Symphyandra armena. This one is blooming for the second year. I had three plants bloom last season: one acted as a biennial, pooping out after seed production. And two continuing with a normal tuft of leaves. However one died over the winter. I am guessing the rich soil aided in its demise.
True flower color is with the close up, taken during the day. The color difference between the two photos is a testament of what the late evening sun can do with the color blue.
Some alpines in bloom now: 1) Alyssum spinosum roseum 2) Junellia wilczekii, gradually becoming more interesting since being planted in 2007. 3) Aethionema lepidiodes 4) Silene falcata, starting to bloom. I really like this plant - the red calyces add a lot of interest as it blooms throughout the summer! 5) Potentilla rupestrisnana 6) Saxifraga paniculata var. minutifolia 'Red-backed Spider' - I have not been able to find any verification that this is a valid cultivar name, but that's what was on the label!
I think those particular oxalis are South American alpines (or perhaps I should say, "derived from"), rather than woodland species, no? ...which reminds me that only one of my rock garden oxalis has come back, somewhat fitfully, this year - the other is AWOL. I'm very envious of those, Todd!
Well, lest even more confusion be added to the common name mess, it's probably best to simply use the word "oxalis"! Oxyria digyna, which is common in the mountains here, is referred to as "mountain sorrel": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyria_digyna
I am convinced! Here the Oxyria digyna (native of the mountains here too) is also called the Norwegian equivalent of mountain sorrel (fjellsyre). Sorrel (syre) is also used for small, sour Rumex species. The Oxalis species are called "cuckoo sorrel" (gjøkesyre).
A little Haplopappus lyallii, in a trough. (Well, on the other hand, I suppose it's not so different in size from those I see in the mountains here... in fact, rather larger than most)
Lori, I loved the picture of the Haplopappus. Have you tried it in the garden or only in a trough?
I like that Convolvulus much better than the wild ones here. They swamp everything under a blanket of leaves (the flowera are nice however) and tying stems together with their winding growth.
I like that Convolvulus much better than the wild ones here. They swamp everything under a blanket of leaves (the flowera are nice however) and tying stems together with their winding growth.
Convolvulus compactus can certainly spread when happy but it doesn't swamp everything. You have to give it some space. I first had it planted in a trough and some years ago Hendrik Zetterlund visited my garden, took one look at the Convolvulus (which was growing happily) and suggested I move it to the lime bed. Happily, I followed his advice and it's been a mainstay ever since. It can get woody with age but I try to keep it trimmed back. It's just wonderful in bloom. There's a pink form as well but in my garden the pink is so pale as to be almost white. I think Convolvulus boisseri is even better because the foliage is absolutely spectacular, unfortunately I only have a slide photo of that one.
Excellent example of how to plant a sizable dry-stone wall. Image captured in Lew Clarke's lovely garden, perched high on the moors in West Yorkshire.
Cliff, that picture shows what you can do with good moisture. A beautiful wall that anyone would want. The walls here have very few plants because things just don't survive the drought, only the toughest of plants like Campanula portenschlagiana. I usually put things on top so they can hang down and soften the walls. Your picture shows that the wall has cement, at least part of it. What are the plants growing in?
Lori, I loved the picture of the Haplopappus. Have you tried it in the garden or only in a trough?
I only have the one plant in a trough, so far.
Cliff, what a magnificent planted wall!
Hoy wrote:
I like that Convolvulus much better than the wild ones here. They swamp everything under a blanket of leaves (the flowera are nice however) and tying stems together with their winding growth.
One would not want the bindweeds that occur here - C. sepium (an incredibly invasive native) and C. arvense (introduced) - in one's garden either!
Todd, that garden is really shaping up in such a short time. Such diversity in just one pic, I just sat and studied it for a while. I'm glad you photographed from a different angle than before. Besides seeing the plants better, I can see that there is much more variation in rock height than I thought.
Here is the crevice garden at work..taken on my birthday (June 23). It is doing spectacularly well this year.
Todd, how about a rundown on some of the plants that have succeeded for you in your crevice garden? I'm building these like crazy and would really love some plant ideas to try in them.
Just about anything will grow well in a crevice garden...just need to remember to stick to low plants...I have planted some things that were just too tall. Alpines with taproots do especially well as the flat rocks provide deep root-runs. I place Ramonda, Haberlea and ferns on the north side of taller rocks to provide them with some shade from afternoon sun (not that we have too much of that around here!). Moltkia, Lewisia, Phacelia, Edrianthus and some Campanula are difficult in the open ground here but they do wonderfully in the crevice garden. I'd avoid creepers like Phlox subulata, Thymes, Gypsophila...they are way too robust and do well enough in standard rockeries.
Our native Cypripedium parviflorum is also doing very well in the crevice garden!
Todd, I guess I should have added that all the crevice gardens here are in hot sun almost all day long. If my garden were on a pole I would be turning it 90 degrees. Of course, then the eriogonums and the peas might not be so happy. I certainly agree that most phlox and gypsophila are too rambunctious, but have you tried Phlox pungens or any of the other western phloxes such as pulvinata or hendersonii? They certainly seem to be restrained. I have planted Lewisia bracycalyx, moltkias, edrainanthus. I agree that the crevices seem to provide a lot of protection, also extra moisture and things will survive there that won't in the open garden. Any cypripedium would be out of the question, unfortunately. Have just spent a great day photographing a field of Sax. oppositifolia here in the Dolomites. Brought the computer but forgot the camera connector so no pictures for a couple of weeks.
Have just spent a great day photographing a field of Sax. oppositifolia here in the Dolomites.
As you are enjoying your well-earned vacation in the Dolomites, Anne, I thought I would make you feel even more at home by posting a couple of images of Physoplexis comosa captured in my garden yesterday. This large pot remains outside all year and is only covered with a small pane of glass when in bloom to protect the flowers for showing.
Good grief, 13 (or more) flowers Cliff! That is too spectacular! The most I've seen in the wild was nine flowers and I was thrilled at that. Please photograph them when they've opened up to those curlicues that look for all the world like doodles on a telephone pad. Someone with a sense of humor designed this plant. Hope you win tons of prizes with this one.
BEAUTIFUL Convolvulus, Anne ... congratulations on growing it to perfection!
Cliff, this is a picture taken in '09 of the original Convolvulus compactus that was moved from a trough. When you see the size of it it's obvious that was a wise decision. I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
He's not the only one frowning, Anne! Speaking from personal experience: twice lately, when looking for a photo of Epigaea gaultherioides and Leucogynes leontopodium I discovered the only ones we had were not of those plants at their peak.... VERY annoying. I hope that nowadays with digital photos we are breaking ourselves of those old habits.... I commend that strategy to you, also!
I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
He's not the only one frowning, Anne! Speaking from personal experience: twice lately, when looking for a photo of Epigaea gaultherioides and Leucogynes leontopodium I discovered the only ones we had were not of those plants at their peak.... VERY annoying. I hope that nowadays with digital photos we are breaking ourselves of those old habits.... I commend that strategy to you, also!
Fantastic Physoplexis comosa and Convolvulus compactus folks! Regarding photographs, one can never take enough of them, it's a great resource to have and to build. However, all this takes LOTS OF TIME, shooting at various times of the day, under various light conditions, at various periods of plant growth cycle and flowering. Then, lots of time post-processing and cataloging the photos. And not to mention the disk space needed, holy moly it gets used up fast.
In year's past, when I had a life-draining job, doing this level of photography would be near impossible, so it is wonderful this year being able to go about the garden, at most any time of my choosing, then snap away. Looking back on many of my older photos, they are often dark, or in very low light conditions, because it was 6:30 AM before heading out to work, or at dusk at 7:30 PM after coming home from work. I do try to shoot photographs yearly, particularly on favorite subjects, it is most interesting to see the differences from year to year.
I've been photographing my numerous forms of Allium cernuum (nodding onion), remarkably diverse plants with all types of variable floral dispositions. Here's one of the very best forms (one that I plan on introducing), a robust, 2' (60 cm) tall growing floriferous plant with rich medium waxy pink flowers held with exquisite form. Tentatively nicknamed 'Wall of Pink' as it appeared in front of the stone wall that separates my property and the street, it might get a different name ultimately.
I have tried to grow Physoplexis comosa but not succeeded. Now I am tempted to try again (and again....)! I have but one single plant of Allium cernuum. The others have disappeared. Maybe it is too dry where I have planted them.
The foxgloves thrive anyway and tolerate remarkably dry conditions. Only few this year, however.
Mark, I just received the Berkshire Newsletter online and saw your wonderful picture of Allium crenulatum. Is that in your garden? I've tried it from seed but never got any germination.
I have tried to grow Physoplexis comosa but not succeeded. Now I am tempted to try again (and again....)! I have but one single plant of Allium cernuum. The others have disappeared. Maybe it is too dry where I have planted them.
The foxgloves thrive anyway and tolerate remarkably dry conditions. Only few this year, however.
You will be welcome to some seed of the Physoplexis if they develop as they should. It is also foxglove time here in Lancashire - an image captured this week near our house.
I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
He's not the only one frowning, Anne! Speaking from personal experience: twice lately, when looking for a photo of Epigaea gaultherioides and Leucogynes leontopodium I discovered the only ones we had were not of those plants at their peak.... VERY annoying. I hope that nowadays with digital photos we are breaking ourselves of those old habits.... I commend that strategy to you, also!
I understand what you're saying, Maggie. If I had more time I'd be photographing everything. We only started digital last year and I'm trying to use photography time to replace slide images. In this case the Convolvulus compactus was pretty much at peak when I had taken the photo so I didn't bother. Usually I try to remember to photo construction details so I can remember what things looked like before and during the process. The basic problem is I'm not a natural photographer, and usually forgot to take pictures at all. My husband is the photographer in the family but rarely has the time.
Mark Your Allium cernuum "Wall of Pink" looks like a winner!
Thanks John, I have a number of excellent forms that deserve introduction. I also have some superb clumping forms...It is interesting to have some forms that almost never multiply, happy to grow as a single or twin bulb, while others bulk up extremely well and make a grand show in the garden. I'll move some of this talk over to the Allium thread.
A couple that really please me are actually hybrids between North American A. cernuum and Asian Allium senescens and nutans; one that I hope to introduce is named Allium 'Green Eyes'.
Mark, I just received the Berkshire Newsletter online and saw your wonderful picture of Allium crenulatum. Is that in your garden? I've tried it from seed but never got any germination.
Yes, that's in my garden with Allium crenulatum 'Olympic Sunset', a super deep color form I got from Jerry Flintoff. Check out the link, earlier in this thread, showing my plants at the end of May 2010, along with a much paler form from Jane McGary... so pale in fact, it all but disappears visually on the sandy soil. http://nargs.org/smf/index.php?topic=24.msg2495#msg2495
This year we've had such dry conditions, that the small colony looks a little bit toasted compared to earlier years... here's a couple pics from 2008 and 2009.
I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
He's not the only one frowning, Anne! Speaking from personal experience: twice lately, when looking for a photo of Epigaea gaultherioides and Leucogynes leontopodium I discovered the only ones we had were not of those plants at their peak.... VERY annoying. I hope that nowadays with digital photos we are breaking ourselves of those old habits.... I commend that strategy to you, also!
I understand what you're saying, Maggie. If I had more time I'd be photographing everything. We only started digital last year and I'm trying to use photography time to replace slide images. In this case the Convolvulus compactus was pretty much at peak when I had taken the photo so I didn't bother. Usually I try to remember to photo construction details so I can remember what things looked like before and during the process. The basic problem is I'm not a natural photographer, and usually forgot to take pictures at all. My husband is the photographer in the family but rarely has the time.
Yup, it's the time factor that catches us out, for the most part. Look at what marvelous records Mark has been acheiving in the time he has not been working......I know that its no fun to be out of work but it has certainly paid dividends for the fantastic photo essays he has been making of his epimediums and alliums.... he would never have had the time to accomplish that when he was working such long hours. That being said, Mark, you know I am not wishing unemployment upon you just so the rest of us can benefit by your garden studies..... that would be too unfair.... I do wish you every success in finding new work.... but perhaps for your own sake and for your family, who must like to be able to see more of you, it will be a job with more sociable hours, or a lesser commute!
Not many Allium open here at the moment except the big drumsticks which are doing great this year. At work, our A. falcifolium is blooming nicely in the bulb frame.
Not many Allium open here at the moment except the big drumsticks which are doing great this year. At work, our A. falcifolium is blooming nicely in the bulb frame.
Todd, beautiful pot of Allium falcifolium, good deep color form. Though, I'm wondering about your image labeled as "Allium giganteum", as the flower heads are clearly hemispherical, not totally spherical as A. giganteum should be. I believe your photo probably shows some other species or hybrid. For comparison, here's a photo of one of my few remaining A. giganteum plants, the color looking pale because I took the photo with glancing morning light. After a certain number of years, some of these "big ball" types of Alliums need some fresh bulbs planted after their numbers tend to wane.
If you take a good look maybe you see flowers! This is at an old place in Østmarka (1/2 hour drive and 1 hour walk (or 20 min rowingboat) from Oslo. We mow the grass the old way to maintain the look of old times. The main house will be repaired for the use of walking tourists in the woods east of Oslo, Norway.
If you take a good look maybe you see flowers! This is at an old place in Østmarka (1/2 hour drive and 1 hour walk (or 20 min rowingboat) from Oslo. We mow the grass the old way to maintain the look of old times. The main house will be repaired for the use of walking tourists in the woods east of Oslo, Norway.
Using a scythe to cut the grass is certainly an art. I watched a relative of mine in Slovenia "mow" the grass with one, working around rocks and uneven terrain. It is not an easy skill, in my opinion. My Grandfather used to do it here in Minnesota, but he was not nearly as good...
Trond, are you in this photo? Are you the tall fellow in the middle?
Mark, you are right!
Trond, you've been eating your "Wheaties" (old branded name of an American cereal that was supposed to make you big and strong ;D). Rick, I still use a scythe, although it is hard to find good ones here, one I bought previously was a flimsy piece of junk, finally got a good one last year. No noisy gas-fired-fume-spewing weed-whacker for me, I keep the weeds down along the street with the scythe.
Comments
Panayoti Kelaidis
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 3:08pmLove that winged broom: it does well for us too...even in very hot dry places. Amazing how plastic plants are...
Todd Boland
Re: Image of the day
Mon, 06/21/2010 - 3:13pmMy Oxalis are my favs at the moment...Oxalis 'Ione Hocker' and 'Ute'
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Tue, 06/22/2010 - 8:07pmBoth are gorgeous!
Richard T. Rodich
Re: Image of the day
Tue, 06/22/2010 - 9:09pmSymphyandra armena. This one is blooming for the second year. I had three plants bloom last season: one acted as a biennial, pooping out after seed production. And two continuing with a normal tuft of leaves. However one died over the winter. I am guessing the rich soil aided in its demise.
True flower color is with the close up, taken during the day. The color difference between the two photos is a testament of what the late evening sun can do with the color blue.
Lori S. (not verified)
Re: Image of the day
Tue, 06/22/2010 - 10:03pmSome alpines in bloom now:
1) Alyssum spinosum roseum
2) Junellia wilczekii, gradually becoming more interesting since being planted in 2007.
3) Aethionema lepidiodes
4) Silene falcata, starting to bloom. I really like this plant - the red calyces add a lot of interest as it blooms throughout the summer!
5) Potentilla rupestris nana
6) Saxifraga paniculata var. minutifolia 'Red-backed Spider' - I have not been able to find any verification that this is a valid cultivar name, but that's what was on the label!
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Tue, 06/22/2010 - 11:14pmCould you call those Oxalises wood-sorrels? They definitely don't grow in wood and shrubbery! (I have tried.)
I wasn't aware of the nana form of rock cinquefoil (Potentilla rupestris syn. Drymocallis r.). My plants are 1/2 meter tall.
Lori S. (not verified)
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 7:05amI think those particular oxalis are South American alpines (or perhaps I should say, "derived from"), rather than woodland species, no? ...which reminds me that only one of my rock garden oxalis has come back, somewhat fitfully, this year - the other is AWOL. I'm very envious of those, Todd!
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 7:09am...and the name has to be mountain sorrel then!?
Lori S. (not verified)
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 11:34amWell, lest even more confusion be added to the common name mess, it's probably best to simply use the word "oxalis"! Oxyria digyna, which is common in the mountains here, is referred to as "mountain sorrel":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyria_digyna
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 12:59pmI am convinced!
Here the Oxyria digyna (native of the mountains here too) is also called the Norwegian equivalent of mountain sorrel (fjellsyre). Sorrel (syre) is also used for small, sour Rumex species. The Oxalis species are called "cuckoo sorrel" (gjøkesyre).
Lori S. (not verified)
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 9:40pmZigadenus elegans, in the front yard. This plant grows into the alpine zone here.
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 4:04amLori, I loved the picture of the Haplopappus. Have you tried it in the garden or only in a trough?
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 4:09amComputer problems finally solved (hopefully). These pictures were taken earlier in June but wasn't able to post them.
1. Asperula sp w/ Daphne arbuscula in tufa garden
2. Campanula betulifolia in tufa garden
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 4:12amAlso, some Convolvulus compactus which is still blooming. These are growing in the lime bed.
Panayoti Kelaidis
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 6:05amVery cool pix! The convolvulus looks just like pix I've seen of it in the wild...
Love those Asperulas! They're taking over my garden and I love it.
Todd Boland
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 4:41pmStunning Convolvulus!
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 06/25/2010 - 11:03pmI like that Convolvulus much better than the wild ones here. They swamp everything under a blanket of leaves (the flowera are nice however) and tying stems together with their winding growth.
Cliff Booker
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 06/26/2010 - 12:13amBEAUTIFUL Convolvulus, Anne ... congratulations on growing it to perfection!
Cliff Booker
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 06/26/2010 - 12:31amExcellent example of how to plant a sizable dry-stone wall. Image captured in Lew Clarke's lovely garden, perched high on the moors in West Yorkshire.
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 06/26/2010 - 5:01amConvolvulus compactus can certainly spread when happy but it doesn't swamp everything. You have to give it some space. I first had it planted in a trough and some years ago Hendrik Zetterlund visited my garden, took one look at the Convolvulus (which was growing happily) and suggested I move it to the lime bed. Happily, I followed his advice and it's been a mainstay ever since. It can get woody with age but I try to keep it trimmed back. It's just wonderful in bloom. There's a pink form as well but in my garden the pink is so pale as to be almost white. I think Convolvulus boisseri is even better because the foliage is absolutely spectacular, unfortunately I only have a slide photo of that one.
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 06/26/2010 - 5:06amCliff, that picture shows what you can do with good moisture. A beautiful wall that anyone would want. The walls here have very few plants because things just don't survive the drought, only the toughest of plants like Campanula portenschlagiana. I usually put things on top so they can hang down and soften the walls. Your picture shows that the wall has cement, at least part of it. What are the plants growing in?
Lori S. (not verified)
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 06/26/2010 - 8:01amAnne, what a spectacular garden you must have!
I only have the one plant in a trough, so far.
Cliff, what a magnificent planted wall!
One would not want the bindweeds that occur here - C. sepium (an incredibly invasive native) and C. arvense (introduced) - in one's garden either!
Todd Boland
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 06/27/2010 - 1:31pmyes Cliff, that is one stunning wall!
Here is the crevice garden at work..taken on my birthday (June 23). It is doing spectacularly well this year.
Panayoti Kelaidis
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 06/27/2010 - 5:26pmIndeed, Todd. Looks very happy. And Happy Belated Birthday to you!
Richard T. Rodich
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 06/27/2010 - 6:08pmWonderful wall, Cliff.
Todd, that garden is really shaping up in such a short time. Such diversity in just one pic, I just sat and studied it for a while. I'm glad you photographed from a different angle than before. Besides seeing the plants better, I can see that there is much more variation in rock height than I thought.
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Tue, 06/29/2010 - 12:51pmTodd, how about a rundown on some of the plants that have succeeded for you in your crevice garden? I'm building these like crazy and would really love some plant ideas to try in them.
Todd Boland
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 3:07amJust about anything will grow well in a crevice garden...just need to remember to stick to low plants...I have planted some things that were just too tall. Alpines with taproots do especially well as the flat rocks provide deep root-runs. I place Ramonda, Haberlea and ferns on the north side of taller rocks to provide them with some shade from afternoon sun (not that we have too much of that around here!). Moltkia, Lewisia, Phacelia, Edrianthus and some Campanula are difficult in the open ground here but they do wonderfully in the crevice garden. I'd avoid creepers like Phlox subulata, Thymes, Gypsophila...they are way too robust and do well enough in standard rockeries.
Our native Cypripedium parviflorum is also doing very well in the crevice garden!
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 8:30amTodd, I guess I should have added that all the crevice gardens here are in hot sun almost all day long. If my garden were on a pole I would be turning it 90 degrees. Of course, then the eriogonums and the peas might not be so happy. I certainly agree that most phlox and gypsophila are too rambunctious, but have you tried Phlox pungens or any of the other western phloxes such as pulvinata or hendersonii? They certainly seem to be restrained. I have planted Lewisia bracycalyx, moltkias, edrainanthus. I agree that the crevices seem to provide a lot of protection, also extra moisture and things will survive there that won't in the open garden. Any cypripedium would be out of the question, unfortunately. Have just spent a great day photographing a field of Sax. oppositifolia here in the Dolomites. Brought the computer but forgot the camera connector so no pictures for a couple of weeks.
Cliff Booker
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 10:07amAs you are enjoying your well-earned vacation in the Dolomites, Anne, I thought I would make you feel even more at home by posting a couple of images of Physoplexis comosa captured in my garden yesterday. This large pot remains outside all year and is only covered with a small pane of glass when in bloom to protect the flowers for showing.
PHYSOPLEXIS COMOSA
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 1:52pmGood grief, 13 (or more) flowers Cliff! That is too spectacular! The most I've seen in the wild was nine flowers
and I was thrilled at that. Please photograph them when they've opened up to those curlicues that look for all the world like doodles on a telephone pad. Someone with a sense of humor designed this plant. Hope you win tons of prizes with this one.
Richard T. Rodich
Re: Image of the day
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 7:05pmTruly exquisite, Cliff!
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 8:11amCliff, this is a picture taken in '09 of the original Convolvulus compactus that was moved from a trough. When you see the size of it it's obvious that was a wise decision. I didn't take a photo this year because I already had one from the year before. I have a feeling you might frown upon this?
Margaret Young
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 10:25amHe's not the only one frowning, Anne! Speaking from personal experience: twice lately, when looking for a photo of Epigaea gaultherioides and Leucogynes leontopodium I discovered the only ones we had were not of those plants at their peak.... VERY annoying. I hope that nowadays with digital photos we are breaking ourselves of those old habits.... I commend that strategy to you, also!
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 11:07amFantastic Physoplexis comosa and Convolvulus compactus folks! Regarding photographs, one can never take enough of them, it's a great resource to have and to build. However, all this takes LOTS OF TIME, shooting at various times of the day, under various light conditions, at various periods of plant growth cycle and flowering. Then, lots of time post-processing and cataloging the photos. And not to mention the disk space needed, holy moly it gets used up fast.
In year's past, when I had a life-draining job, doing this level of photography would be near impossible, so it is wonderful this year being able to go about the garden, at most any time of my choosing, then snap away. Looking back on many of my older photos, they are often dark, or in very low light conditions, because it was 6:30 AM before heading out to work, or at dusk at 7:30 PM after coming home from work. I do try to shoot photographs yearly, particularly on favorite subjects, it is most interesting to see the differences from year to year.
I've been photographing my numerous forms of Allium cernuum (nodding onion), remarkably diverse plants with all types of variable floral dispositions. Here's one of the very best forms (one that I plan on introducing), a robust, 2' (60 cm) tall growing floriferous plant with rich medium waxy pink flowers held with exquisite form. Tentatively nicknamed 'Wall of Pink' as it appeared in front of the stone wall that separates my property and the street, it might get a different name ultimately.
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 1:25pmI have tried to grow Physoplexis comosa but not succeeded. Now I am tempted to try again (and again....)!
I have but one single plant of Allium cernuum. The others have disappeared. Maybe it is too dry where I have planted them.
The foxgloves thrive anyway and tolerate remarkably dry conditions. Only few this year, however.
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 1:29pmMark, I just received the Berkshire Newsletter online and saw your wonderful picture of Allium crenulatum. Is that in your garden? I've tried it from seed but never got any germination.
Cliff Booker
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 1:37pmYou will be welcome to some seed of the Physoplexis if they develop as they should. It is also foxglove time here in Lancashire - an image captured this week near our house.
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 1:49pmI say: Yes please and thank you very much!
Anne Spiegel
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 2:08pmI understand what you're saying, Maggie. If I had more time I'd be photographing everything. We only started digital last year and I'm trying to use photography time to replace slide images. In this case the Convolvulus compactus was pretty much at peak when I had taken the photo so I didn't bother. Usually I try to remember to photo construction details so I can remember what things looked like before and during the process. The basic problem is I'm not a natural photographer, and usually forgot to take pictures at all. My husband is the photographer in the family but rarely has the time.
John P. Weiser
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 2:13pmMark
Your Allium cernuum "Wall of Pink" looks like a winner!
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 2:19pmThanks John, I have a number of excellent forms that deserve introduction. I also have some superb clumping forms...It is interesting to have some forms that almost never multiply, happy to grow as a single or twin bulb, while others bulk up extremely well and make a grand show in the garden. I'll move some of this talk over to the Allium thread.
A couple that really please me are actually hybrids between North American A. cernuum and Asian Allium senescens and nutans; one that I hope to introduce is named Allium 'Green Eyes'.
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 2:25pmYes, that's in my garden with Allium crenulatum 'Olympic Sunset', a super deep color form I got from Jerry Flintoff. Check out the link, earlier in this thread, showing my plants at the end of May 2010, along with a much paler form from Jane McGary... so pale in fact, it all but disappears visually on the sandy soil.
http://nargs.org/smf/index.php?topic=24.msg2495#msg2495
This year we've had such dry conditions, that the small colony looks a little bit toasted compared to earlier years... here's a couple pics from 2008 and 2009.
Margaret Young
Re: Image of the day
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 2:37pmYup, it's the time factor that catches us out, for the most part.
Look at what marvelous records Mark has been acheiving in the time he has not been working......I know that its no fun to be out of work but it has certainly paid dividends for the fantastic photo essays he has been making of his epimediums and alliums.... he would never have had the time to accomplish that when he was working such long hours.
That being said, Mark, you know I am not wishing unemployment upon you just so the rest of us can benefit by your garden studies..... that would be too unfair.... I do wish you every success in finding new work.... but perhaps for your own sake and for your family, who must like to be able to see more of you, it will be a job with more sociable hours, or a lesser commute!
Todd Boland
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 07/03/2010 - 5:04amCliff, that Physoplexis is stunning! Well done!
Not many Allium open here at the moment except the big drumsticks which are doing great this year. At work, our A. falcifolium is blooming nicely in the bulb frame.
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Sat, 07/03/2010 - 8:13amTodd, beautiful pot of Allium falcifolium, good deep color form. Though, I'm wondering about your image labeled as "Allium giganteum", as the flower heads are clearly hemispherical, not totally spherical as A. giganteum should be. I believe your photo probably shows some other species or hybrid. For comparison, here's a photo of one of my few remaining A. giganteum plants, the color looking pale because I took the photo with glancing morning light. After a certain number of years, some of these "big ball" types of Alliums need some fresh bulbs planted after their numbers tend to wane.
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 07/04/2010 - 12:07pmIf you take a good look maybe you see flowers!
This is at an old place in Østmarka (1/2 hour drive and 1 hour walk (or 20 min rowingboat) from Oslo. We mow the grass the old way to maintain the look of old times. The main house will be repaired for the use of walking tourists in the woods east of Oslo, Norway.
http://www.dntoslo.no/cabin.php?ca_id=1530#bilder
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 07/04/2010 - 12:53pmTrond, are you in this photo? Are you the tall fellow in the middle?
Trond Hoy
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 07/04/2010 - 1:05pmMark, you are right!
Richard T. Rodich
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 07/04/2010 - 6:09pmUsing a scythe to cut the grass is certainly an art. I watched a relative of mine in Slovenia "mow" the grass with one, working around rocks and uneven terrain. It is not an easy skill, in my opinion. My Grandfather used to do it here in Minnesota, but he was not nearly as good...
Mark McDonough
Re: Image of the day
Sun, 07/04/2010 - 6:16pmTrond, you've been eating your "Wheaties" (old branded name of an American cereal that was supposed to make you big and strong ;D). Rick, I still use a scythe, although it is hard to find good ones here, one I bought previously was a flimsy piece of junk, finally got a good one last year. No noisy gas-fired-fume-spewing weed-whacker for me, I keep the weeds down along the street with the scythe.
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