Identification, please.

Hello all

Question here from a part-time, but enthusiastic gardener.

The first year I moved into our house, we had some lovely flowers in the shady front garden. At the time, I was told that they were Lady's something or other.

The following year, in my eagerness to impose myself on my new land, I over-enthusiastically tidied up everything, including those beautiful plants, it would seem.

I would love to re-plant them. Any ideas what they were?

[ 03. January 2006, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: Atticus ]

 

Possibly 'Nodding Ladies' Tresses' Spiranthes cernua
Link to photos and some info.

RHS A-Z gives

"Spiranthes: - Cultivation

Cool-growing orchids. Under glass grow in terrestrial orchid compost in bright filtered light. In growth, water freely and apply fertilizer at every third third watering. Keep almost dry and frost-free when dormant. Outdoors plant hardy species, when dormant, in moist but well drained, fertile, humus rich, leafy soil in a sheltered site in partial shade. Provide a deep, dry winter mulch in frost prone areas.

Propagation:

Divide tubers when dormant"

Min temp for container grown plants is 2C or 36F so would need frost protection if naturalised.

 

What about Cardamine Pratensis- Lady's Smock
Or
Alchemilla- Lady's Mantle

 

Thanks all

Looking into these - Lady's Smock looks promising...

Atticus

 

:D I han't thought of Lady's Smock! If it is then it will quite likely have self seeded and come back without any encouragement. Can be a persitent perenial weed but the spring leaves are edible and can be used in salads. Tastes something like watercress.

[ 03. January 2006, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: frogesque ]