545 replies to this topic

[chris13]

What variety of rhubarb? I only have one plant but it is good and doesn't bolt. (Timperley Early)

 

Afraid I don't know the variety (hangs head in shame). The root was acquired from a neighbour and I split it up into about half a dozen plants but none of them get very big. Perhaps I should treat myself to new plants. However now that you mention it Norway, my plants don't bolt either.

 

Must admit to never having been a natural gardener but I do like to see it looking reasonably tidy. If I ever use Latin names it is because better half has told me what it is.

[Norway]

Same here. Mum was a lecturer in horticulture - I didn't half get it in the neck if I didn't know an aquilegia from an aquaduct!

[chris13]

 

What variety of rhubarb? I only have one plant but it is good and doesn't bolt. (Timperley Early)

 

We have a rhubarb plant that isn't. It's one of those ones that looks like rhubarb, sprouts at an alarming rate, and has decided to plonk itself in the middle of our driveway. Weed or not?

 

 My better half thinks it may be a Gunnera. After all she was a 'Gardiner' before we were married.

 

Edit. According to the late Geoffrey Smith ( at one time a Gardeners World presenter) a weed is any plant growing where you don't want it to grow.

[Norway]

The really rare violet-horned poppies appear to be coming up - I have four. Fingers crossed!

[chris13]

I was interested to read your note, Norway,  that Pasque flowers are endangered. Some have set seed in our garden and they generally grow and flower relatively well.

[Norway]

Perhaps it is in the wild that they are endangered. My plant does OK and sets seed,but I don't get very many new plants (but this may be due to my uninformed weeding!)

[Aquarelle]

I am still waiting for my new brush cutter to arrive so the grass in some parts of the garden is now taller than me. As it rained I decided the earth must be soft enough to pull some of it out - and it was. The snails have eaten all my little yellow and orange flowers we call "soucis" here and I haven't the heart to stop them. 

 

Some  things have cheered me this year - lots and lots of wild meadow flowers growing in the wilder parts of the garden and more bees than we have had for a long time. Also more butterflies.

[jim palmer]

Have admired one of these growing in my local park, managed to find it in Burncoose Nursery catalogue.

Any guesses from horticultural ladies? I'd love one of these on my window sill 

http://www.burncoose...rch=red flowers

 

[LoneM]

Callistemon Red Clusters, aka Australian Bottlebrush. Might grow a bit big for a windowsill!

[jim palmer]

Callistemon Red Clusters, aka Australian Bottlebrush. Might grow a bit big for a windowsill!

Yes, best in a conservatory or sheltered garden. It's certainly doing well in a fairly sheltered spot by the cafe in Vauxhall Park London.

[Norway]

First raspberries are ripe - a whole month early!