International Rock Gardener e-magazine

[cohan]

My understanding of this 4C temperature is that typical stratification requirements are for a period of cold but not freezing temperatures? Not counting those that need freeze/thaw to break tough seed coats or inhibitors...

See here, Cohan:
http://nargs.org/smf/index.php?topic=274.msg12949#msg12949

Thanks, Rick, that's exactly what I have read elsewhere..  Note- winter here is certainly mostly below freezing for months here, but there are months in fall and spring with temps at night and/or ground level with temps not getting far above freezing.. I haven't yet done much experimenting with local species, but I think, like most places, various species have various strategies...

[Harold Peachey]

I always thought that germination/stratification temperatures referred to soil (medium) temperatures so temporal fluctuating air temperatures were misleading.

[Hoy]

According to Norwegian literature regarding stratification, the most effective temperature is about 5C.

The endogenous dormancy of seeds have several reasons but one is induced by the hormone abscisic acid and ended by the hormone gibberellic acid. This makes it necessary to have a certain metabolic activity.

[RickR]

I always thought that germination/stratification temperatures referred to soil (medium) temperatures so temporal fluctuating air temperatures were misleading.

Exactly right. Air temperature can only be used insofar as to help generalize what ground temps might be.  Without the knowledge of actual soil temperature, we must realize that air temperature is only one of the factors that affects soil temps.

[RickR]

According to Norwegian literature regarding stratification, the most effective temperature is about 5C.

That's very interesting, Trond.  If you happen across the data again, I'd be interested in which types of seeds/germination modes were tested.

[Hoy]

According to Norwegian literature regarding stratification, the most effective temperature is about 5C.

That's very interesting, Trond.  If you happen across the data again, I'd be interested in which types of seeds/germination modes were tested.

Ok, I'll keep it in mind.
I found this however, but it is about seeds from forest trees (Abies, Pinus etc).
http://www.skogfroverket.no/Web/Froverksdrift/forbehandling.htm

[IMYoung]

Two years of IRG completed :
 the December issue of IRG is now online.

A slight departure from our usual format, as you will discover; there is a calendar for you to print out.  
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/index.php?log=international

Thanks to all our contributors and helpers over the year and to those who have given encouragement.
To Glassford Sprunt and Richard Green for their proof-reading, Maggi gives particular thanks.

Glassford continues to prepare the IRG Index and the up to date index for all 24 issues is included in the December 2011 issue.

With kindest regards for a Good New Year  from Maggi, ZZ and JI

edit to add cover photo.....

[cohan]

A lovely calendar- no surprise there

[IMYoung]

 Aw, shucks! Thank you Cohan    Just thought it would be fun!

    m

[Hoy]

Thank you Cohan for bringing this  site up! I hadn't looked at it for a while!
And thank you Maggi and all who have contributed to this beautiful magazine! I have now printed the calendar too 

[IMYoung]

Welcome to a new year of IRG.

The January issue is now online, beginning with a look back to some plants that are popular now as they were forty years ago. Some  things never change, it seems.

Grahame Ware explores his affection for a little snapdragon and Fritz Kummert shares his delight in an unassuming Idaho native. 



Ranunculus haastii... photo Doug Logan

[Hoy]

Once more a beautiful magzine - I think I spotted something I know there

[IMYoung]

Once more a beautiful magzine - I think I spotted something I know there

Thanks Trond- for everything  

It is really special to have such great photos in the SRGC forum to "steal away" for the IRG.... your pulsatilla shot is adorable - showing the little plant nestling in the grass.

[cohan]

Welcome to a new year of IRG.

The January issue is now online, beginning with a look back to some plants that are popular now as they were forty years ago. Some  things never change, it seems.

Grahame Ware explores his affection for a little snapdragon and Fritz Kummert shares his delight in an unassuming Idaho native. 



Ranunculus haastii... photo Doug Logan

Looking forward to checking this one out when my internet connection is behaving..lol About plants that remain popular-- I have to remind myself sometimes that while its always fun and fascinating to grow something that almost no one is, there are plants that remain popular for very good reasons!!
 Off to work now in  a stiff wind that looks likely to be making some good drifts....

[Lori S.]

Another very interesting issue, Maggi!
I'm sure you won't mind if I post a link to the index of IRG e-magazines here, for folks who may not be familiar with the SRGC site.  
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/index.php?log=international