Latest Bulb Log 2016

[Ian Y]

Here is the latest and first Bulb Log of 2016 in which I continue working through the chapters of the Erythronium species.

http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2016Jan061452081669Bulb_log_0116.pdf

[Maggi Young]

We are once again indebted to Len Rhind in Canada who has once more provided an update to the Bulb Log Index. Thank you, Len!


 Note from Len :

Hi,
Happy New Year.

Here is the new bulb log index for everyone.

There are a few changes to this one:
   Each subject heading now has general articles listed under it first and then the specific articles listed next. I thought this may help finding the specific items easier.
   The Erythroniums in Cultivation chapters have their own alphabetical heading.
   References to Video Supplements are also listed with their own alphabetical heading.

I hope these help and it's all of some use to you.


Cheers,
Len

Click here for the new Index :
http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/index.pdf

[Ian Y]

This weeks Bulb Log is now online with an update of the garden and the weather as well as four more chapters of Erythroniums in Cultivation.
These are three species I find more challenging to grow . E. purpurascens, E. pluriflora and  E. taylorii plus a potentially new species.

http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2016Jan131452686422BULB_LOG_0216.pdf

[annew]

Good to see winter arriving in Aberdeen at least! Many thanks Ian for embarking on another year of Bulb logs for our delight - I look forward to it as much now as I did at the start.
E. taylori is a beauty!

[Ian Y]

Anne thank you for your continued support and encouragement. The  longevity of the Bulb Log started as a one year project in January 2003 and now its 14th year owes a lot to the readers as without such loyal followers there would be no point.


Bulb Log 0316 now online.
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2016Jan201453287322BULB_LOG_0316.pdf

Narcissus and Eranthis feature  in this weeks Bulb Log along with two more chapters on Erythronium species.

[annew]

Good to see the daffs arriving in force!

[Ian Y]

Bulb Log 0416 is now online, news of the first Erythronium seeds germinating in 2016, plus grey mould and other pests.
Two chapters from Erythroniums in Cultivation -Erythronium americanum and E. albidum.

http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2016Jan271453893521BULB_LOG_0416.pdf

[Carolyn]

news of the first Erythronium seeds germinating in 2016

Ian, do you put your germinated seedlings in the greenhouse now, to protect them from frost/slugs?

To reduce the amount of liverwort growing in the pots, I use an idea I heard in a talk by Ian Christie. He recommends tying a square of horticultural fleece over pots of seedlings to keep mice or voles out. I have found this very useful and it also keeps liverwort from being splashed into the pots, it prevents weed seeds from landing in the pot and it stops blackbirds foraging in the pots for worms. A useful tip for seeds which will be in the pots for several years. As the seedlings grow, you just pull the fleece up a bit, to make more space. This protects them from heavy rain, hail etc.

[Ian Y]

Ian, do you put your germinated seedlings in the greenhouse now, to protect them from frost/slugs?

Not with Erythroniums Carolyn, they stay outside as do Trilliums, I do move Crocus, Fritillaria, narcissus and similar types under glass when they germinate.
Yes the fleece over the pot is a useful tip and it makes it difficult to see what is going on with out removing it all the time and I love seeing the seeds appearing.

[Carolyn]

Thanks, Ian, that's interesting. I have always felt that because it took so long for trillium and erythronium germination I didn't want to risk frost damage. I will try leaving some outside this year (that will be the cue for an unprecedented cold snap!).

[Gabriela]

Bulb Log 0416 is now online, news of the first Erythronium seeds germinating in 2016, plus grey mould and other pests.
Two chapters from Erythroniums in Cultivation -Erythronium americanum and E. albidum.

It is so very inspiring and hopeful to see your beautiful clones of Erythronium americanum! It is almost non-existent in cultivation here, in its native region! because of its well known habit of not flowering (in same cases). So, many of us go wondering in the woods in the spring and hope to stumble upon a floriferous population
I don't know either how can it be explained: in one area you may find a large population almost with non-flowering individuals, and then another full of flowering clumps!

My question is - if sowing seeds from such flowering specimens results in progeny with the same trait? and if yes, in how many years one could expect flowering? (assuming optimum growing conditions).

[Ian Y]

Thank you Gabriela,
yes raising from seed is the best way to get clones that may be more inclined to flowering in your garden and it will take between 5 to 7 years from seed to flower.
If you have not read it already see the chapter I wrote on Erythronium seed where I describe my methods and experiences of raising them from seed.


http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2015Jan141421233053BULB_LOG_0215.pdf

[Gabriela]

Thank you, sure I read it but it was good to read it once more! The link is not working but now we have the index Maybe someone else would like to re-read it not
only for raising Erythronium from seeds but also as a remainder of the "tolerance shift" theory!!!

I only needed encouragement I guess, in fact I know what the problem was (at least for myself) - that is hard to get going raising from seeds just one species from the bulb/tubers category. Problem was solved adding Trilliums, Sanguinaria, Medeola and others...the more the better!

[Maggi Young]

Not sure what was wrong with the link , but it works now....
 http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2015Jan141421233053BULB_LOG_0215.pdf

[Tristan_He]

I do love Erythroniums Maggi and Ian - actually if I were allowed only one bulb genus (perish the thought!) it would be this one. That's an incredible display you have there, I feel inspired to work harder at colecting seed and bulking up my own. It's not always easy to remember to collect the seed in the summer when so much else is going on in the garden.