Dianthus alpinus ‘Joan’s Blood’ - Thank you Lesley Cox!

[Lampwick]

Hi Lesley, Do you recall a while back, (April 14th) I was “blubbing” about the fact that I couldn’t get this plant to flower?  

Well, following your tip about giving it peat and fine crushed pine bark, I did just that!
I scrapped away the top layer of chippings, carefully removed some of the compost from around its neck and replaced with said mixture.  

Wow!...In a short time the leaves looked a healthy dark glossy green and buds appeared.
The photo was taken today – a cold wet windy day. Not a good photo, and quite a small plant but there are several more buds to open.

Thanks Lesley – that’s the best I have had it for many years.
So watch this space next April and I will do my best to show you a much better one.
 

[Lesley Cox]

Well thank YOU! I'm delighted the mixture worked. I should have taken up medicine. Quite a responsibility to have someone follow one's suggestion. If the plant had died I would have had to hope a hole would open up and swallow me. Anyway, it does look very healthy so I hope all continues to be well.