Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: Giles on June 04, 2022, 10:38:49 AM

Title: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Giles on June 04, 2022, 10:38:49 AM
Mowing the lawn will never be quite the same again....

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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on June 04, 2022, 06:22:25 PM
Thanks for posting that picture, Giles.  It put a big smile on my face!
...Claire
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 04, 2022, 08:22:39 PM
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Spring weather has been reluctant to give way to our typical summertime heat. Currently the skies are overcast and there is a chance of rain over the next few days. There has been plenty of hot weather too. Typical June heat is forecasted to return later this week. This seesaw temperature pattern is not unusual for May and early June in our region.

I have been very pleased with the integration of ornamental plants with the grains, vegetables and fruits I enjoy growing. The transition from the spring blooming ornamentals to the summer blooming species has occupied my mind lately. I have this concept in my mind of an oasis garden, or maybe it is my impression of the Garden of Eden. I have this idea of our summer garden filled with blooming plants, fragrances, and delicious ripening fruit of all sorts.

Right now I would like to incorporate more of the bold brilliantly colored Meso-American Salvias in our garden. Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ (pictured above) fits in perfectly with this scheme. We have several plants of this species in our garden including one in a large pot that can be moved around the garden and enjoyed as the seasons change. This species blooms spring to autumn and is perfect for my ideal oasis garden.

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In our shaded garden many forms of Lilium pardalinum and hybrids with Lilium pardalinum as a parent are blooming.

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Lilium ‘Mount Etna’ is a Lilium pardalinum x L. occidentale hybrid that I created way back in the 1990’s. The F1 hybrids of this cross have been tough, long-lived plants. Breeding stalled out in the 1990’s, however now I can continue with this breeding line.

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Silene laniciata ssp. californica persists in our garden. It is a fine species, which I hope to grow more of in the future.

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Penstemon azureus var angustissimus is another species that performs well in our garden. In this photograph this xeric species is blooming among the dry flowering stems and foliage of the annual Eschscholzia caespitosa.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 04, 2022, 08:26:48 PM
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I first gathered seed of Clarkia gracilis ssp. traceyi in Colusa County, California. I lost this line and was able to reestablish this species from seed acquired from Seedhunt. I have a strong preference for our local native Clarkia species. This spring I started removing all the non-native Clarkias from our garden and will continue only with our local native species, of which there are many. The goal is to have these native species seed about our garden with help on my part.

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Here Clarkia gracilis ssp. traceyi is blooming with Brodiaea elegans ssp elegans. Both are local native species and both species seed about in our garden frequently making delightful combinations. Species such as these provide and great transition to the summer blooming garden.

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I am currently selecting deep flower color forms of Brodiaea elegans ssp. elegans. Darker colored flowers are not unusual with this species. In the wild I have encountered pink, bicolored, and white forms of this species. I will keep an eye out for these rare color forms and hope to eventually incorporate them into our garden.

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I have a number of Erythranthe cardinalis x lewisii F1 hybrids in our garden. The F1 hybrids are very robust and will bloom on and off all summer. [Jasmin:  Robert had a bunch of extra seedpots of both red-orange and golden Erythranthe which I appropriated for my front garden project.  I have some of his West Coast Lilly hybrids, a few Rhododendron occidentale, and now a very large patch of Erythranthe.  These grow in proximity of one another in nature.  The front garden is taking on the appearance of these riparian environments, including one Acer macrophyllum under the shade of an oak I planted back in 1992.  There are other, non-native plantings around the native plant circle, such as a couple Hydrangeas, a large swath of sweet peas, irises, tulips, and hybrids of deciduous azaleas.  I would like some other flower displays in this mixed periphery, perhaps hollyhocks.  Whatever Robert has in excess for the back and is not for his hybridizing or breeding projects, I immediately scavenge for the more public front. I have my latest plantings under protective net and corralled to keep the wild and feral beasts from digging up my display.]

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I used both yellow and red forms of Erythranthe cardinalis as parents in the F1 hybrid lines. When the yellow form of Erythranthe cardinalis was used as the seed parent the progeny bloomed with a range of yellow colored flowers, pale yellow to deep golden yellow. One line possesses lavender-pink flowers obtained from Erythranthe lewesii. These plants are pollen sterile for the most part; however I successfully selfed one plant and have two healthy seedlings coming along well that will start blooming later this season. With luck these plants will be fertile in both directions.

Anyway, enough news from our garden right now.  [Stay tuned, as the wife is actively planning and planting.]
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 05, 2022, 09:24:09 AM
From Anton Edwards:
"Help fill the June gap with some red. Tulipa sprengeri Is spreading generously in most open spots."
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 "Ourisia coccinea sits in light shade near the Scots pines."
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 05, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
Another from Anton Edwards- "Transient beauty in the rock garden"

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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ian mcdonald on June 05, 2022, 12:25:43 PM
Seeing everyones colourful rock gardens makes me envious. At the moment all I have is a space in the lawn where I would like a crevice garden.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 05, 2022, 06:17:32 PM
From Anton Edwards:
"Help fill the June gap with some red. Tulipa sprengeri ...

I hope someone can enlighten me concerning “the June gap”. We have a blooming gap here at our Sacramento, California garden between the succession and mass of spring blooming species and the warm/hot weather loving species that bloom during the summer. It sounds like there is a similar situation elsewhere, however I am uncertain. I thought our spring-summer transition blooming pause was more of a function of our climate and plant selection. Maybe this is due to inexperience on my part? Any thoughts on this transitional blooming pause? Based on what I have read in the past, I have the idea that those that grow purely “alpine” species have a riot of color during the spring and a drought of flowers during the summer. Many gardeners seem to grow a much wider range of species than just purely alpine species.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 06, 2022, 10:34:17 AM
First saw Tulip sprengeri on a visit to Copenhagen Botanic they were pulling them out by the fistfull and said they were their worst weed. I thought they were lovely.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 06, 2022, 01:42:16 PM
From Anton Edwards:
One of the quatrains of Omar Khayam is:
“Look to the Rose that blows about us -- Lo,
Laughing," she says, "into the World I blow:
At once the silken Tassel of my Purse
Tear, and its Treasure on the Garden throw."

Here is our own 25 year old 'Constance' about to do her stuff in Perthshire.

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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 06, 2022, 01:43:15 PM
More from Anton ..... It's meconopsis time!

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Meconopsis 'Susan's Reward'


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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 06, 2022, 01:51:03 PM
Also from Anton :

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 Silvery foliage characterises many New Zealand plants. Here is Celmisia semicordata; it grows in dry sunny spots and expands generously. This one has a bloom for every week of the year.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 06, 2022, 01:54:03 PM
I hope someone can enlighten me concerning “the June gap”. We have a blooming gap here at our Sacramento, California garden between the succession and mass of spring blooming species and the warm/hot weather loving species that bloom during the summer. It sounds like there is a similar situation elsewhere, however I am uncertain. I thought our spring-summer transition blooming pause was more of a function of our climate and plant selection. Maybe this is due to inexperience on my part? Any thoughts on this transitional blooming pause? Based on what I have read in the past, I have the idea that those that grow purely “alpine” species have a riot of color during the spring and a drought of flowers during the summer. Many gardeners seem to grow a much wider range of species than just purely alpine species.
The "June Gap" refers to the period when the Spring flkowerscare past but thesummer flowers have not yet got going - this is thoiught of as a dull time for gardens and, of course, it's a spell when pollinators can suffer.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: brianw on June 06, 2022, 06:06:33 PM
Mowing the lawn will never be quite the same again....

(Attachment Link)
Annoyingly another friend a few miles away sent me a similar photo. Are they deer and pheasant proof?
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ian mcdonald on June 06, 2022, 08:26:36 PM
Orchids are eaten by animals. We had a colony of Northern Marsh Orchids at my previous site. There were 89 flowering spikes when we found them. Two weeks later we could not even find a leaf.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: brianw on June 06, 2022, 10:24:27 PM
My experience is that stems and plants in seed (pod) are more vulnerable than when in flower. Maybe it is the scent that puts them off with flowers in general.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 07, 2022, 02:36:16 AM
The "June Gap" refers to the period when the Spring flkowerscare past but thesummer flowers have not yet got going - this is thoiught of as a dull time for gardens and, of course, it's a spell when pollinators can suffer.


Hi Maggi

I worked out in our garden all day today. Some of the garden beds are seas of green, not one flower to be seen! I guess that I am not the only one with this dilemma, however the lack of flowers in our garden might be extreme. I am working on solving this situation, however it will take time. Some times I feel like a gardener version of Rip Van Winkle. I just woke up from a long sleep and missed out on a lot.   :'(
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 07, 2022, 05:39:35 PM
The raised bed is full of colour at the moment.
Erodium Pippa Mills.
The bed outside the greenhouse with the first of Iberis Masterpiece.
Heuchera and Campanula Mrs. Resholt.
Iberis Masterpiece and a Penstemon.
A very small flowered Dianthus but the colour is intense.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 07, 2022, 05:43:24 PM
A Saxifraga and Stachys grandiflora, the seed came from Gothenburg Botanic.

Maud and her attendant Hostas.

Pelargonium Vancouver Centennial.

Now a trip around the raised bed. Geraniums.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 07, 2022, 05:45:36 PM
Time for a few more.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: MarcR on June 07, 2022, 05:47:33 PM
Shelaggh,

Lovely mix of color!
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 07, 2022, 05:48:38 PM
As you can see once you have Iberis Masterpiece you are never without it.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 07, 2022, 05:49:25 PM
Thanks Marc.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 07, 2022, 09:18:03 PM
Flowering now:
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Gabriela on June 07, 2022, 09:19:12 PM
Your raised beds are lovely, so colorful Shelagh!

Interesting how we catch up, various Dianthus, Helianthemums, Iberis...are also in flower here.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 07, 2022, 09:26:36 PM
Some pictures from our meadow garden:
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Akke on June 07, 2022, 09:39:01 PM
This June-gap sounds very interesting, it would be nice to hear about it from different places.
Lots of lovely pictures and flowers to fill it though.

Over here June is the right time for the aquatic flora.
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The clump of Iris pseudacorus got a bit big on the small duck island and fell over, didn’t stop it flowering. Now it’s more common, it has been on the red list, wild or weed, it’s welcome.
Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba and Stratiotes aloides are also in bloom, enjoyed those and the dragonflies (making new ones) in the city park.

A new one, grown from seeds.
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Looks like Sisyrinchium bellum, got this one in a mixed package, any ideas?
Californian flora seems to like it here, Nemophila and phacelia tanacetifolia (self-sown) are flowering here, Eschscholzia californica just around the corner. 

Back to local.
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Viola arvensis has found it’s way again, I was planning a container for interesting weeds, well it is around already at my neighbours’.
Self-sown Viola seedlings from hybrid origin are flowering as well in various colours, fun to watch and see them changing. (In trade they’re called V. cornuta, these are not the species).

More to enjoy there.
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Pisum sativum, grown from dried peas for consumption.

Jasmin

The Battus philenor picture is wonderful, you can see it moving, very rewarding that your efforts to attract it, worked.  Sometimes words are even better, I loved your description of the bee poking its head out, Iris will have an extra to enjoy.
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This one is common, but butterflies don’t seem to like my containers usually, at least it was patiently waiting for the picture.

I hope your birds are doing ok now, probably another bad year for our common duck here, didn’t hear any of them lately.

Robert

Weather conditions have turned more normal over here, a bit of autumn last week, around 20 C now, rain dropping gently down on and off, other parts got the worse again. In some of your pictures the sun looks very strong.
You know I love the Calochortus, superb.😀 Brodiaea terrestris ssp. terrestris should be arriving soon (bulb) any advice is very welcome.

Mariëtte

Sorry to see Diplacus pictus so small, I hope you get another chance with seeds 

Rudi

Love your meadow garden, especially the Sophora japonica.

Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Jon Evans on June 07, 2022, 10:03:42 PM
Hi Shelagh
I like your deep red rock rose.  Which one is it ?
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Redmires on June 08, 2022, 12:19:31 PM
Re June gap - apologies for a long post, but Akke did express an interest!

I've always thought that - at least as far as the northern England is concerned - the June gap is a bit of a myth.

I live in South Yorkshire and here we segue smoothly from spring into summer whether you're thinking of the countryside, or lovingly tended or unkempt gardens. Indeed some of the unkempt gardens offer a wonderful display at the moment - Centranthus in three colours - and it seems that almost whenever I go out for a bike ride or run (which I do most days) a new element has been added to the floral tapestry. As spring tips into summer gardens do start to have the edge over wild habitats when it comes to flowering of woody species, but for everything else I think it's pretty even.

In my own partially shaded back garden June is very colourful, because I have large drifts of Silene dioica in my 'meadow' in front of the hedge.

The micro-variation in flowering times is also very noticeable. Obviously some of this will be due to differences in aspect and local microclimate, but some will also be genetic. Here most of the Crataegus have finished flowering now, but I still encounter one or trees covered in blossom. There's a lot of variation in when the Digitalis flower (interestingly the wild type seem to be later than garden strains). To the extent that gardens rely on clones, flowering times are going to be more synchronised, which might create the impression of a gap in gardens with a less diverse flora. When I started this post I planned to make a rough list of all the species I saw flowering in local gardens on my bike ride this morning, but not only would it have been much too long, I was also having difficulty deciding what was close enough to peak flowering time to warrant inclusion on a shortlist.

For me, late summer is the period for which I have to plan more carefully to have colour in the garden (I have to admit that my dislike of daisy-type flowers in classically autumnal yellow-orange-red hues doesn't help - I want to cling onto summer proper for as long as possible, so I prefer to go for blues and pinks...) and I'm more reliant on species with no close native relative. Out in the countryside - up on the moors to be more precise - Calluna vulgaris offers a wonderful late-ish floral hurrah (it's like cycling through fields of honey, the scent is so powerful) and Centaurea nigra, Serratula and Leontodon hispidus are the latest of the common wildflowers. However I'll usually be able to enjoy colour on bike rides into October, thanks to escaped Michaelmas daisies.

There's much more of a gap - although polytunnels seem to help - in vegetable produce. It's even worse for fruit - stored apples and pears are long gone before the first strawberries are ready. 
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Mariette on June 08, 2022, 01:49:22 PM
Akke, thank You for Your concern, but luckyly a second seedling of Diplacus pictus fared better and looked more like it should do.

(https://up.picr.de/43770066vh.jpg)

Right now, there is an abundance of flowers in the garden, in a shadier spot Thalictrum petaloideum ´Ghent Ebony´ flowers together with foxgloves and Angelica grown from SRGC seed.

(https://up.picr.de/43770067xl.jpg)

Lamium maculatum, Oxalis debilis and a self-sown Campanula portenschlagiana.

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Pyrola in a local wood, which was recultivated after coal mining.

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And in the evening the living room is scented by an epiphyllum.

(https://up.picr.de/43770069rr.jpg)
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Herman Mylemans on June 08, 2022, 02:08:29 PM
As you can see once you have Iberis Masterpiece you are never without it.
Shelagh, what a beautiful garden!
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 08, 2022, 02:10:41 PM
John I have searched round the Helianthemum for a label, but no luck. Brian feels certain it came from Aberconwy and in their 2020 list they have Hartswood Ruby so it may be that one. It is taller than most with woody stems and grey/green foliage.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 08, 2022, 02:11:58 PM
Thanks for all the lovely comments and everyone else's wonderful pictures it seems summer has suddenly arrived.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 09, 2022, 11:33:38 AM
Mariette I remember seeing a pink Pyrola on a trip to Alaska. It was on the grave of an outlaw called Soapy Smith.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 09, 2022, 01:04:40 PM
From Anton Edwards ....

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Painting with alpines.

Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 09, 2022, 01:05:29 PM
Again from Anton ....

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Twenty five years makes a difference to an empty field. Evening sun at Caputh.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: shelagh on June 09, 2022, 01:54:18 PM
Lovely pictures. Thanks for posting them Anton and Maggi.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Andre Schuiteman on June 10, 2022, 02:34:46 PM
1. I think this is Erodium castellanum. Grown from AGS seed (list 69) sown in January 2021. The seed was listed as E. daucoides, which has much hairier leaves. Some sources state that E. castellanum is a synonym of E. carvifolium. I have not tried to get to the bottom of this.
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2. It is hard to over-water Trollius altaicus but easy to under-water. The cool, rainy weather we have just had was to its liking and it has produced the largest flower I have seen on it so far, fully 7 cm across.
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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 12, 2022, 05:42:46 PM
Shelagh,

Thank you for posting all the delightful photographs from your garden. The plants are beautifully grown and inspirational. We both enjoy your photos immensely.

Redmires,

I enjoyed your comments concerning the “June Gap”. The last paragraph concerning vegetable produce and fruit caught my attention. I was born and raised in California. Our part of California has the potential to be a “Garden of Eden”. I can pick ripe fruit everyday of the year. The same can be said for vegetables. I can double crop grains and calorie crops. A barley/rye rotation followed by Maize/West African Pearl Millet provides grain to eat and a great deal of biomass/carbon for the garden. Potatoes harvested in the late spring followed by Sweet Potatoes harvested in the autumn provide calories. Avocados, Almonds and other nuts provide proteins and high quality fats. Here in our part of California, with land, water, and the desire, anyone can produce an abundance of food. Elsewhere depending on the climate producing a year round supply of fresh food is more problematic.

Akke,

I guess this leads me into a discussion of the “June Gap” in our ornamental garden. Since our California climate is amenable to year round fruit and vegetable production, a year round flower display should be equally possible. I think that I have been looking in the wrong direction for guidance with our ornamental garden. Plant species suitable for our hot, dry climate are a must. Recently, I have turned my attention to the many mountainous Meso American species that are relatively easy to grow in our climate. Salvia guaranitica blooms all summer and looks great right now. Salvia gesneriflora, S. cacaliifolia, and S. sinaloensis are all species I have grown in the past and they too will bloom all summer, or in the case of Slavia gesneriflora all winter. Salvia semiatrata grows in our front yard and it too blooms all winter. I needed to look closer at my seeds in the refrigerator. The other day, I found seeds for two forms of Salvia coccinea, a spectacular tall growing form of Salvia splendens, and Salvia praeclara. These have all been planted and have germinated.  On the subject of progress in the garden…  I have a number of on going vegetable trials this year. Two different lines of Lebanese Light Green Squash that I have developed out produce highly rated hybrid varieties. In addition, they are much more resistant to insect damage, Mosaic Virus, and heat stress. This is an example of the virtues of saving our own seed from plants in our gardens.

I enjoyed your photograph of the ant carrying away a Crocus seed. My attempt to get any of my Crocus to set seed failed again. Bummer! The Genus Tulipa continues to present challenges in our climate. Tulipa clusiana is easy and weedy, however others present more challenges. Slow progress is being made developing hybrids that require little winter chilling and have a high degree of disease tolerance. Another challenge with breeding Tulipa varieties in our garden is finding space to grow the plants that is amendable to their culture and the plants they share space with. Maybe, I can work them into the front yard gardening scheme.

How our climatic situations are different. You have Nemophila and Phacelia flowering. Here I have processed the seeds of our spring blooming California native annuals and have them under refrigeration until they are planted out in late September – early October. Seed of EA Celery and D’Avignon Radish will be ripen soon or is continuing to develop. Our token planting of Rye and Barley was a 100 % success! They have been harvested and the grain is now being threshed. Much more can be grown at our Placerville property next year.

Do you have a location where you can grow food crops? You mentioned strawberries and potatoes. I just did not get a good understanding of your situation.

Earlier in the week the weather was cool and there was some rain. The skies cleared and the weather turned hot and dry. The temperature reached 37.3 C at both the Placerville property and at our Sacramento home. Now, 12 June, it is overcast and raining again.



Mariette,

Your garden is amazingly beautiful, especially the color combinations of flowers and foliage. The soil looks very clay-like. If so, this must present challenges. Is the dry weather continuing? Here in California we have irrigation water for when there is no rain – like all summer into the autumn. During extreme drought even the reservoirs dry up and then it is a complete disaster.

It seems like your Diplacus pictus are now doing well. Diplacus pictus thrives in our garden. I could provide some cultural advice; however it seems that you have the situation well under control.

Rudi,

It looks like your woodland garden takes care of itself. Everything looks lush and flourishing.

Well…  I had a whole set of photographs to post but they disappeared, except one, an Erythranthe lewisii x cardinalis Yellow Flowered Form F1 hybrid. I have a whole range of color forms in the F1 group of plants. The F2 plants have flower buds and will be blooming very soon.

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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: MarcR on June 13, 2022, 06:37:43 PM
Robert,

Here in the mid-Willamette valley there is no June Gap. Daytime temperatures in the 70s F nights in the 40s and still getting rain.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Redmires on June 14, 2022, 12:32:04 PM
Pollinators on G. psilostemon hybrids?

I've never seen a bee on my G. 'Dragonheart' and I'm slightly puzzled. It's not that they just prefer other nearby plants, they give the Dragonheart a complete swerve, regardless of the local competition. I noticed today that another G. psilostemon-type in a nearby garden was being ignored whilst the bees were all over a nearby blue geranium. What are other forumists' experiences with this kind of geranium?
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 14, 2022, 03:23:21 PM
Hi Mark,

We are having the same general seesaw weather here in our part of California. Statistically this is not an unusual synoptic pattern for the west coast of North American during May and June. Some new changes are currently taking place. These changes are easy to see if one follows the changes in the flow of the jet stream on the 300mb Northern Hemisphere upper air map.

It sounds like there is no June Gap in your part of Oregon. The June Gap in our garden is more a function of my gardening choices and selection of plants. I will elaborate more on this and my solutions over time. Right now my wife and I have a busy day out in the world.

I hope that your garden is doing well.



Redmires,

Here in our part of California accelerating climatic changes are rapidly changing the behavior and populations of many insect species. Other rapidly changing environmental factors are also compounding these rapid behavioral changes and population shifts. Perhaps, similar changes are taking place in the UK. It will be interesting to learn what you discover in this regard. Plants too have to adjust to accelerating environmental changes. This is partly why I am back in agricultural and plant breeding. In California, the rapid changes are alarming. It is an emergency situation for those that understand what is taking place. Ian’s Young’s admonition to save seed and grow plants from our own garden seed is crucial.

Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Gabriela on June 14, 2022, 07:15:52 PM
From Anton Edwards ....

Painting with alpines.

It sounds about right!

Few garden regulars for June; already summer temperatures in SW ON, at times a bit too much.
Aconitum moldavicum, Dictamnus albus, Salvia pratensis and Clematis integrifolia.
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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: MarcR on June 14, 2022, 08:20:10 PM
Gabriela,

Very pretty

Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Herman Mylemans on June 15, 2022, 08:54:20 AM
It sounds about right!

Few garden regulars for June; already summer temperatures in SW ON, at times a bit too much.
Aconitum moldavicum, Dictamnus albus, Salvia pratensis and Clematis integrifolia.

Gabriela, nice and happy flowers  :)
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Gabriela on June 16, 2022, 10:17:41 PM
Thank you Marc and Herman. June is the month when all sun loving, colorful species look the best, and most of them were grown from seeds.
I am particularly fond on Dictamnus albus, it is a fantastic perennial but also for nostalgic reasons.

Few more colors with Iris sibirica, Papaver atlanticum 'Flore-Pleno' (it will flower until fall) and the first flower of P. bracteatum.

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Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Herman Mylemans on June 17, 2022, 08:10:53 AM
Thank you Marc and Herman. June is the month when all sun loving, colorful species look the best, and most of them were grown from seeds.
I am particularly fond on Dictamnus albus, it is a fantastic perennial but also for nostalgic reasons.

Few more colors with Iris sibirica, Papaver atlanticum 'Flore-Pleno' (it will flower until fall) and the first flower of P. bracteatum.

Gabriela, in our language Dictamus albus is called fireworks plant.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Leucogenes on June 17, 2022, 03:43:00 PM
Hi Robert

As always, I follow your reports in the background.... always with great interest and enthusiasm. As you know I am by now a big fan of the North American mountain flora. During my routine walk around the garden today, I made a whimsical discovery... currently blooming is a specimen of Eriogonum ovalifolium in a charming creamy white. Seeded 2020.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed that one flower has deciduous leaves forming in the middle of the flower.... exate shape and structure as at the base. I have never seen anything like this before.

Since you are an excellent connoisseur of native flora and have an excellent perception of small details, I would like to know if you have ever observed this phenomenon?

I find exactly these small things and details make gardening so infinitely delightful for me.

Thanks in advance and best regards
Thomas
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 17, 2022, 06:36:57 PM
Hi Thomas,

The somatic mutation on the Eriogonum ovalifolium is very fascinating. Very cool! I have never observed this type of somatic mutation on any of our local Eriogonum species (in the wild or our garden), however each season I always find a plant or two in our garden with a somatic or meiotic mutation. Most often the mutation is just an oddity, however sometimes with a creative mind there can be possibilities. Developing a mutation that takes a line of plants in a new direction is very rewarding, or at least it is for me. Depending on the situation, saving a desirable mutation can be challenging, but this is part of what makes gardening so fun and interesting.

What a keen eye! Thank you for sharing!

I have not been out botanizing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in many months. Hopefully I will be able to get out sometime in July. Now that the constraints of caregiving have ended for me, it is not surprising that I have drifted back into agriculture and plant breeding. My passion for agriculture started when I was very young. My grandfather was the superintendent of West Wind Farms, in Brentwood, California during the Great Depression. When I was young, all my mentors were farmers (Mr. Barrett) or involved in agriculture one way or another (Mr. Jones at the California Department of Agriculture). Mixed in there has always been an interest in ornamental species. Despite my passion for agriculture, I have no intention of giving up my pursuit of ornamental plants.

Yesterday, I was at the irrigation supply store and got into a conversation with one of the employees. He has an keen interest in California native plants species. This is easy to do when this person is not busy with other customers. We had a lively conversation about some of our local native Eriogonum species. Some species clearly thrive in our Sacramento garden and others species have possibilities. The topic of our native Primula species – or Dodecatheon – also came up. The lower elevation species also thrive in our Sacramento garden, however we both agreed that the high alpine species are gems. The question is how to develop these species so that they can actually be grown in our hot, dry, low elevation gardens. ??? This is very much a challenge, but also can be an adventure too. As you say, there is no end to the fascination with plants.

Thank for posting. If possible keep in touch. Here in the USA things are getting strange with expensive petro prices (this partly limits my ability to travel to the Sierra Nevada mountains). 1970’s type inflation in the USA is going to lead who knows where. ??? At least we have not had to contend with war on our own soil since 1865, unless one counts the attack on Pearl Harbor, or maybe 911.

Thomas, thank you again for the very interesting posting. Take Care!
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Leucogenes on June 17, 2022, 07:20:17 PM
Hi Robert

Thanks a lot  for the quick and extremely helpful reply. How much I still have to learn about the world of plants is shown by the fact that I didn't even know the term somatic mutation until now.

Here in Europe, if at all, the particularly small-growing representatives of the Eriogonum are popular. Admittedly...I also totally like them. But I also find the half-high Eriogonum very decorative...you have to protect them here in the wet winters, of course. But the small effort is definitely worth it in my eyes.

Here's another example of this multi-faceted genus. Eriogonum strictum (sowing 2020, wild seed from Tronson Ridge in Washington, 1700 meters).
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Gabriela on June 18, 2022, 01:46:10 AM
Thomas - your dedication to the Eriogonums (and others) is admirable!
I only had one in the rockery and perished after about 3 years, then didn't try to replace it. They are beautiful but not too easy in cultivation.

Gabriela, in our language Dictamus albus is called fireworks plant.

Herman, I guess in many languages the common name alludes to its inflammable properties. In English it is called gas plant or burning bush.
Other common names allude to the resemblance of its foliage with that of Fraxinus (ash tree); it is 'frasinel' in Romanian and very similar in French.
I also have young seedlings of the white flowered form, couldn't abstain to produce a few :) Our hot summers are very much on its liking.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Leucogenes on June 18, 2022, 07:33:37 AM
Robert

I have received more information on the mutant Eriogonum ovalifolium from my friend in Vancouver. Originally the seeds were collected in the Grasshopper Mountains near Princeton / BC. He also had this mutation on his flowers (photo).
Apparently it is anchored in the genetic material of the mother plant(?).
So I will take special care to harvest some seeds from it.


Gabriela

I too have lost some Eriogonum due to various influences. But that doesn't stop me from continuing to play the "advertising drum" for this genus. I just like the year-round interesting appearance. The flowers are a nice bonus. I guess that's where my obsession with New Zealand flora comes from, which will suffer especially on this extremely hot weekend.

I think my next step will be to join the Eriogonum Society to learn even more about this diverse genus.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 18, 2022, 04:57:08 PM
Hi Thomas,

From the information you have provided, it appears that the “mutation” you observed with Eriogonum ovalifolium might be part of the natural genetic variation within the genome of the species. It might also be a meiotic mutation that has established itself within a local ecotype of this species. Whatever it is, the mutation is part of the natural evolution of genomes of plants.

Great eye! Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

[attachimg=1]

I thought you might enjoy some of these photographs from our Sacramento garden.

This is Eriogonum elatum var. elatum from seed gathered in the Monitor Pass region of California. This species has been very easy to cultivate in our garden. The plants are 8 years old and still going strong.

[attachimg=2]

This is a young Eriogonum niveum. I like the silvery foliage of this species. Time will tell how easy this species is to cultivate in our garden.

[attachimg=3]

In our xeric garden Eriogonum grande var. rubescens and Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum are easy to cultivate in ordinary garden loam. The plants are over 10 years old and receive little or no summertime irrigation or rainfall.

[attachimg=4]

Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum is even easier to cultivate. Plants up at our Placerville property are well over 10 years old and still look great. They seem tolerant of xeric conditions as well as summertime irrigation.

Over many years, I have grown many plants of this subspecies from seed. There is some genetic variability within this subspecies. Interesting, but not noteworthy, variations have appeared.

[attachimg=5]

Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum is an attractive dwarf plant. Here it is blooming with Clarkia gracilis ssp. traceyi, a perfect California combination.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 18, 2022, 05:00:19 PM
Other plants from our garden…

[attachimg=1]

Penstemon deustus var. deustus grown from seed gathered in the Rockbound Pass region of California.

[attachimg=2]

This is one of many Lilium pardalinum hybrids in our garden.

[attachimg=3]

More variation within our Lilium pardalinum hybrids.

[attachimg=4]

A gold F1 Erythranthe cardinalis x lewisii hybrid.

[attachimg=5]

This red flowering F1 Erythranthe cardinalis x lewisii hybrid has large flowers and blooms profusely.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 18, 2022, 05:03:06 PM
[attachimg=1]

Trumpet Lilies are starting to bloom in our garden.

[attachimg=2]

The white Trumpet Lilies are often very fragrant.

[attachimg=3]

This is the first flowering of F1 generation Monardella breweri ssp. lanceolata. I gathered seed of this California native annual on Peavine Ridge, California. The foliage is wonderfully scented of mint and the flowers are very showy. I am looking forward toward incorporating this annual into our Oasis Garden.

[attachimg=4]

We also grow some nonnative species in our garden. Gladiolus dalenii grows well in our garden. I would not mind trialing other species, however I do have my hands full right now. I want to keep garden as a delight and not get overloaded with more than I can handle.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Mariette on June 21, 2022, 10:25:15 AM
So many attractive plants shown here! Erythranthe seems to be beautiful in all its forms, I admire Your hybridisation work with so many different species, Robert!

Albuca virens flowers two years after sowing.

(https://up.picr.de/43855378aj.jpg)

Veratrum maackii var. parviflorum is the first of the genus to flower in my garden.

(https://up.picr.de/43855380cw.jpg)

The green flowers are not especially showy, but it´s a plant of graceful habit.

(https://up.picr.de/43855381lk.jpg)

This is the colour I imagine the true Geranium pratense ´Mrs Kendall Clark´ may have had - I wonder if this variety is still in existance.

(https://up.picr.de/43855377ob.jpg)

Robert, You´re perfectly right about our soil, the picture shows the upper layers. The topsoil is dark due to the content of humus, but based on the 7 m clay below, the kind of which tiles were produced here in the past. Therefore, the thin layer of topsoil may store water for a long time, but when dried out, we lack connection to groundwater. This is why, for example, even deep-rooting trees like walnut and cherry had their leaves drooping already in May this year. Plants able to survive under these conditions have to be able to stand extreme drought as well as wet feet for a long time of the year - unfortunately, there are comparatively few. But I like to test new ones every year. For instance, one year I ordered seed of several species of eriophyllum, hoping they might get along in the cracks of our terrace´s pavement, but they didn´t.
I´m always grateful for advice, which is Yours concerning diplacus?

(https://up.picr.de/43855376ou.jpg)

Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 21, 2022, 09:28:23 PM
Dear friends,
thank you all for showing us all these beautiful plants from your gardens.
We suffered from very hot weather, the peak temperature was 38° at last
sunday - ideal conditions for high mountain plants. Now it is a bit cooler, but
I fear for similar or even higher temperatures in the next weeks.
Is it maybe better to replace most of our alpines with steppe plants and
cactii and other succulents?
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 21, 2022, 09:29:48 PM
More pictures:
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 21, 2022, 10:17:24 PM
Hi Mariette,

While viewing the photograph of your soil profile, I thought, what a challenge to garden with these soil conditions. You do remarkably well considering the challenges. Does the clay subsoil and rock impact the growth of the perennial species you grow? It seems like soggy soil conditions during the winter and spring could be an important issue with some perennial species.

The soil at our Placerville, California property has a similar profile. The underlying rock is serpentine and in places the soil drains very poorly. Fortunately the clay is mostly kaoinite. When the soil has a high carbon content it grows good crops and fruit trees providing the areas drain well.

My Erythranthe hybrids are a work in progress. I am working with a number of different Erthryanthe species with different goals in mind. It takes time until good results are achieved. I am so pleased that I have my garden projects up and going again after a 10-15-year pause to care for sick and dying parents. I hope that we can all stay in contact with one another. I think that there will be some that will be interested in the future results. I also work with edible fruits, small fruits, and vegetables and these projects are continuing where I left off 15-years ago. This Forum is about ornamental gardening, however someone will likely want to hear about the results with these plants too.

I like the Geranium pretense ‘Mrs. Kendall Clark’. At one time I grew many Geranium species and varieties. They seemed to do well despite the heat. Recently, I found a few more growing at the Placerville property and have moved them to our Sacramento garden. It is so much hotter now than it was 25 years ago! We shall see how they do.

I have more time on the weekends to write. I will describe how I grow Diplacus pictus and make a posting at this time.

Hi Rudi,

I just saw your latest posting. It is currently 38 C outside as I write this. This is typical late June and summertime weather for us in our part of California. It will not cool until the end of September. It must be very difficult contending with such heat when it comes infrequently and the garden is not set up to deal with the heat and maybe dry weather too? We have irrigation water. I understand in Europe, many garden by what farmers in California call “dry farming” i.e. no irrigation. The new challenges might provide new opportunities; at least this is how I view our situation here in our part of California.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 23, 2022, 09:28:48 PM
Hi Robert,
we are not used to such high temperatures and reduce our activities during these days.
Most of the plants in the garden by th house get watered, but we leave our garden in the meadows
unwatered. Only new planted plants there are sometimes watered until they are established. Early
spring is the best time for it.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Leucogenes on June 25, 2022, 07:21:46 AM
Hello Robert

Thank you for the beautiful pictures of your Eriogonum and all the other stunning plants in your garden.

You will have a lot of pleasure with the Eriogonum niveum...I promise you that. I have this species too. The silvery foliage is very attractive. In combination with the white flowers, it's a really gorgeous plant.

One of my favourites is Eriogonum kennedyi var. alpigenum, which has developed very well with a small cover against winter wetness. The dense foliage forms beautiful cushions.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Leucogenes on June 25, 2022, 08:00:20 AM
Hello Rudi

The climatic changes are indeed making it more and more difficult to cultivate the high alpine treasures that we have learned to appreciate and love in the past.

Probably even more so in your hot south-west than here in the north-east.

But just as Robert mentioned, it also offers an opportunity for species that we have hardly tried here so far.

For example, Monardella macrantha from California, which has felt visibly at home in my rock garden for two years.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Anders on June 25, 2022, 12:27:14 PM
Shelagh, I totally agree with you. I got Tulipa sprengeri from Copenhagen Bot a few years ago and now is it well established in the garden, I absolute do not mind it seeding around. Likewise for Tulipa sylvestris that spreads both by seeds and stolons.

Anders
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: MarcR on June 25, 2022, 11:14:37 PM
It is now 28.8C [83F] here in western Oregon. I'm irrigating twice a day.
With all the June rain we got, Lupin, Trilliun and other Spring wildflowers are still blooming.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 26, 2022, 06:46:56 PM
Hi Mariette,

This is how I start the majority of my California native annual species, including Diplacus pictus. For the best results, I sow the seeds late September to late October. In the low elevation areas of interior California, this is when the weather generally starts to cool and the first rainfall after the summer drought begins. In wild habitats, this is when seeds of native annuals would germinate naturally. I sow the seeds in 19 mm soil blocks using a soil blocker. With tiny seeds such as Diplacus pictus, I generally sow 3 or 4 seeds per block. I cover the depression in the soil block where the seeds settle with fine-sifted garden compost. I do not worry if all the seeds germinate; they generally all grow extremely well together. As the seeds germinate and grow, I plug the 19 mm blocks with the small seedlings into 50.8 mm soil blocks. As they grow larger, I transplant them into the ground, large tubs, or other containers. The soil in the containers and the open ground is rich, well-composted loam. This is the same soil in which I grow my vegetables, fruit trees and small fruits, such as strawberries. My soil block mix consists of 3 parts peat, 2 parts perlite, 1 part garden soil, and 2 parts cured compost from our compost piles. To this mix I add some lime, alfalfa meal, bone meal, and kelp meal. This is basically the same soil block mix that Eliot Coleman uses, so you can look it up on the Internet if you want more information. I never protect the seedlings from cold weather. Low temperatures rarely fall below -6.5 C at our Placerville property, and low temperatures rarely fall below -2.0 C at our Sacramento home. In their native habitats, some of the California native annuals I grow endure colder wintertime temperatures and periods of time when snow covers the ground for a week or more.

I have extremely good results growing our California native annuals using the above stated system. I also grow populations of plants, as large as possible. 20 to 25 plants is a minimum; however 50 or more is better. I also save all of my own seed and develop specific seeds lines with characteristics that I like. Saving seeds from just a few individual plants can lead to problems, even with inbreeding plants such as Lupinus. There are methods to get around the 20-25 plants limit; however this would require a lengthy discussion.

Hi Thomas,

You grow some very fine Eriogonum species. With how many species have conducted trials? Do you grow any of the rosette forming species such as Eriogonum nudum? It seems like you have a goodly amount of experience with a spectrum of species. It is rewarding that there is such a variety of Eriogonum species available to gardeners in Europe.

I one have one plant of Eriogonum niveum. I would be happier with a small population to get a better idea how this species preforms in our garden.

As Marc mentioned in his recent posting we too are experiencing hot weather here in Northern California. Daily high temperatures are running about 38 C. This type of weather is not unusual in our part of California during late June. The 00 UTC vapor pressure deficit has been running about 40 g/m3 (I convert the VPD to grams per cubic meter for my own convenience). Last July there were days when the vapor pressure deficit was nearly 60 g/m3. This was extreme and the need to irrigate was great. Currently it is hot, but thankfully it is not extreme.

[attachimg=1]

Currently a number of Lilium henryi x ‘Louise’ are blooming.

[attachimg=2]

Lilium henryi x ‘Louise’ performs well in our garden. The plants are very heat tolerant, resistant to virus infection, and long-lived.

[attachimg=3]

The first of the F2 Erythranthe lewisii x cardinalis hybrids are beginning to bloom.

[attachimg=4]

This chance Digitalis minor x purpurea hybrid is turning out to be a fine plant. This is the second flush of flowers on this plant. Unfortunately, this plant appears to be female sterile. In addition, I lost my line of Digitalis minor. Hopefully I can find more seed of this species in the future. I am hoping this plant will be, at least, a short lived perennial.

[attachimg=5]

Oenothera biennis is weedy in our garden, however I would not want to be without this species. The flowers open in the evening and are delightfully fragrant. In the early morning when I am out checking on the garden, the flowers are still open and fragrant. What a delight! In addition, all parts of this species are edible. The roots are large and very flavorful. The young leaves also taste good, raw or cooked. The seeds can be eaten and also produce a highly nutritious oil.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 26, 2022, 06:48:10 PM
[attachimg=1]

Many, many years ago when we had a few visitors at our Placerville garden, during the spring a large striking specimen of Ferula sp. would always attract a great deal of attention. I do not grow Ferula in our Sacramento garden, however I do grow Apium graveolens, Celery. For me, Celery is a striking ornamental when it is in bloom. The 2-meter tall flowering plants will bloom for a month or more. I grow and save seed from a select strain I received from Ecology Action. This strain is no longer available so I keep it going myself. The plants produce more seed than I need. The extra seed is quite delicious to eat. When the plants are young, the celery stocks can be harvested all winter into the early spring. Juice made from the celery stocks is very high in minerals and is excellent to use when making salt-free pickled vegetables. I make salt-free pickled vegetables all the time. The seeds are also good in pickled vegetables. In our garden, Celery is an excellent substitute for Ferula.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Maggi Young on June 26, 2022, 09:24:16 PM


Many, many years ago when we had a few visitors at our Placerville garden, during the spring a large striking specimen of Ferula sp. would always attract a great deal of attention. I do not grow Ferula in our Sacramento garden, however I do grow Apium graveolens, Celery. For me, Celery is a striking ornamental when it is in bloom. The 2-meter tall flowering plants will bloom for a month or more. I grow and save seed from a select strain I received from Ecology Action. This strain is no longer available so I keep it going myself. The plants produce more seed than I need. The extra seed is quite delicious to eat. When the plants are young, the celery stocks can be harvested all winter into the early spring. Juice made from the celery stocks is very high in minerals and is excellent to use when making salt-free pickled vegetables. I make salt-free pickled vegetables all the time. The seeds are also good in pickled vegetables. In our garden, Celery is an excellent substitute for Ferula.

More useful information from you, Robert - thank you!
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 27, 2022, 04:21:23 PM
Hi Maggi,

Thank you for the kind comment. The integration of edible and ornamental plants in our garden is advancing into new and very exciting territory. There is much for me to share as I explore new plant species as well as reassess common plants and work with them in creative new ways. There is something new and exciting in our garden everyday. Other Forumist have their perspectives and experiences to share too. It just takes an expanding mind. Horticulture can advance into creative new unexplored realms.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: ruweiss on June 27, 2022, 08:58:10 PM
Thomas,
your Monardella looks beautiful, you can be proud, to have such a plant.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Rick R. on June 28, 2022, 12:51:58 AM
Many Lilium bulbs are quite good to eat, too.  I've tried the flower buds, buy much prefer Daylilies.  I am especially partial to the open flowers of Hemerocallis citrina, and the inferior ovary that looks like the flower stem is the best part!

This is my Lilium 'Louise'.
[attach=1]

It appears neither of us have the real deal, according to the RHS Lily Register
[attach=2]
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Stefan B. on June 28, 2022, 07:08:23 AM
It blooms beautifully now in my garden. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/19XS1FM.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/s9qKaaa.jpg)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Graham Catlow on June 28, 2022, 02:22:00 PM
Visited Bo’mains Meadow today to see the Greater Butterfly Orchid, Platanthera chlorantha.
This is a meadow managed by The Scottish Wildlife Trust and is on the outskirts of Bo’ness and a five minute drive from my home. The Northern part of the meadow is a former reservoir that has been filled in. The Southern part has been undisturbed for many years and has the main population of this butterfly orchid.
The meadow is grazed during the winter by Shetland Cattle and sheep.

[attachimg=1]
The Southern Meadow

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]
Butterfly Orchid with the Common Spotted Orchid
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: kris on June 28, 2022, 04:47:16 PM
Two plants that flower now in the garden
1.Allium carolinianum
2.Cypripedium regina alba
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Robert on June 28, 2022, 11:53:50 PM
Many Lilium bulbs are quite good to eat, too.  I've tried the flower buds, buy much prefer Daylilies.  I am especially partial to the open flowers of Hemerocallis citrina, and the inferior ovary that looks like the flower stem is the best part!

This is my Lilium 'Louise'.
(Attachment Link)

It appears neither of us have the real deal, according to the RHS Lily Register
(Attachment Link)

Hi Rick,

Dahlia tubers are edible too. I have never eaten any. I will give them a try sometime. I generally have plenty of extra tubers in the autumn. I have eaten lily bulbs. I guess it is good to know that they are edible, however I was not impressed by the flavor. Daylilies are much better.  :)

All my Lilium 'Louise' are hybrids with Lilium henryi. They date back to the 1990's when I was doing a lot of lily breeding. I will have to see if I can find the records on these hybrids. Right now I have time to work with Oriental Lilies. My goal is to
'go backward' to create tough disease resistant plants that look much more like a wild species. Lilies for the cut flower trade is not my thing at all.
Title: Re: June 2022, Northern Hemisphere.
Post by: Mariette on June 30, 2022, 04:48:35 PM
Kris, Your Cypripedium reginae alba is very beautiful, and I like the wild orchids in their natural setting shown by Graham Catlow equally well. Last Sunday we visited a local site where orchids grow wild, but found only 25% of the species in bloom we noticed 3 years ago. Obviously, spring was too dry.

Stefan, this colourful insect likes to visit the flowers of Myrrhis odorata in my garden, it´s common here since several years, too.Very pretty!

Robert, thank You so much for Your explanations concerning the culture of diplacus! Only one of the 4 seedlings of D. pictus which germinated did well enough to produce some seed, at least I hope so. Following Your advice I´ll try to get more seed to avoid inbreeding.
The first flower of a D. grandiflorus seedling will open the next days, yet the plants look a bit chlorotic. As I found no special requirements concerning pH for this species, I wonder what to do.
Eschscholzia californica self-seeds on my allotment, and the strongest plants are those which germinated in autumn. Usually our winters - I´m living in the area we call Niederrhein - are very mild, so it may work with other Californian annuals, too.
This is a perennial which may be of culinary value, too: Dystaenia takesimana isn´t, of course, as showy as Apium graveolens in flower, but the Korean Celery does well in my garden, with  Thalictrum przewalkii to the left.

(https://up.picr.de/43909357pw.jpg)

Veratrum album is in flower now.

(https://up.picr.de/43909355oz.jpg)

Veratrum syn. Melanthium virginicum as well.

(https://up.picr.de/43909358ce.jpg)

Years ago, there was a kind of June- or July-gap in my garden, too, when my favourites, peonies and roses, finished flowering. Since then I looked for plants to continue the show, in this case Aconitum napellus and Galega x hartlandii Alba.

(https://up.picr.de/43909356tn.jpg)

Robert, what may look like rock in the clay here is actually sheer clay, easily forming into solid structures. There are no rocks in our area, neither above nor below.
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