13,520 Garden Web Discussions | Perennials
Campanula...I have a big bush of Ribes odoratum.... which I think is the same as aureum... it's just about my favourite deciduous shrub... I grew Rehmannia's years ago and really must do so again at some point...
...talking of buttercups, or Celandines I should say, what do you think of Ranunculus ficaria 'brazen hussy'...? it's self seeding all over the place here and I understand the seedlings are often inferior, so I pull them up.... I love it on one hand, but fear its seeding on the other.... this garden isn't really suitable for too much of that...
..actually...I'm going to get rid of them...
Guys according to some research getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels ��" contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system.
Here is a link that might be useful: Why Gardening Makes You Happy
I never wore gloves while gardening until I got a cut and an infection. The dirt under the nails is another issue altogether. I wear fabric gloves now but they don't keep the dirt out. My solution is to wear a pair of the thin plastic gloves under the garden gloves. It's fussy but keeps your hands clean.
There's probably no way to be certain, though it could be covered in the Timber Press book on Agapanthus. Given the English name, it's likely just another selection of the Headbourne hybrids. But, IMHO, it would be incorrect to call it A. campanulatus 'Balmoral' unless it were 100% certain it was only derived from that species. The article linked above says the Headbournes started with a "mixed" lot of seeds from South Africa. Other alpine species could have contributed, like Agapanthus patens. I have an A. patens from the late great Seneca Hill Nursery I one day want to cross with some other Agapanthus.
The loderis were probably a bad example in some ways, as commercially they are referred to in every possible way: just 'King George', or 'Loderi King George' or X loderi 'King George'. 99% of American rhododendron collectors in discussion or personal correspondance would just call it 'King George'. The official RHS registration might well be 'Loderi King George', but that sort of a naming wouldn't be permitted these days.
Campanula. Biokovo does have a strong scent....very much like pine. I rather like it, but I can see where it might be offensive if located too close to the house. I love it for its form. The bloom period isn't very long, but the fact that it is evergreen makes up for that.
patty...not sure if you are close to Ashville but this nursery is great for Geraniums http://www.sandymushherbs.com/
-catkin, I believe she said it was Pomponette Mix Bellis. I totally forget what time of the year I sowed them. Perhaps late spring, after she gathered/sent to me???
I've actually pulled out a good deal of them. They are great in an open space, but bothersome planted near more delicate perennials. Those buggers are difficult to extricate once they've sown themselves in the middle of other plants!
CMK
Thanks, everybody! I'm going to get a couple of the 'Bonfire' cultivar; I'm going with orangey, peachy, tangeriney colors this year. Hmmmm, sounds like an orchard, doesn't it? I've got a patio that gets morning sun and a screened porch that filters brighter light all the time. Perfect spots for begonias.
I'm planning on growing them throughout the winter, after a serious haircut. I believe that all of the B. boliviensis cultivars are under patent protection, so won't be taking any cuttings.
Kevin's mums did the same thing for me. These very wet frozen winters has had me worried about mums thou. But they could over winter in a pot. Think it's time to order.
ryseryse - I think they have a printable order form or you just write up your order and mail with check the old fashion way. Faribaults is a good trustable source.
I would go for the sunnier spot for Phlox. Don't expect much the first year, but they get more impressive every year. In dry California mildew is not usually a problem, but all mine are on drip watering so the foliage rarely gets wet. Al
...I planted eranthis a few weeks ago and most have disappeared, - rotted probably, but a few are in flower... however I think they're a rapid spreader, so maybe just a few are needed to move things along...
...Chionodoxa's and Squills I love...but see so many around here that makes me think...better in theirs than in mine....
....I have a pretty 'weed' to post, in a day or two....
I have several of the australis in my beds and another whose name I can't remember. I love the plants. They take little care and I have shared small seedlings with many folks. Once established, they are almost impossible to move so. Plan to use some foliage with cut flowers as some have suggested.
Thank you for enabling me, Ninamarie!