly well in our garden despite our long, hot summer weather, less than ideal water quality and soil pH, and the air pollution every summer from severe wildfires.


Nik,

I enjoyed immensely the photograph of the huge rock near your garden. It appears that your site was glaciated during the last Ice Age?

[Jasmin]:  I thought the wet benches were part of the artistic composition!  There is nothing to apologize for!  As Thomas says, Nature has been a fabulous garden decorator in your area.

[Rudi,

All your plants are lovely!  I also enjoy the gorgeous Alpine House Primulas you posted in the Primula section.
[Rudi, Thomas,

Even though our climate in central, interior California does not allow us to grow the beauties you post and describe, we enjoy learning about them, your climate and growing conditions.  My life with my Viennese relatives was predominantly in Vienna, with some visits to other places in Austria on occasion.  Strangely, I really am not—and never was--an adventurer.  Travel always made me anxious: perhaps it was the travel sickness I suffered as a child, and later, rushing for connections for trains and planes made me nervous.  I never liked travelling alone, or going where I did not know anyone.  It really is amazing I went anywhere at all!  As a child, I may have learned to walk on a plane or train; yet I know I missed a lot, even as I savored much:  It takes living in a place to get to know it.  It is a vicarious pleasure, to enjoy these plants through your efforts.]

[Robert again]:

Akke,

I am always fascinated with your container gardens. I am keenly interested in how they will transform and progress when the bulbs are finished and the summer season arrives. Summer in interior California is in some ways like winter in cold snowy climates: the end of the growing season, and there are no actively growing plants. In the hot, dry interior of California many native species are dormant during the summer-early autumn season. Summer has always been a challenging gardening season for me, with few drought-tolerant, summer- blooming annual species to choose from. There are some, but the situation is still challenging.

[Jasmin]:  My favorite rock is the smaller one that I can move to where I would like to enjoy it next.  The larger rock is sunken into the ground a little.  Robert has done that with a number of the rocks, so they do not shift about when we water.  Although the hose can still catch on them, they do not end up accidentally crushing plants.  While this is a good thing, it is sometimes sad I can no longer easily lift one to change the face that shows, or change its location.

The Cornus mas and apple trees, and the composition of colors in your container are very nice.

Life, Nature, and everyone’s gardens hold so much wonder, beauty, and the miracles of Being.  It all touches me deeply, and I am grateful to everyone for sharing.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 08, 2022, 08:17:05 PM
Akke, Thomas and Robert, thank you for the friendly comments, your reports and all the fine pictures.
It is always interesting for me to read about the conditions for gardening in other regions and countries.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 09, 2022, 10:55:18 PM
Rudi

Thanks and likewise.

Robert

Short summary of a news article on the KNMI, since 1901 (starting of systematic and recorded measurements) growing season, with an allday average of at least 5C, has been starting earlier, 5th now vs 26th of april 1901 , while late frost has occured later this century, increasing possible damage to crops. They also write that they can’t explain the latter (yet) and that at this moment they don’t know if it’s natural or related to climate change. Current weather is more cold-ish at night and mild, sunny days, as more of this is forecasted some watering might even be necessary.
Over here we've had a sneak preview of dry summers, I can only suspect that these were wet compared to yours.
These Tulipa, dutch polychroma and humilis ‘violacea black base’ , opened with the higher temperature.
[attachimg=1]


Your pictures and plants are lovely, thanks for sharing this variety in flowering genus/species early in this season. Same time the summer dormancy you talk about doesn’t sound very attractive, maybe our temperate climate zone deserves a little more apreciation. Your Cercis occidentalis has inspired us, independently my neighbour and I thought of trying a few other trees in a container, and will remain special.
Places to find flowering bulbs are widespread though, like the marketplace.
[attachimg=2]
Bees found it as well, lots of buzzing.

It’s not always necessary to travel far to discover.
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Seedlings in the roots of Carpinus betulus, visible if you walk around it, instead of staying on the path. I like the species and these (another one stands next to it) belong to my favourites in the park.

Jasmin

While travelling can be a good way to learn, discover and study, for many years I’ve wondered if we’re still doing this in our own surroundings.

I wish you rain and good luck on your expeditions, it doesn’t sound promising though.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 12, 2022, 07:31:34 PM
I had a very successful trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Our weather has remained dry, and windy at times, although change appears to be arriving: Much needed rain is again in the forecast for our region. There has been no measurable precipitation at our Sacramento home for over 60 days. On average 40% of our yearly precipitation would have fallen during this time period. Precipitation, if it arrives, will be extremely welcome.

In the mean time, our garden is coming into bloom and active growth.

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The early blooming forms of Triteleia laxa from seed gathered in Colusa County, California are now coming into flower.

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I am growing Eschscholzia lobbii in containers this season. The seed increase this season will allow me to plant large numbers in the open garden next year.

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Well-established clumps of Iris macrosiphon are in bloom. I have a strong preference for our local wild species than the hybrid Pacific Coast Iris.

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The first of the deciduous azaleas are blooming. The early blooming form of our California native Rhododendron occidentale is always the first deciduous azalea to bloom in our garden.

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I discovered these early blooming forms of Rhododendron occidentale in the Feather River canyon back in the 1980’s. They grow on serpentine rock on the steep south facing canyon slope. Summertime temperatures can be extreme, often reaching 110 F (43.3 C) or more. I made several selections from this site. All of them thrive in our Sacramento garden and bloom two months before other forms of Rhododendron occidentale from the Sierra Nevada Mountains bloom.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 12, 2022, 07:35:08 PM
[attachimg=1]

This color range is very typical for Iris macrosiphon in our region. I have other color forms of this species from other parts of northern California that range in color from white to deep violet.

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The first flowers of Lupinus succulentus are beginning to emerge. We have these growing in a large tub amidst our vegetable beds this year.

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I received seed of Viburnum bitchiuense from Korea back in the 1980’s. I managed to save a number of plants of this gem-of-a-species. The flowers are very fragrant. If more than one clone is grown, beautiful bright red fruit form in the autumn. In addition, this species has exceptional autumn leaf colors.

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The Japanese Maples continue in active growth. This is the new growth of Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’.

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I also managed to save at least one plant of Moraea aristata. This plant might be a hybrid; however it is very close to the true species in appearance.

Akke,

I very much enjoyed your last posting. I grow Tulipa humilis in our Sacramento garden; however our plants look very different from the one pictured in your last posting. I bought our Tulipa humilis bulbs locally. Huh… Bulbs sold locally in our area are frequently mislabeled, so I am not sure what we truly have in our garden. I like Tulips; however the selection of bulbs in our area is extremely limited. My solution is to breed my own based on the limited number available in our area. Some are sterile or have chromosome non-homogenies. This limits the possibilities further. Despite the challenges and limitations, I am enjoying this project.

[Jasmin]:  Now that Robert is home from his outing, pictures of the garden could be taken.  So much has been coming into bloom or leaf with the heat.  The wind of the last two days has been hard, desiccating for the plants and hard for the respiratory system of the birds and myself:  One of our canaries lost its voice for the interim.  The birds were also restless, not sleeping well at night with the gale, which means I did not sleep well either.  Dariya has been so restless, she is off the nest, but seems confused about what to do.  I imagine the wild birds and wildlife are similarly unsettled during these weather events.  I am grateful everyone is sharing their garden and local climate, both the beauty and the challenges.
     Yes, Akke, we are indeed traveling in other ways now.  I am so thankful you understood my heart.  Our continued dialogs have me continue on an inner journey to very deep levels, for which I am very grateful.
     I loved the image from the marketplace, and the inclusion of the sound of the bees.  When Robert and I had the farm and nursery, we also sold at our local open-air market.  Although we have no desire to return to this work, having cleaned up and closed those endeavors; yet, there are fond memories from those decades.  In fact, it was the marketplace that brought us together:  I was working for one farm which allowed me to have a little side production of my own, and Robert for himself. There may not have been bees, but our love was nurtured in the place.  I also remember how fond I was of open-air markets in other places and countries I visited or lived in.  Very good, wonderful and joyous experiences of full living:  It is rewarding to re-examine my life, and gain deeper appreciation for life, and other perspectives on the many experiences.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 14, 2022, 04:48:24 PM
Today, 14 March, it has been 66 days without measurable precipitation in Sacramento, California. The good news is that today is likely to be the last day added to this rainy season record – for the number of days without measurable precipitation during the rainy season. Rain is forecasted for our area tonight!

The weather has been warm and our garden is in active growth. Today I will share a few photographs of some of the Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum, in our Sacramento, California garden. They all received pruning this winter. The containerized maples were also repotted with fresh soil and received root pruning. They are all looking great this spring.

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Acer palmatum ‘Shigitatsu sawa’ – bright yellow new foliage.

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Acer palmatum ‘Kasagiyama’ – brick red new foliage.

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Acer palmatum ‘Mirte’.

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Acer palmatum ‘Filigree Lace’.

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Acer palmatum ‘Ornatum’

I have many more photographs to share of blooming plants from our Sacramento, California garden, however today Jasmin and I will be going to Placerville, California.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 14, 2022, 08:11:02 PM
Robert,
thank you for your posts, you must have a nice collection of Japanese Maples.
I also love these phantastic plants, but the leaves often get burned in summer
by the agressive sun and shady places are rare in our garden.
Love the Viburnum bitchiunense and see it for the first time. Is it hardy and how
high will it grow?
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 14, 2022, 09:21:08 PM
Robert

I hope you finally get rain.
Thanks for the pictures, so many jewels.
Starting with the more familiair ones, I wouldn’t mind Iris macrosyphon being native here, Triteleia laxa sold here, is much more intense in colour (and flowering later), yours are more beautiful.
Tulipa Humilis vbb is a dutch garden clone, I like the colours and in my small tulip collection it’s the first to show up. Tulipa humilis garden clone is much paler, attractive as well and not flowering yet.
[attachimg=1]
Picture taken 17th of February

Not very familiair with Moraea, but Paul shared lots of beautiful pictures in the Iris section, M. Aristata is one of the best, for now or forever shared in a vicarious way.
The Rhododendron you show are lovely, species or hybrids planted in the park seem easy to maintain and disguising the rubbish (still smelled by Spot), I like yours. Lupinus, Viburnum and Escholzia are all very attractive, ‘local’ Acer palmatum seeds have been gathered and resown, late but worth a a try.
[attachimg=2]
I didn’t bother with the elder (Sambucus nigra) as this one probably would have been killed by weeding, and got this specimen for my neighbour as he dotes on them.

Otherwise flowers keep on popping up in less usual places.
[attachimg=3]
Anemone nemerosa in a ruderal area.
Walking in the park this morning, I found some Scilla Siberica (hiding between big dutch crocus) at least half a mile from Siberica hotspot, halfway there’s just a few, maybe there’s more of them somewhere in between.

Your additional pictures of Acer palmatum are great, they’re all completely different.

Jasmin

I feel sorry for your birds , suffering from the weather, I hope things will get better soon.
There’s definately a shift, but an enjoyable one, in our birds too as spring has started. The common ducks are trying to find a place to breed, so there’s protection on the containers. Alopochen aegyptiaca stopped shouting, they could be breeding already, unfortunately they’re really invasive here, not only being agressive but actually drowning young birds if possible. They made the official local top 5 of invasive species, the other ones are plants.

Our conversations are really meaningful to me as well, maybe the way of travelling might have changed; questions, results and further explorations, seem much more interesting. Container gardening adds to the joy, as there’re so many details to be seen, it’s very likely that things were overlooked before.
 
Have a nice time at Placerville;)
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 16, 2022, 02:58:37 AM
Jasmin and I awoke early Tuesday morning to the sound of a soft rain falling. The rain continued into the morning hours. The precipitation exceeded the forecasted totals. It was a joy to have rain. More rain is in the forecast.  May it be so.

Rudi and Akke –

Thank you for the kind comments. Our Sacramento garden is such a pleasure now that I am free to be fully active in the garden. Jasmin and I enjoy strolling through our garden, being amazed at the transformation that is taking place.

Rudi

Thank you for your contributions to the forum. I never would have known about or considered Ranunculus calandrinioides as a species for our garden without your input to the forum. This is only “the tip of the iceberg.”

Viburnum bitchiuense to my knowledge is native to Korea, and is likely very cold hardy. The plants I grew in the ground become 1.3 meters tall. The soil was poor and dry, so with better growing conditions they likely would have grown much taller. The plants at the Placerville property are dead now due to extreme drought and the inability to keep them irrigated.

[Jasmin]:  We are curious that you have trouble with the Japanese Maples since your climate is comparatively cooler than here—I certainly never remember any 40° C in Vienna, Austria, and I cannot imagine Germany being hotter!  Is it the ability to water the trees during hot, dry weather?  We have heard there has been unusual drought and heat everywhere, a phenomenon that is no longer unique to our area of California or central Australia, although perhaps not as extreme.

Akke,

You bring up many excellent plant-related topics worthy of discussion in more detail on the forum. I know very little about the Genus Moraea. Many do well for us. A few are weedy. The details for each species are now being explored. Many seem to have the potential for expanded application in our garden. For us, time and experimentation will reveal some of these potentials.

More blooming plants in our garden:

[attachimg=1]

The Kanaka Valley forms of Erythronium multiscapideum are now in bloom. These consistently bloom much later than our other forms of this species.

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This is a nice close up of the Kanaka Valley form of Erythronium multiscapideum.

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Erythronium oregonum is also in bloom.

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This is a close up of a flower of Erythronium oregonum.

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We have a number of different forms of Dipterostemon capitatus ssp. capitatus from various regions of California. This species seems under utilized as a garden plant in our part of California. In addition, the species likely has a great deal of unexplored potential.

[Jasmin]:  Our journey to Placerville will become a topic soon.  At the location I saw all the repair work Robert and his brother have been doing.  We also gathered some rocks for inclusion in the garden here.  We brought all the birds for the ride.  They adore car rides.  If it were up to them, we would live forever flying from one forage place to another.  Little do they understand what it entails, all the planning, cleaning, and so forth!  They are all spoiled tyrants!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 16, 2022, 09:06:23 PM
Jasmin

Do you take the birds and their nests? Sounds like quite an enterprise! Spot loves cars so much, she tries to jump in if possible, sometimes this is a bit awkward as it surely doesn’t belong to me, I don’t own one. She seems comfortable on the back of the bike, while she sabotages running next to it, talking about a spoiled brat.

Good to hear you finally got rain, we had some the other day and people were pleased, I can’t imagine your situation.

Todays sunset was unfortunately cloudy, it could have been very colourful as there’s desert dust in the air.

Robert

Thanks, but inspiration concerning Moraea should be on Paulflowers account, he kindly shared so many beautiful pictures, I just enjoyed and had a look at the pacific bulb society site. And then decided I could have another look much later, some people inspired me to fully enjoy, that means not being in a hurry for me. 😃

Your Erythronium look lovely, It looks like my first try at the genus isn’t going to work, it took a very long time before it arrived as our mail ‘service’ messed up.
Dipterostemon capitatus ssp capitatus and your attitude towards these kind of plants, is inspiring to me, maybe common but worthy. Neighbour and I share this thought, although in our case flowers do seem to be much smaller.
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Veronica (?), very small and very difficult to get the details on picture. Noticeable because there’ll be lots of flowers soon.

Gagea Lutea in general is not overlooked, just by local authorities.
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Indigineous or introduced, I hope they get a chance this season, the yellow could be much more intense. More Crocuses in the background and some Chionodoxa.

Primula vulgaris flowering now in the old hortus garden is not being treated kindly, some shrub has recently been planted next/through it (small leaves left/under corner).
[attachimg=3]
In fact, colour is just a bit more yellow, guess there was too much sunlight already.

The containers are filling up, the temperatures are more normal so the speed seemed to have slowed. Carpets of Corydalis cava are starting to form in the park, I’m waiting, hoping to make some good pictures.

Container  gardening, using lots of bulbs, might have inspired another neighbour, it’s nice to know more people are enjoying my plants and sharing them this way.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 17, 2022, 04:49:06 PM
[attachimg=1]
A panoramic view, app. 180 degrees, of Corydalis cava in the park.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 17, 2022, 09:26:18 PM
Akke,

In our garden, the cultivation of Moraea is a slow evolutionary process. It is clear that many species adapt well to our Sacramento, California climate. I have successfully grown Moraea polystachya for a number of years. My original plants grew very spindly and flopped all over the place when in bloom. I tried growing them among other plants to help support their lanky growth. I also grew more from seed from my established population of plants. This year one of my seedlings bloomed for the first time. This plant has the usual blooming pattern, but is a very stout strong-stemmed plant. It needs no support when in bloom. For me, this is a major step forward with this species; however it took 5 years to make this leap in progress.

[attachimg=1]

Moraea elegans also does well in our garden. Unlike Moraea polystachya, Moraea elegans is not tolerant of summer moisture when dormant. This bicolored form is my only remaining plant of this species. At one time I had forms that were all yellow. Progress with this species is at a halt until I receive more seed.

[attachimg=2]

As I grow more seedlings of other Moraea species I will experiment with their tolerance to summer moisture when dormant in the open garden.

Moraea bipartita (pictured) blooms well for us and seems very easy-to-grow.
[Jasmin]:  I do not mind adding a few more cinder blocks for dry bulbs.  Location is key!

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Here Moraea bipartita is growing with Eschscholzia caespitosa. I too have been following the postings of Moraea species by Paul (Flowers). He seems to have quite a collection and is providing an opportunity to learn more about this Genus. Thank you Paul!

I was also intrigued by the conversation between Paul Cumbleton and Maggi Young concerning the planting of Eschscholzia californica cultivars with Moraea species. As you can see from the photograph above, nature has been doing this combination in our garden without any help on my part. The only difference is nature planted Eschscholzia caespitosa rather than E. californica.

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This photograph of our cider block garden was taken yesterday. I never plant the Eschscholzia caespitosa in this part of the garden. They are all volunteers that seed themselves every year. Our native Allium species, Dichelostemma species, and Calochortus species grow happily with the Eschscholzia.

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I took this photograph of our Eschscholzia lobbii yesterday. They are blooming profusely! The conversation between Paul and Maggi concerning Eschscholzia got me thinking about how to use Eschscholzia lobbii in our garden. I will have a large amount of seed to work with and a highly effective method of deploying them in our garden. Even better is the fact that I have an equal number of Eschschozia lobbii ‘Sundew’ that I planted at a latter date. They will come into bloom after the bulk of the regular lobbii have finished blooming. Maintaining seed purity will be easy and I will have an equally large amount of seed to work with next year with this variety.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 17, 2022, 09:31:10 PM
[attachimg=1]

Rhododendron hyperythrum is blooming in our garden. This elepidote species grows extremely well in our garden. [Jasmin]:  It is amazing what this plant has endured over the years.  It is one of our truly tough survivors.  Until recently we had a “drought-tolerant” fuschia.  We still have a couple that survived, surprisingly.

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Rhododendron degronianum ssp. yakushimanum x ririei is one of three elepidote Rhododendrons that have survived and do well in our garden.

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Deciduous Azaleas thrive in our garden. I have always liked deciduous Azaleas and thus we have many in our Sacramento garden. Pictured is Rhododendron austrinum ‘Moonbeam’. The flowers of this variety have a very nice fragrance.  [Jasmin]:  The deciduous azaleas have indeed been the most resilient to all the vagaries of life and Nature thrown our way.  Our hummingbirds and insects enjoy the flowers too.

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This is a simple F1 hybrid between Rhododendron flammeum x austrinum.

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We grow several clones of Rhododendron flammeum.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 17, 2022, 09:37:47 PM
[attachimg=1]

Akke –

I like Tulips. This is about as good as it gets around here.  [Jasmin]:  I differ:  We have some T. clusiana in the garden, and I am very fond of those. [Robert]: I too like Tulipa clusiana, however T. clusiana is not very genetically compatible with standard Tulipa species and hybrids, thus I tend to breed the two types separately. There might be creative ways to bridge this gap, however I have not experimented with any methods to date. This might be fun and interesting to do in the future.

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The tulips pictured are hybrids bought at a local nursery. My breeding efforts with tulips are toward some sort of reverse evolution toward something more species- like. I have very limited genetic possibilities to work with, but I try anyway.

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Narcissus rupicola is in full bloom. I marked the single Narcissus triandrus with a chopstick so I can remove it later.

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Nemophila maculata is blooming in our open garden.

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Nemophila menziesii var. menziesii is also starting to bloom in our open garden.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 17, 2022, 09:52:56 PM
[attachimg=1]

I am very excited about our Erythranthe bicolor that are now starting to bloom. I struggled through 4 generations of seed until I finally developed a line that thrives in our garden. Seed lines of Diplacus torreyi and Diplacus kelloggii are also progressing.  [Jasmin]:  As seed lines are developed and expanded, tubs of these flowers form excellent displays, as you can see from the pictures of E. lobbii.

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I have grown this Potentilla species for about 35 years, but I have never been able to put a name to it.

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Gladiolus alatus puts on a great show every year. This pot full will be put into a tub where they can expand and make a very striking display. This species also seems to seed around in our garden. A few have come up here and there in other pots. [Jasmin]:  The cheery color makes this my favorite.  At one time we had a delightful hot pink from some blasé store gladiolus, but the construction crews during remodel did not understand what was under the ground.  Good advice for anyone who remodels, renovates, paints, or repairs their home:  Dig it up before the work begins!  They never destroy on purpose, nor do they destroy the weedy and ugly plants, just the ones you treasure!  The item may not even be near the house, or near the construction!  My apologies to my friends in construction out there, but . . . !

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I will end this posting with some photographs of Clarkia amoena Phacelia campanularia. I grew these plants from a package of cheap “California Wildflower” seed purchased at a mass merchandiser.  [Jasmin]:  The white spots of the stamens and nectaries are a delight.

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I will keep this Clarkia amoena Phacelia campanularia seed line going. The flowers are large and very striking.

[Jasmin]:  Just this Thursday morning I took a few successful pictures to share at our next opportunity.  Rarely are my pictures better than Robert’s attempt, so this feels like a true success. 

As for the birds, once the girls are bored with brooding and their nests I can think about bringing them on a ride.  None of the eggs is ever fertile (Our male finds the girls too aggressive—women are just too much trouble!  This is actually a good thing, since we are not wanting to breed.  There are already too many birds that are in need of good, quality loving homes.  Just peruse Mickaboo.org to have an idea.), so about day 21 for the last egg is when they are ready for something else.  The other test is how Naomi behaves toward Dariya, my husband, and the other birds.  She is very sweet, except when she is hormonal. At that time she is extremely aggressive.  When she has the start of her nest, and until completion, I am the only one who can tend her.  Even then, despite my self-announcements, she comes charging and attacks until some part of her realizes it is “just” I, providing for her needs.  Once she settles into brooding, we have a regular routine:  she makes the sweetest response sounds when I announce myself, she steps nicely, and is easily returned to the nest.  Upon her return she greets her ‘baby’ eggs with the most precious sounds.  I have been honored to witness the eggs as she “births” them:  The whole process is just as when I helped women deliver babies.  It is truly a moment of awe.  I do not make the hens travel while they are on their nests unless there is a true emergency, such as their health.  This has been extremely rare, and never any egg-binding, for which we are very thankful.  Even without nests, it is a production to bring four cockatiels, three budgies, and two canaries.  The finches also loved rides.  All our birds of the past twelve years have been conditioned to travel.  This is convenient for health checks, for emergency preparedness, for their mental stimulation, and for bonding with us as flock members.  As much as the birds enjoy the aviary and bird room, they are willing to endure the cramped travel cages for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a car ride.  I have had animals I could take in a carrier on walks, on a bicycle, or a baby stroller.  That is fun, since everyone looks for the sleeping baby and finds some birds!

I still like the Primula with the water droplets, even if the color is not accurate.  The panorama with Spot is particularly nice.  She seems to have a very dignified personality, allowing for the exception of car rides!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Rick R. on March 17, 2022, 10:15:13 PM
Isn't that Phacelia campanularia?  Love this plant!  Although for me, it's difficult to get it to size up.  It just keeps wanting to blooming at such an early age!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 18, 2022, 12:40:32 AM
Hi Rick

Thanks for the name correction. Definitely a James Clerk Maxwell moment for me. I will correct the mistake. Thank you for the heads up on this one.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 21, 2022, 07:12:05 PM
Right now, there are so many plants in flower, one hardly knows where to start taking pics! This is Fritillaria eduardii towering above narcissi.

(https://up.picr.de/43242568bg.jpg)

Primula Barnhaven Blue - Strain with Anemone x lipsisensis.

(https://up.picr.de/43242551xu.jpg)

Two chance seedlings looking nice together: Primula vulgaris and Ficaria verna.

(https://up.picr.de/43207736vo.jpg)

Helleborus and Corydalis solida.

(https://up.picr.de/43207738ym.jpg)

Cardamine quinquefolia with visitor.

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Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 21, 2022, 09:18:49 PM
Yesterday in a forest nearby: Anemone nemorosa, Scilla biflora
and Corydalis solida were in full flower.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 22, 2022, 04:56:28 PM
Rudi

I liked the photographs from the local forested area. Are they all native wildflowers or are they naturalized?

Mariette

You have some fantastic color combinations in your garden! Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy viewing scenes from your garden.

Rudi and Mariette – Jasmin wants me to relay the message that she enjoyed your postings immensely.


The last frontal system that moved through our region was a bust. Most weather recording stations in our region recorded no measurable precipitation. We were lucky, and received 0.02 inches (0.508 mm) of rain at our Sacramento, California home from a light rain shower. Now record-breaking heat is forecasted for the next two days. Both daily and monthly high temperatures records are likely to be broken.

The recent heat wave in Antarctica and the Arctic is certainly troubling. Temperatures in Antarctica were 70 F (38.8 C) above average and temperatures in the Arctic were 50 F (27.8 C) above average. For anyone interested, check out the University of Wyoming Upper Air Map Page. The 2022-03-18, 12Z Southern Hemisphere map is extremely interesting and certainly tells the story. Equally interesting is the 2022-03-21, 12Z Northern Hemisphere map.

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This is an early morning photograph of our garden taken from our “Heart Room”.

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This is another photograph taken from our other ‘Heart Room” window. The garden is looking clean and nice, however here is much open space to plant!

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We have large specimen of Rhododendron luteum ‘Golden Comet’ in the back corner of our yard.

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Golden Comet has a delightful fragrance that fills the back corner of our backyard garden.

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I lost the tag to this Zephyranthes species. Generally Zephyranthes blooms in late summer and the autumn in our area.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 22, 2022, 04:59:21 PM
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In the opposite corner of our backyard the Mount Fuji Cherry, Prunus incisa, is in full bloom. Back in the 1980’s I grew two named varieties of Mount Fuji Cherry. Both trees are gone now and this plant is a cutting from one of the named plants. Unfortunately, I do not remember the names of the cultivars.

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The flower petals of Prunus incisa are very delicate and beautiful.

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Azalea ‘Angel Lace’ is one of Earl Sommerville’s Deciduous Azalea selections.

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Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons is in full bloom now and is putting on a tremendous flowering show.

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The first batch of F1 hybrids of Erythranthe guttata is coming into bloom now. Nothing noteworthy has appeared, however they are all beautiful plants when they are blooming. This common California native species blooms profusely in the spring and then sporadically into the summer months.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 22, 2022, 05:02:27 PM
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Tidy Tips, Layia platyglosa, are now coming into bloom.

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Primula veris does well in our garden despite our long hot summers.

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Salvia Bees Bliss looks nice blooming through a common Wallflower.

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I enjoy growing and breeding Sweet Peas, Lathyrus odoratus. I enjoy how the fragrance of the flowers fills the garden.

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The late forms of Erythronium multiscapideum are still blooming in our garden.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 22, 2022, 05:04:48 PM
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Erythranthe bicolor is one of my favorite spring annuals.

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For me, this sight of Ethiopian Two-row Barley, Hordeum vulgare, is a very beautiful. I even find Barley very beautiful when the ripe grain is dry and ready to harvest.

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The last photograph for today is of Tulipa clusiana ‘Peppermint Stick’ with volunteers of Eschscholzia caespitosa.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 22, 2022, 06:44:46 PM
Robert, thank You so much for Your kind comment! As my garden isn´t apt for a large range of species, I try to make up by combining those happy here to their advantage.
Winter here has been unusually mild, and the same may be said for March. No frosts yet, and an unusual dry period since the end of February.
Rudi, You´re lucky to live in an area so rich species growing wild! We´ve been to the most northern spot where Scilla bifolia grows wild, the Ennert next to Bonn, but hardly found any variation.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ian mcdonald on March 22, 2022, 10:22:32 PM
Lots of colourful plants in the posts. Robert, your photos. of Rhododendron luteum brought memories of a walk along a forest track by Loch Tay. I could smell something with a sweet fragrance wafting through the trees. It took quite a bit a searching until I found the source. A single bush of R. luteum.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 23, 2022, 05:14:14 PM
Ian,

I looked up the natural distribution of Rhododendron luteum in The Encyclopedia of Rhododendron Species. Based on your posting and your Forum Natural History Diary, Rhododendron luteum has naturalized itself well beyond its native habitat. In the U.K. this seems true from many other plant species. For me, the bottom line is that Rhododendron luteum is a highly desirable species in our Sacramento, California garden. The species thrives, has very attractive flowers, the flowers are extremely fragrant, and the foliage turns brilliant colors in the autumn before going dormant for the season. It certainly works for us.

Mariette,

Like you, our Sacramento garden has various constraints, which limit the range of species we can grow. My primary goal with our garden is to create a garden that is beautiful, pleasing, and feels good, at least for Jasmin and I. This is one reason why I enjoy your postings from your garden (and other Forumist too). Your postings certainly feed my creative mind with ideas on how to direct our Sacramento garden.

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Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii thrives in our Sacramento garden.

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Triteleia ixiioides ssp. scabra also thrives in our garden. There are a number of subspecies that commonly grow in our area. They all seem to grow well in our garden.

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Rhododendron occidental ‘White Cloud’ is another early blooming selection I made of Rhododendron occidentale. I found this highly variable population in the Feather River Canyon back in the early 1980’s. Like Rhododendron luteum, Rhododendron occidentale is very fragrant. Clearly, I like fragrant plants in our garden.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Maggi Young on March 23, 2022, 06:29:36 PM
Quote
My primary goal with our garden is to create a garden that is beautiful, pleasing, and feels good, at least for Jasmin and I.
Exactly! If one's own garden cannot be a place of beauty and sanctuary for the owners (possibly also growing some delicious fresh food too), then  what is the point of it ?  :)
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 23, 2022, 08:38:34 PM
Mariette,

Thank you for your interesting comment, I did not know, that the distribution
of Corydalis solida is so limited in Germany.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 23, 2022, 08:53:38 PM
Thank You  Rudi for Your comment - of course I meant Scilla bifolia - You showed a very attactive white form.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 23, 2022, 09:57:57 PM
Robert, Rudi and Mariëtte

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and inspiration for combinations of plants.

Mariëtte

Your garden looks great. Our weather is very similar at the moment, warm and without significant precipitation. About Corydalis, C. cava has naturalized around here, still there are just two colours. C. solida is also growing in the park but numbers are much lower. Loved the visitor on Cardime quinquefolia.

Rudi

I hope the tree didn’t suffer, there’s so much to see in the shape and bark of them.

Robert
 
Wow, there’re so many lovely flowers in your garden, loved your posts, Erythrante made me think of Diplacus, they’re related, aren’t they? Both Nemophila are sprouting over here, good to see what I can look forward to, Narcissus rupicola will need some more patience as seedlings are showing up for the first time.
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 Tulipa humilis (just humilis) is a dutch clone, already much paler than ‘violacea black base’, T. humilis seedlings of more wild origin are now growing for the second year. As I’m new to sowing bulbs and have just a few coming up for a second year, the differences between genera becoming more obvious, is exciting.
If I understood correctly, Janis Ruksans is exporting outside Europe again, this might be an interesting  source for breeding material.

Your yellow, red and blue is good, this  one (at my neighbours’) wasn’t planned this way.
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Phacelia tanaceitifolia isn’t anything like P. campanularia, but seeding around here without being weedy. Regarding weeds, an interesting read in saturdays newspaper; urban flora is likely to be more diverse than rural and maybe is worthy of more appreciation.

Another news article (KNMI, meteo); temperatures in autumn and winter were 0,7 and 1,9C above average. Same as for Mariëtte, March could end up really dry, we had just a few drops and another dry week is expected.
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Tecophilaea cyanocrocus and
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Crocus jalovensis stayed outside autumn/winter, but were ready to be taken inside.

Fritillaria michailovskyi dwarf should be tough, though miniature in size.
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Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: MarcR on March 25, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Hi Robert,

You really bring back memories!  I used to patronize that nursery. I lived in Daly City, about 3 blocks from San Francisco for many years; and I had friends in Sebastopol, which is just East of Occidental.
They and I were avid gardeners, so they introduced me to the nursery.  The plants were well grown, and reasonably priced. 
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
Robert and Akke,
The flowers are all native wildflowers and I am sure, that the tree is well.
This foprst is in quite natural shape with a lot of dead wood all over the floor,
and flora and fauna are in a good condition. I even saw a black woodpecker which
is quite rare in our region. This bird is with up to 45 cm the tallest woodpecker
species in Europe and very impressive.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Pauli on March 26, 2022, 06:19:06 AM
Rudi,
the solidas on your picture seem to have entire bracts - can´t these be cava; solida should have crenate bracts.
And - beautiful spring pictures here!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 26, 2022, 07:55:44 PM
Akke

The names of California plant species in the Phrymaceae family have gone through a number of revisions over the last 30 years or so. Mimulus, Diplacus, and Erythranthe are all Genus names that have been assigned to California species in the Phrymaceae Family at one time or another. Whether the name changes are warranted is far outside my interests, however I use the plant names in current use in California to accurately communicate information concerning these species, which hopefully reduces confusion.

Your postings are always so very interesting and inspiring. I enjoy how you make effective use of a wide variety of plant species – all in containers. I also find interesting how you effectively view the “borrowed space” of public plantings throughout town. I look forward to seeing how all of this will evolve though the seasons.

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I thought that Rick might like to see how my pot full of Phacelia campanularia ssp. vasiformis looked as of 25 March.

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This is a lousy photograph, however it gets the point across. Our Phacelia campanularia ssp. vasiformis grew 54 cm tall this season and is loaded with flowers. I hope that it is understandable how I was impressed with this planting. The Jepson Manual lists this species as obtaining a height of 10-70 cm. For those interested, Phacelia campanularia ssp. vasiformis, Desert Bluebells, is native to the Desert Mountain regions of the Mojave Desert in Southeastern California. It is found in open, sandy or gravelly areas to Pinyon/Juniper woodland; < 1,600 m. Subspecies campanularia has a rotate corolla, subpseices vasiformis a funnel shaped corolla. Subspecies vasiformis is much more common than subspecies campanularia. My general experience with the cultivation of California native annual species is that the seeds needs to be planted as soon as weather conditions are appropriate in the autumn. With some species, when planted late in the season the plants frequently do not develop to their full growth potential, sometimes markedly so. Those living with extremely cold winters might experience difficulties with some native California annual species. Experimentation will likely yield the most effective methods to cultivate these species in less than desirable climatic situations.

Mark R –

Some of the California nurseries and nurserymen from the past are certainly inspirations. Western Hills Nursery is just one example.  San Francisco had Victor Reiter, Jr. and his La Rochette Nursery, Ed Carmen and Carmen’s Nursery in the South Bay Area. Marshall Olbrich and Lester Hawkins of Western Hills Nursery, as well as Victor Reiter and Ed Carmen were all leading the vanguard of cutting edge plant materials for gardeners in Northern California.

Rudi –

Thank you for the clarity concerning the native wildflowers in your region. I know next to nothing about the flora of Europe. I do cultivate a goodly number of European species in our California garden. Even small bits of information can aid in the successful cultivation of some species. Information can also help me seriously consider the appropriateness of some species, species that might not take well to our California climate.

Now more photographs from our springtime garden…

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Many years ago, I seriously bred deciduous azaleas. Rhododendron austrinum x ‘Gibraltar’ was one of my early hybrids. I liked the ruffled petals inherited from Gibraltar and the strong heat tolerance inherited from Rhododendron austrinum. This hybrid was a good start.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 26, 2022, 07:58:31 PM
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This is one of my best Rhododendron atlanticum hybrids. This complex hybrid is very compact, remaining < 1 meter in over 30 years. It is the parent of other successful hybrids.

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‘Prelude to Summer of Love’ is another hybrid which was a prototype for my Summer of Love Series of hybrids.

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The ‘Tatiana’ Series of Azaleas are my most successful hybrid grex of Deciduous Azaleas to date. They have large trusses of colorful flowers and bloom prolifically. The plants are compact, growing to about 1 meter in height after 25 years.

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Acer palmatum ‘Red Filigree Lace’ has intricately dissected foliage.

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The first of the Calochortus species are now coming into bloom. This is Yellow Star Tulip, Calochortus monophyllus, a species found locally in the foothill region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many more Calochortus species are budded and will be blooming shortly.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 26, 2022, 08:50:11 PM
Maggi

Exactly! If one's own garden cannot be a place of beauty and sanctuary for the owners (possibly also growing some delicious fresh food too), then  what is the point of it ?  :)

You’re right, even if gardening in ‘pots and pans’. Even there a tiny bit of fresh food is fun.

Rudi

Your forest sounds (and looks) great, it must be nice to have such lovely plants growing wild, they’re appreciated much over here, being naturalized. The woodpecker sounds impressive, there’s smaller ones over here and this seems the right season to catch a glimp, normally you just hear them. In the park ( my ‘back’ garden) one part is left mostly to itself.


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I’m confused, I always thought this was Corydalis cava, anyway it’s very happy in the ‘left-alone’ part.

Later on and a bit lower on the ‘mountain’, just a lump of loam topped with humus less than 10m in height, Allium ursinum will follow.
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An early one and also doing very good left to itself.

To my taste, some parts could do with more neglect.
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This isn’t a lawn that needs mowing in my opinion, this lookes like Gagea Lutea to me. Usually mown before being fully grown and this might even be natural (the park is on the old defence walls and part of that was at some old glacial ridges).

This part is more blue because of Scilla Siberica, yellow dots are most likely Eranthis cilicica.
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When it comes to stinzenplanten, especially bulbs, this is a hotspot, most of the species in the park, are growing here as well.

The magnolia is shining against the blue sky.
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Robert

About the blue sky, the record of total sun hours in March has already been broken (total 2014 was 208, against 211 yesterday). Precipitation 0,7 mm now and not much more expected, it rained for 2 hours, average is 56 h. Due to cold nights average temperatures are about normal, it is not very normal that a. these reports make the headlines, b. they’re given this early.

Just read your post and love your Azaleas.




Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 26, 2022, 09:50:17 PM

The names of California plant species in the Phrymaceae family have gone through a number of revisions over the last 30 years or so. Mimulus, Diplacus, and Erythranthe are all Genus names that have been assigned to California species in the Phrymaceae Family at one time or another. Whether the name changes are warranted is far outside my interests, however I use the plant names in current use in California to accurately communicate information concerning these species, which hopefully reduces confusion.


Robert,the vast range of plants You´re posting is always so inspiring! Right now, I´m trying to germinate two species of Diplacus, grandiflorus and pictus.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Rick R. on March 27, 2022, 12:45:20 AM
Thanks for the phacelia pics, Robert.

My general experience with the cultivation of California native annual species is that the seeds needs to be planted as soon as weather conditions are appropriate in the autumn. With some species, when planted late in the season the plants frequently do not develop to their full growth potential, sometimes markedly so. Those living with extremely cold winters might experience difficulties with some native California annual species. Experimentation will likely yield the most effective methods to cultivate these species in less than desirable climatic situations.

Your theory seems to be right on!  I got a couple transplants to grow, back in 2001, before I had a digital camera. I finally got tired of continually pinching off the flower buds and let them do their thing.  They plants grew flatly, about 2 inches high at most.  I wonder, too, if the soil was too nutritious and moist.  This is my only pic of it:

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A long time ago, and I'd like to think I'm a bit smarter now.  Maybe I'll try direct sowing in late fall here, so they don't germinate 'til spring.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leucogenes on March 27, 2022, 05:35:43 PM
Earlier this month Rudi showed a beautiful small specimen of Callianthemum farreri here. The flowers are now starting to appear on my plant too. At this stage, the bluish colouring is particularly visible. I have seen six flowers on the mother plant so far...and another flower a little further away on an underground runner. Some needles from neighbouring Abies koreana occasionally fall on it...it doesn't seem to mind.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leucogenes on March 27, 2022, 05:40:01 PM
Coluteocarpus vesicaria from eastern Anatolia also enjoys the rising temperatures.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leucogenes on March 27, 2022, 05:46:10 PM
But my personal highlight of the week is the formation of a flower on Besseya wyomingensis. I have made countless attempts to cultivate this North American beauty. Apparently my patience has been rewarded.😎
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 27, 2022, 08:57:13 PM
Herbert,
you are right, off course these plants are Corydalis cava.
thank you for the correct identification
Akke and Robert,
thank you for your pictures and comments.
Thomas
good to see some `real´alpines. Well done!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on March 28, 2022, 04:37:05 PM
Some wonderful pictures on this month. Thank you all.

Lovely day today so just a few shots from around the garden.

Beesia calthifolia just coming into flower.

A trough of Bellis perennis or Bachelors Buttons.

Fritillaria.

Haquetia epipactis.

Iberis Little Treasure.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on March 28, 2022, 04:40:52 PM
Iberis Masterpiece flowers for many many months.

Narcissus rupicola one of my favourites.

Omphalodes cappadocia.

Oxalis triangularis.

Pritzilago alpina.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on March 28, 2022, 04:42:29 PM
Last couple for now.

Pulsatilla vulgaris.

These are our "weeds" pretty but a pest.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Robert on March 28, 2022, 06:36:31 PM
Akke

I found the information on total sun hours very fascinating. Thank you for sharing. As part of my research I monitor and log solar radiation at various sites in the Sacramento and adjacent foothills region as well as at nearby sites in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I use Watts per meter squared as a unit of measurement, but on a very basic level it provides the same information as total sun hours. Obviously, plants and our Earth climatic system respond to variations in the amounts of short wave radiation that reaches the earth surface and is absorbed or reflected back into the atmosphere (albedo). The amount of long wave radiation absorbed by aerosols in the atmosphere (water vapor, CO2, etc.) and then is reemitted (emissivity of the atmosphere) strongly influences our climatic system. From such basic information one can build a simple surface energy budget for the whole planet or their backyard. A surface energy budget could be considered a fancy way of describing microclimates within our garden ecosystems. With climate change or just internal seasonal variation in the weather, we as gardeners consider how climatic variables are influencing our gardens as well as individual plant species that we are, or would like to grow in our gardens. Solar radiation is a big consideration. Clearly I like to look at these things in a very technical way, however simple is valid and works too.

Mariette –

I grow Diplacus pictus and D. grandiflorus, as well as many other California native Phrymaceae. Diplacus grandiflorus is native to sites within my area of research. I see them frequently depending on where I am gathering information. You most likely know that Diplacus grandiflorus is a perennial species, however it can be grown and maintained as an annual. Diplacus grandiflorus and other closely related species have been used to create garden hybrids that are still being used today in horticulture in our part of California. I am very excited about the use of these species in your garden and will be keenly interested to learn how they perform within your garden environment. If it is convenient, keep us all posted on their development over time. I am even interested in the parts of the project that do not go well or as excepted. Mistakes and things that do not go right are just happy accidents (think Bob Ross) that we can learn from. At least this is how it works for me.

Rick –

Thank you for sharing your experiences with Phacelia campanularia. Annual species that are native to California are not what I would expect to see in a Minnesota garden. I enjoy your sense of adventure and experimentation in trying the unexpected in your garden.

For the most part, I grow all of my native California annual species (and some native perennial species too) using soil plugs, i.e. no pots. I use the same soil mix that I use for starting vegetables, so the mixture is moderately rich. As stated earlier, I plant the seeds as early as possible in the autumn. I keep the plants growing and move the seedlings to larger sized plugs or into the ground/large containers as quickly as needed. In the large containers I use a moderately rich soil but different than the mix used for the soil plugs. Since the plants are native to California, cold winter temperatures does not slow or stop their development. All the species I have tried to date have thrived and bloomed well using this method. A number of native species have naturalized in our garden, both annual and perennial species. Needless to say, I never need to plant them, just thin, remove, or move as needed. As a side note, there are very few or no annual species in truly alpine regions. Most often the growing season is too short for the plants to complete their seed-to-seed life cycle.

Hi Thomas,

Thank you for sharing photographs of the interesting alpine species that you grow. They are species that I know absolutely nothing, including the Western North American Species. For the most part, our extremely hot and dry climate here in Sacramento is not conducive to the cultivation of alpine plants. I am glad that you are in a position to grow these plants and share your experiences with others.

Shelagh –

It looks like your gardening season is off to a fine start. Thank you for sharing all the fine photographs. Bellis perennis is a common weed in lawns in our part of Sacramento. Your Bellis are superb compared to the weedy ones in the lawn!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on March 28, 2022, 08:54:16 PM
Shelagh,
Many thanks for showing us your goodies.
It is amazing, how many different species you cultivate
in your garden.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Tomte on March 28, 2022, 09:20:47 PM
Iberis Masterpiece flowers for many many months.

Narcissus rupicola one of my favourites.

Omphalodes cappadocia.

Oxalis triangularis.

Pritzilago alpina.

Dear Shelagh,
may I ask how you cultivate your N. rupicola? It looks rather happy and rather floriferous.  I like this species a lot but it is very reluctant to increase and flower with me.
Perhaps I should add that I am particularly interested in the soil pH and conditions during the resting period. I read in several places it likes warm dry summer rest, but I suspect this may not be true.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on March 29, 2022, 11:48:24 AM
Tomte I tend to take the photos Brian does the cultivating but after flowering I follow Iain Young's advice and give them a pinch of sulphate of potash. They spend their resting period in our garage which is cool. I'll check with Brian and get back if there is anything I've missed. They do ofcourse get watered occasionally.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mike Ireland on March 30, 2022, 12:03:10 PM
Asarum maximum, Asphodelus acaulis both in the alpine house,
Corydalis seedlings in the garden along with an unknown Tulipa sp.
Help with a name for the Tulipa would be appreciated.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ian mcdonald on March 30, 2022, 04:18:04 PM
Shelagh, I,ve been finding Chionodoxa growing "wild" around here. Garden escapes.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Tulipaholic on March 30, 2022, 04:23:26 PM
Mike het lijkt T. praecox.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 30, 2022, 07:29:42 PM
Leucogenes, looking at Your treasures I wish I´d live in an area where they would look and feel at home!

Shelagh, I always wondered how You find time to grow so many special plants and take pics of them to show them here. Now I realize - I´m lacking a matching husband! Great job-sharing of both of You!
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on March 30, 2022, 07:49:21 PM


Mariette –

I grow Diplacus pictus and D. grandiflorus, as well as many other California native Phrymaceae. Diplacus grandiflorus is native to sites within my area of research. I see them frequently depending on where I am gathering information. You most likely know that Diplacus grandiflorus is a perennial species, however it can be grown and maintained as an annual. Diplacus grandiflorus and other closely related species have been used to create garden hybrids that are still being used today in horticulture in our part of California. I am very excited about the use of these species in your garden and will be keenly interested to learn how they perform within your garden environment. If it is convenient, keep us all posted on their development over time. I am even interested in the parts of the project that do not go well or as excepted. Mistakes and things that do not go right are just happy accidents (think Bob Ross) that we can learn from. At least this is how it works for me.


Robert, I just took the chance when these seeds were offered, though I don´t expect both diplacus to manage in my borders. Diplacus pictus looks very special and interesting, I´ll grow some in a pot and only surplus seedlings in a border, if there are any. Diplacus grandiflorus might be an asset on our terrace, where some potted plants suggest sunshine even when there is none. The Coronilla on the left flowered non-stop since autumn. As the winter was very mild I was able to leave it there. Both species of diplacus are germinating on our window-sill right now.

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In the green-house Fritillaria kotschyana started to flower, grown from seed received 5 years ago.

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A Trillium sessile-type with Geum rivale.

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A double Anemone ranunculoides found on Öland.

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Corydalis cava with visitor.

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Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on March 30, 2022, 09:05:25 PM
Thanks for so many lovely pictures.

Shelagh

Your Bellis perennis is showy and a good example of a ‘common’ plant grown into something special.

Robert

Total hours of sun is probably not taking into account absorption (& reemitting) and reflection or Sahara dust, this was in an internet article from the television news. Still I find it interesting which weather news makes the headlines, while some is confined to the pages of the weather institute (like; on average 2021 was pretty average, but with an extreme lot of extremes), I’ll try to be more precise about the source.  Even  though everyday weather is relatively unimportant at this moment, contrary to climate change, it’s a habit to check anyway.
Concerning weather, after a practically dry month, precipitation is expected, a few drops of rain tonight and snow tomorrow.

Some more bulbs (alpines hopefully later)
[attachimg=1]
Narcissus wilkommii, very small flowers (2,0 cm) but really lovely.

I’m not sure about this opposite
[attachimg=2]
Tulipa ‘Scarlett’ , more like 15 cm when open. This one has some extra petals as well.

Borrowing is very interesting, I didn’t notice these before
[attachimg=3]
Escaped from a garden? Anemone nemerosa is growing nearby, Anemone ranunculoides and appenina are not so close.

‘Just fell over’
[attachimg=4]
This one looked just hanging over a bit more after the storms of February with some root damage. My guess would be that the ‘top’ (side?) of this tree got heavier as the growing season started, not much wind the day/night it went down.
Spot is there on her own initative.

Mariëtte

I hope your Diplacus  work out and I love your Fritillaria Kotschyana.

Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mike Ireland on March 31, 2022, 10:35:06 PM
Mike het lijkt T. praecox.
Thanks for the information.  Theses tulips have appeared in the last 2-3 years, I have no idea where they came from.
They are increasing as the patches of leaves spread out but never had any seed set.

Mike.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mariette on April 01, 2022, 07:59:41 AM

(Attachment Link)

Borrowing is very interesting, I didn’t notice these before
(Attachment Link)
Escaped from a garden? Anemone nemerosa is growing nearby, Anemone ranunculoides and appenina are not so close.

‘Just fell over’
(Attachment Link)


This anemone looks really interesting! A good match for the other beauties You show, Akke! And You do live in a nice part of the world, obviously.  :)
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on April 01, 2022, 09:57:09 AM
Thanks for all the kind comments.

Temte I checked with Brian and he said 1/2 strength tomato feed occasionally. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Tomte on April 01, 2022, 10:14:06 AM
Thanks Shelagh. As I said, my greatest concern was the summer rest, so I am glad you confirmed my suspicion that this species seems to prefer no warm dry rest. Being a keen reader of the bulb log myself I regularly give sulfate of potash to nearly all my bulbs anyway.

Btw, nice clump of Pritzelago. Very spicy and good in a salad as well as good-looking  ;)
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Herman Mylemans on April 01, 2022, 01:52:32 PM
Iberis saxatilis ‘Nana’

Anemonella thalictroides 'Shoaf's Form'
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Gabriela on April 02, 2022, 03:08:59 PM
It starts to look a bit like spring in SW Ontario; snowdrops were in flower  since a couple of weeks ago and few Eranthis but not much else.
Iris reticulata 'North Star', usually the first reticulata to flower; not particularly reliable here, it needs a well drained location.
[attachimg=1]
The first Pulsatilla - P. styriaca
[attachimg=2]
Surprinsingly a young Helleborus purpurascens with a first flower; the older ones are not up yet. 
[attachimg=3]
Everyone is in need of more sunny days at this point :)
[attachimg=4]
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Akke on April 02, 2022, 09:15:26 PM
Mariëtte

Thanks. Your part of the World and your garden don’t look to bad either 8), you’ve shown lovely plants and combinations of them. What would this anemone do when sown?
Considering a pleasant bulb collection, northern part of The Netherlands might be a bit ahead, still it’s nice to find more patches of ‘common’ ones in borrowed space.
[attachimg=1]
Looks pretty new, rows and no clumping/ lumping, these are not on my everyday round.
However, borrowed (bulb) season will end in one/two months, in the containers there will still be treasures and pleasures. As more inspiration is welcome, I’m curious how your Diplacus is  going to do (and of course others ).

Gabriele

Your early spring pictures are lovely and a good reminder of my growing appreciation for this time of year. Pulsatilla styriaca looks cuddly.

Tomte

Always useful to know which plants are a good addition to the kitchen as well.  :)


Spring is here?
[attachimg=2]
Fritillaria minuta, most snow we got this season ( so far).











Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on April 03, 2022, 08:08:21 PM
Some pictures from the alpine house and the open garden:
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on April 03, 2022, 08:12:45 PM
More photos:
My cousins magnolia before winter came back
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: MarcR on April 04, 2022, 03:12:08 AM
Many beautiful pictures from everyone who posted them.
It makes me wish my old body would let me use a camera.
At least I can still enjoy looking at yours.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on April 05, 2022, 10:13:57 AM
Thanks for the culinary hint regarding Pritzelago Temte.

Rudi what a magnificent Magnolia always one of my favourites.

Looking at all your wonderful pics everyone I think I'm going to have to up my game when photographing. No more point and aim, a little more effort is required I think.
Title: Re: March 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on April 05, 2022, 08:30:12 PM
Shelagh,
thank you for your comment. It is always a disappointment, when the
long awaited flowers get destroyed by a late frost.
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