General Gardening Discussion

I just looked at my prepared hyacinth bulbs which are in bowls in a dark cupboard and was pleased to see they are starting to shoot. A sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner. I must get to the shops...

Sallyann, thanks for the reassuring message. The fourth-floor terrace certainly can't compete with a welsh mountain-top! I've just put some vermivulite over the top of the soil to help keep it warm and will leave it alone for now - it's still flowering away!

may be lack of acidity

You're welcome Smiler - sorry for the late reply - I've only just checked in

Yes pretty interesting Morrey, bit like a mini e-bay

No problem, it happens sometimes , I'll move it into here for you .Nathan.

The only reason I looked on there is hat my partners mother has one, and she broke it. great mugs for garden use, especially as they have the lid/saucer.Nathan.

Many thanks both, I'm on clay also.

Thanks folks,I will now plant them in my tubs and probably put them in the greenhouse when it gets really cold, it tends to do that up here :D I am looking forward to seeing what I get. I will tell you about them in the spring if they survive!

I would agree with Liz - if lavender is doing well, and nothing else, it is likely to be water problems as well feeding - so tis either change the conditions by irrigation plus organic matter or grow the kind of plants that thrive in sunny dry conditions but add still add some feeding- and there...

Thanks guys, I knew I could rely on you. I hope the messager has seen the thread.

Thanks both, I will be going out to pinch and sniff shortly.

I agree with above digging is the only way and you may find it stubborn especially if it starts amongst established plants, like raspberries. I still have the odd shoot after 30 years.

Hi Nik,That triple came from a packet of double brugmansia seeds I bought this year.I am having trouble getting the plants to set seed this year and only have two pods on about 25 plants.

Thanks I will be patient (although that is not my strong point) I will let you know how things progressSusan

I've had this problem too. I bought some very pretty colchicum this year which I am delighted with, they flower really close to the ground and really do look like their name- Waterlily. They wre more expensive than the singles but each bulb has produced at least 3 flowers, so they look excellent...

Hi BluebellI'm new to gardening and could you just clearify one thing for me please:When you said you have planted primroses, primulas etc..Do you leave gaps inbetween the plants for when the bulbs starts to grow? or you just plant the bulbs underneath the primroses etc..hoping they will...

'As green fingered as... a Martian with septicaemia' . Stephen Fry. [ 19. October 2005, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Tortuosa ]

Good to hear - tis a lovely shrub, and will take hacking back hard to keep in shape if thats whats wanted and will tolerate partial shade. I have one ordinary philadelphus that I just allow to grow thinning occassionally, and one golden form that I keep pruned under a hawthorn tree - and it...

Laying ground cover matting is definately the way to go if you are starting with empty beds, it's a bit fiddly to lay around estabised plants (especially thorny ones!) but often worth the effort. We use 'phormisol' which we buy (by the metre, off wide rolls) from www.lbsgardendirect.co.uk ...