Flowers and Foliage August 2008

[Brian Ellis]

Super waterlilies Kristl, and I agree with you about the Phytolacca.  Are there two forms?  Ours seems to have crimped berries whereas yours has nice fulsome ones ... or is it the growing conditions I wonder.

[Stephen Vella]

If I recall correctly, I was shocked to discover that this plant was allowed entry into Australia.

hello Kristal,

Phytolacca americana is still allowed entry into Australia. Eleven species of Phytolacca are allowed entry and four are classified as weeds.

Phytolacca americana is weedy here at the gardens and the berrys make for a tasty treat for birds and so spread the seed around.

Cheers

[Brian Ellis]

Sigh, didn't realise there were so many phytolaccas, is this identifiable please?

[Diane Clement]

Sigh, didn't realise there were so many phytolaccas, is this identifiable please?

Brian, this looks like Phytolacca acinosa

[Brian Ellis]

Thanks Diane much appreciated, are there any other markers I should look for to confirm this?

[Kristl Walek]

Brian,
Yes, the Asian Phytolacca acinosa. Diane beat me to it...which is also hardy for me here. It's altogether a much more elegant plant. The flowering/fruiting spikes tend to grow more strictly upwards rather than the nodding/drooping affair of P. americana.

[Diane Clement]

I agree with Kristl that A acinosa is a nicer plant than A americana.  It seeds around a bit, but not uncontrollable. 
Brian, have you a picture of the whole plant?  I'll try and post a picture of mine

[Brian Ellis]

The flowering/fruiting spikes tend to grow more strictly upwards rather than the nodding/drooping affair of P. americana.

I think that clinches it Kristl.  Will go and take a photo after I've had me cup of tea.

[Brian Ellis]

OK here they are

[Paddy Tobin]

Certainly an excellent plant, Brian.

Paddy

[Tony Willis]

I do not find the phytolacca americana will grow here,I think it is to wet in the winter.It is a lovely thing in fruit.

Some things in flower now.

I particularly like this dierama which has bi-coloured flowers.It has been a great year for these plants with all the rain and some are now over 8 feet tall.

The phlox nana do not seem to be seen much now,they had a moment of popularity some years ago and mine came from Allplains seed in the USA this spring as did the P. allysifolia

The colchicum is a species from Mt Falacko in Greece.

[David Nicholson]

A couple of pictures here, taken between yet more heavy showers, of my Tigridia pavonia. They flowered well last year and I left them in the garden covered with a heavy mulch to see if they would survive. They did, and regardless of looking a little 'beat up' they have flowered well again. The problem has been waiting for a dry day to photograph them.

[Paul T]

Ah, such summery postings.  So very removed from here at the moment!!    The Tigridias in particular seem very out of place.    This forum extends the flowering season for everything SO much. 

Tony... that Cyc purpurascens leaf form is lovely.  I love that solid silver christmas tree surrounded by green.  Very nice look to it, setting of (and being set off by) the flowers beautifully.

Never heard of phytolacca before these postings.  The berries certainly look impressive don't they!!  Nice!! 

Thanks for the pics everyone.

[gote]

You beat me Kristl,
You have larger water lilies than I have.
But I can always claim that the beavers kill mine 
Yes they do - in the lake. They dive and eat the rhizomes.

I was asked to post my ponds so here we go.
The first two pics are from the lakeside. I WILL get a banister to the bridge that goes out to the little island. 
I mean I decided that the previous millenium so It must happen sometime.
Butomus umbellatus is quite nice too - also as a cut flower but it must be kept within limits.
Göte

[gote]

The lake is my biggest pond nearly 25 times 40 km. Of course I only own a minute part.
The next largest pond was dug because we need a reservoir for irrigation. It is close to the lake so lakewater infiltrates. 'Filtrates' is the word. the lake is so full of small pieces from the reeds so it will block an irrigating system in seconds.
I grow a few water lilies in the bottom soil but keep a kind of nursery in pots.
The formal pond must be empty in the winter so all plants are in pots. In the winter they go into the big pond at a depth that does not freeze.
The board is to allow frogs and toads to get out again. They like to jump in.

I also keep in a big Jar but I posted that last year I think.
Göte