February 2009

[Anthony Darby]

Gerhard,

Perhaps this ground has already been covered (direct me to the information if need be) but I'm interested in how you are cultivating your Orphrys. We RARELY see them in the United States. I'm quite fond of them (having seen a few species in the wild), and the only resource I have, though a nice (and somewhat controversial) one, is Pedersen and Faurholdt.

Hearing the methods of one who has had such success as your photographs evidence, would be greatly appreciated.

I would be interested in this info too. I grow mine in a frost-free greenhouse in the same compost I use for cypripediums: 80% inorganic (perlite or pumice); 20% organic, of which half is loam. This year I have put a base of gritty alpine mix for the roots to dip into. I have lovely rosettes at the moment but the first flowers are a month or so away.

[ashley]

Ashley,

I thought you professed a definite disinterest in snowdrops. Well, your photographs contradict your words. A beautiful piece of planting.

Paddy

On the contrary Paddy, who could not love snowdrops? 
It's just that with so many plant obsessions already I am forced to prioritize ruthlessly
However the Forum undermines my resolve and species seed is being sown ... aagh!

Really beautiful plant and pictures Maureen and Brian.

[Gerhard Raschun]

Dear Carlo and Anthony,

I use a similar cultivation like Anthony.Plants are potted in 13cm square plastic pots.The soil is a mix of 50% Perlit (I use it because Seramis is too expensive) and 50% rotted bark.Sometimes I cover with limestone grid, but it is only to reduce volatilize.All pots are in a coldhouse, which I keep frost free ( approx 5°C) in winter.When the start to grew in fall I water them every 2 or 3 weeks, soil must be light moist.When in spring the sun shines on my glasshouse, temperatures increase fast, and it is possible to water every 3 days.Then it is the right moment to fertilize the plants.Normally the start flowering in February and March. The go in rest in May, and I stop watering.While summer I water all 2 weeks to minimize the shrink of the tubers.It `d be better to keep pots coller while summer rest.In August/ September it is important to repot the tubers in fresh soil.Most of the plants looses are in fact of fhungi attack.So parts of the old tubers are medium for bacteria growing.Keep dry while summer !

In my opinion it doesn`t matter what kind of soil is used.Every gardener have to find the whole culture methode of pot size, soil, watering and fernilization, temperatures and airing, time of growing and rest circle.It is a great package , which isn`t possible easy to copy.

If `d be a lie telling the unique and right cultivation of Ophrys here.

[hadacekf]

Today was the first warm, sunny day this year and it flowers the following bulb in my garden.

Eranthis hiemalis
Colchicum-doerfleri
Galanthus self seedlings
Crocus laevigatus
Anemone blanda grow in bulb beet

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Smashing pictures of great looking plants Franz !   
It's a nice feeling to  see your garden wake up in Spring isn't it ?  Thanks for sharing !

[Carlo]

Gerhard,

Thank you very much for your clear explanation of the methods you use to grow Ophrys. I will save the email and use it if I ever have the chance to grow this fantastic genus.

[Anthony Darby]

I thank you too Gerhard. It will allow me to 'fine tune' my techniques.

[ichristie]

Hi all, minus 6C today and lots of snow still around, I post a picture of crocus amongst the snow, cheers Ian the Christie kind.

[Miriam]

Lovely plants Gerhard and Franz!

Some pictures from the last few days:
Daubenya aurea red form
Hippeastrum papilio
Gynandriris sisyrinchium
Ranunculus asiaticus orange form

[Brian Ellis]

Great Miriam, a breath of warmth for all of us in the UK

[WimB]

Miriam, very nice plants. I like the Daubenya especially.

[Hans A.]

Gerhard, Franz and Miriam thanks for showing this wonderful plants   
-from a very generous forumist I received this fantastic yellow Daubenya which actually is in flower - thanks a lot again 

[Rogan]

Speaking from a morass of Galanthophobic ignorance, and having to admit to never having set eye (...nor finger) on one before, I do find your excellent pictures of snowdrops very fascinating and the various discourses quite entralling. 

Perhaps it is time for me to acquire a packet of seed and, hopefully, raise some to flowering size in my inappropriate climate - who knows, I may yet be smitten by their modestly declining countenances and fill my benches with potted treasure!

[Anthony Darby]

How close to a Mediterranean climate do you have Rogan? Many species, such as ikariae and fosteri can be grown in these types of environments.

[Katherine J]

Lot of Christmas cards here in February.  And so beautiful! Thank you all!

Ashley,
I too love your Hamamelis-Galanthus combination!!!