Clematis Montana and Pieris

[artist]

so pretty together

[-pops-]

Very nice. I especially like the bell flowers on the Pieris.

Are the bracts on you Pieris always pale like that, artist? The reason I ask is that I have a similar plant which usually has really fiery red bracts but this year they are pale, like yours. I wondered if it was due to the weather.

[andsome]

Very nice too. we have a Clematis Montana, a very delicate shade of pink. :D

[artist]

Very nice. I especially like the bell flowers on the Pieris.

Are the bracts on you Pieris always pale like that, artist? The reason I ask is that I have a similar plant which usually has really fiery red bracts but this year they are pale, like yours. I wondered if it was due to the weather.

No - the bright red has faded now.

I have two, both very big plants. I hack at them every year - they don't seem to mind.

:)

[andsome]

Very nice. I especially like the bell flowers on the Pieris.

Are the bracts on you Pieris always pale like that, artist? The reason I ask is that I have a similar plant which usually has really fiery red bracts but this year they are pale, like yours. I wondered if it was due to the weather.

No - the bright red has faded now.

I have two, both very big plants. I hack at them every year - they don't seem to mind.

:)

Blondes are cruel. :D

[dadyassa]

Nice pic artist, this bush, don`t know the name yet but it has different colours on it.

[Irene]

Beautiful display, artist.

I have just planted out some tomato in Growbags, under a 'Growhouse', which I bought a little while ago. .....fingers crossed that they will do well.

The chaps on the forum gave me some tips earlier this year. One of them was to include a marigold plant. I haven't found one yet, but will include one in good time. :D

[-pops-]

You can buy marigold seeds quite easily. You don't want the African marigolds - they aren't the right type.

Your pictures look to be hibiscus flowers.

[artist]

I think those flowers are Hibiscus too. We don't get ours in flower until later in the summer.

Are they in your garden Dadyassa?

[Irene]

You can buy marigold seeds quite easily. You don't want the African marigolds - they aren't the right type.

So would I just plant the seeds straight into the Growbag or in pots first?

[rong]

You can buy marigold seeds quite easily. You don't want the African marigolds - they aren't the right type.

So would I just plant the seeds straight into the Growbag or in pots first?

Yes they grow like weeds.

[-pops-]

Yes they grow like weeds.

I wouldn't put it quite like that. They are prolific, dead easy to grow and quite attractive. In North Africa they use the dried petals as colouring and flavouring for rice, couscous and suchlike. They call it saffron but, of course, it isn't real saffron.

[Irene]

You can buy marigold seeds quite easily. You don't want the African marigolds - they aren't the right type.

So would I just plant the seeds straight into the Growbag or in pots first?

Yes they grow like weeds.

Are there many varieties? If so, which one do I buy?

[dadyassa]

I think those flowers are Hibiscus too. We don't get ours in flower until later in the summer.

Are they in your garden Dadyassa?

Yes they grow in the garden and flower all year, as most plants do here.

Its really strange cos you cant really tell which season you are in, apart from all the rain this year I know its winter, winter. winter. lol

[-pops-]

You can buy marigold seeds quite easily. You don't want the African marigolds - they aren't the right type.

So would I just plant the seeds straight into the Growbag or in pots first?

Yes they grow like weeds.

Are there many varieties? If so, which one do I buy?

I should have been more specific. Pot marigolds are the ones you really want to get - something on the lines of these.

[deuces wild]

so pretty together

Beautiful. Is this the Spring bloom? If so your season is certainly earlier than ours.

Great Pic!

[andsome]

so pretty together

Beautiful. Is this the Spring bloom? If so your season is certainly earlier than ours.

Great Pic!

Most things have been early this year.

[artist]

We have a few early flowers - the white clematis montana is growing through a camelia. It comes out just as the pink flowers drop. The Peiris is next to the camelia - those bells arrive just after the bright pink foliage starts to fade.

The bluebells are out too.

These are from Petworth House gardens in Sussex

[Irene]

I should have been more specific. Pot marigolds are the ones you really want to get - something on the lines of these.

Thanks for that, pops.

I also have an area in the garden where I want to put some low ground cover plants. I've heard of one called Flower Carpet, which looks just the ticket. Have you, or anyone else come across it?

[artist]

I should have been more specific. Pot marigolds are the ones you really want to get - something on the lines of these.

Thanks for that, pops.

I also have an area in the garden where I want to put some low ground cover plants. I've heard of one called Flower Carpet, which looks just the ticket. Have you, or anyone else come across it?

About those Marigolds - they are VERY susceptable to black fly..........you can use them for other things too. See

http://www.herbalgardens.com/herbs.html

also interesting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula

[-pops-]

It's probably their attractiveness to blackfly that makes them a good companion plant to tomatoes!

Irene, have a look at T&M's catalogue (via the link I gave above). I'm sure they will do either ground cover mixtures or have recommendations.

[Irene]

About those Marigolds - they are VERY susceptable to black fly

Does this mean that they are good to put in with my tomato plants or not?

..........you can use them for other things too

Amazing what fascinating information is passed on WF. :D . I must do some experimenting.

It's probably their attractiveness to blackfly that makes them a good companion plant to tomatoes!

You just answered my question before I posted it pops! :lol:

have a look at T&M's catalogue (via the link I gave above). I'm sure they will do either ground cover mixtures or have recommendations.

I certainly will, thanks!

[-pops-]

Irene, if you want permanent ground cover and he soil is a bit ropey, I can recommend Pyracantha (Firethorn) - killer spikes on it, superb thick growth with sprawling habit and gets loaded with red berries in autumn/winter which are very attractive to blackbirds and thrushes. I have alongside prostrate Junipers which have a grey/green foliage and blackish berries which can be used in cooking. The two plants look good together and the ten year old patch is not more than nine inches high.

[Irene]

Irene, if you want permanent ground cover and he soil is a bit ropey, I can recommend Pyracantha (Firethorn) - killer spikes on it, superb thick growth with sprawling habit and gets loaded with red berries in autumn/winter which are very attractive to blackbirds and thrushes. I have alongside prostrate Junipers which have a grey/green foliage and blackish berries which can be used in cooking. The two plants look good together and the ten year old patch is not more than nine inches high.

Definitely worth consideration. I love to see the birds in the garden. We are very fortunate to live on the edge of the countryside.

I just got back from town, where I bought some Calendula officinalis seeds, so I'll be popping them in shortly. :D

[gordythegouge]

Irene, if you want permanent ground cover and he soil is a bit ropey, I can recommend Pyracantha (Firethorn) - killer spikes on it, superb thick growth with sprawling habit and gets loaded with red berries in autumn/winter which are very attractive to blackbirds and thrushes. I have alongside prostrate Junipers which have a grey/green foliage and blackish berries which can be used in cooking. The two plants look good together and the ten year old patch is not more than nine inches high.

Definitely worth consideration. I love to see the birds in the garden. We are very fortunate to live on the edge of the countryside.

I just got back from town, where I bought some Calendula officinalis seeds, so I'll be popping them in shortly. :D

I've just discovered a Robin's nest in amongst my pots and patio chairs! It's just put paid to the painting of the house I was going to start today by about 5 weeks I reckon!!! Still it's great to see the little buggers have made themselves at home!