The February 2012 IRG

[ranunculus]

Another magnificent IRG with masses of wonderful images and stimulating articles.  Congratulations to all concerned.

[Maggi Young]

 We were so pleased to tempt Richard Green to venture onto the other side of the page (not exactly into 'the dark side', as I think he feared) with his encouragenment to try some independent plant hunting travels with a camera.

Kirsten and Lars have given their boost to the ever popular Daphne family by their notes of the species D. glomerata and circassica. They grow a great range of plants in Herskind, of course ( http://www.alpines.dk )

When we saw Hans' photo of Iris atropurpurea in the snow it fitted so well with the piece on the Cytisus as the gorse and broom try to flower even at this time in Scotland.... we hope our winter is past.... but it may not be! 

[mark smyth]

oh no two new plants to lust after. The wee broom 'Cottage' and that lovely Italian orchid

[Richard Green]

Glad you like it, Mark.

It would really please me to hear some feedback from someone who has seen plants in their native habitat for the first time as a result of reading my words.  Is there any novice out there prepared to give it a try this year?

[Anthony Darby]

I too enjoyed your article Richard.

[Richard Green]

Thanks Antony.  I am sorry that the few seeds I brought back form NZ some years back germinated but then succumbed to our cold and wet Scottish climate.

[Anthony Darby]

Perhaps we could find you some more?

[Richard Green]

I had a lovely purple form of Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa) but the seedlings only that only lasted 3 years here.  My Pittosporum did better but I still lost it in the bad winter a couple of years ago.  Clearly Scotland needs hardier forms than thrive in the North Island !

[Lesley Cox]

I could probably manage some seed Richard. What species do you want?

The other day I bought a Pseudowintera cultivar called 'Red Leopard.' I'll do a picture soon. The leaves are largely bright red, not quite scarlet but brighter than crimson. It should be spectacular as a larger bush.