General Gardening Discussion

Lowest for essex was 5, but may think about getting in my summer bananas cause the leaves might crisp. Not sure if the nights are long enough now for frosts are they? I need a fleece that stretches from corner to corner, or one of those stadium roofs that close up. [ 29. May 2006, 12:26 PM:...

Oh thank you folks. You are kind. Actually I had shingles in my mouth. Not a pleasant experience and taking a while for me to get over it.But you'll be pleased to know, despite mostly being on the floor, the beans are coming along very nicely! Nice and tender sweet!

As Pete says, Springy, use peat when planting. A lot of heathers want poor soil to do well, that is , without too much nutrient. So check the species`you are growing and adjust the soil accordingly.

@strongylodon - thanks , did not see any in a couple of smaller local garden centers and did try going into a large one but even on a weekday afternoon it was rammed full so we just turned around and left as it just looked too risky for us, will have to wait until the new year when things...

thanx for the information...i never thought of it!i hope i would get someone in birmingham with such an offer

Steve. Just to let you know that all three types you sent have a least 5 germinated. The Montana have germinated profusely. :D

Thanks Gaz, They are Agave americana (one plain and one variegated) so I will give it a try. Thanks for the advice.GF.

No it's not an aloe vera. My vera produces offsets like its nobody's business. I knew I shouldn't have let it meet the neighbour's rabbit. If anyone wants one ever, give me a shout.

Thanks Steve I was wondering with the seasons changing if the flowering time had altered they would have to be at their warmest to flower so would need to be inside at the coldest time of the year something I could not do with my s.nicolai,looks like it will have to enjoyed for its foliage in...

:lollol:

Dendro :D :DFletch ... hate to say it, but you're not in Scotland ... think (and I may be wrong) it's a wee bit colder there!

Cool, I must do an update pic of Vicky's plant-let 'Vlad the Impaler' !:hehe:

I did think of removing the offsets but I didn't want to disturb things too much, might even remove another paving slab and give it more space. I like the natural look with most things. Know what you mean about the snails, they tend to leave their mark on my aloes, just enough damage to ruin...

Hi Terrier. Sorry I can't really help I have never grown this. However I have grown Agastache rupestris which may be close. It looks similar and comes from the same part of the world - N Mexico and South USA. I suspect that it is not hardy. My RHS book says half-hardy for both barberi and...

Marley, thanks for the help, yes I will keep them in pots then I can move them around [or OH will!]Well they are on order and I am getting some free daffs coming too so I will be busy :hehe:When I told FIL he said "Oh, they are treated almost as weeds in New Zealand" :skp:I just...

Hi 02 bit of info for Delphiniums failing from seed, 1) Keeping the soil too wet. 2) Sowing the seed too deeply. Seeds should only be covered with approximately 1/8" of soil. 3) Trying to germinate old seed. Delphinium seed loses its vitality after one year.Try the Pacific Giants variety;...

They are usually ripe when the pod turns white and papery,as Vicky says, they will fall out fairly quick so gather them as soon as you see them.

looking greatSpruce

@NigelJ ,@strongylodon , thanks for the reassurance . We have had a very mild winter here as well. The only thing I can do now is wait and see . Planting dry root plants never fills me with confidence as it seems you are planting some dead sticks !The description on the three varieties I have...

From memory I don't think Aga[anthus like being disturbed? I also doubt they will compete with Couch grass etc ... Perhaps put down weed suppressing membrane, leaving an X-shaped slit where each plant is, and let them grow through that, hand weeding any grass etc. that comes through the hole.