Last Post 1570 days 18 hours ago
31 January 2009 19:37:05
Sowing
Got started with sowing today, assisted briefly by my little helper.
Sowed my six different types of tomato, aubergines and aquilegia chocolate soldier (thank you Alison).
I also sowed some liquidambar seeds again - I had no luck with these last year but, well ... this is another year!
31 January 2009 11:02:44
Seeds
My seed order arrived yesterday so I am rearing to go.
Usually I start germinating too early, with the result that my annuals get held up (not potted on quickly enough or hardened off early enough) so they grow lanky and often break. This year I will try to learn from that mistake.
The two papier maché dolls in the picture were made by my 8 and 6 year old sons for me for Christmas. The note they supplied read "the Hopi of soutwest America made Kachina dolls, like these ones, to bring water and help their crops, plants and flowers grow".
Whew, I hope this hasn't been the cause of the recent storms : )
The Alan Titchmarsh box of plant labels was a birthday present from my 15 year-old son. I know he paid a small fortune for it. Both presents were organised by my thoughtful and only daughter.
25 January 2009 20:46:29
Daffodils
We tarmaced the drive in 2007. But still my daffodils are managing to break through the tarmac.
I should probably kill them to preserve it but I don't have the heart...
25 January 2009 20:44:12
Camelia
My camelia has nice fat flower buds, bursting with spring promise!
25 January 2009 20:41:37
Echeveria
I (perhaps unwisely) bought my echeveria last summer in full flower. It has since decided to die on me. Did I read somewhere that some succulents do this after flowering!?!
Anyway, I attempted to take cuttings, using instructions from a magazine, and placed leaves in a pot of cactus compost. I hope the plant was not too far gone. I wonder should I put plastic over the pot to keep it moist? I thought, maybe not, given that the plant itself doesn't like too much moisture. Fingers crossed!
22 January 2009 22:48:07
What is it?
I recently acquired a number of house plants. They are in a state of bad neglect, with very pale leaves. I cut off any bad bits and watered them well but would like to know if anyone can give me any further advice.
I am not sure of the names of some of them either (particularly this large sorry looking succulent) so your help would be much appreciated.Individual photos are in my "acquired house plants" album.
The Clivia (label was attached) had one flower, when I got it, but the flower spike has since turned yellow and collapsed, letting the flower flop - not a good sign, at a guess!
All advice welcome.
22 January 2009 22:32:32
Storm Damage
The internet connection has finally been fixed after the storm on 17 January.
The internet wasn't the only casualty, however.
This tree began to lean last year. I couldn't get the stake in near enough so we dug up and replanted it, with two stakes, last autumn. The winds actually broke one of the stakes in two.
10 January 2009 17:27:14
Surprise
I returned from Sardinia last night and was so depressed to see the garden looking mournful in the dark. It can be hard to muster enthusiasm at this time of year. This morning I went out the back to shake out the tablecloth and got such a delightful surprise! The frame of my greenhouse is already up!
The company doing it for me said they wouldn't be able to do the job until the end of January. What a wonderful lift to see my garden's "engine room" emerge unexpectedly from nowhere.
My husband and eldest son had noticed the greenhouse earlier in the day but decided to let me discover it myself.
12 Jan 2009
Some nuts and bolts got broken during assembly so I've had to contact Lenehans (who supplied the greenhouse) and they've contacted Elite (the supplier) in UK and I should have my nuts and bolts by Wednesday free of charge. So hopefully I will have my greenhouse soon.