September 2010 in the Southern Hemisphere

[Tecophilaea King]

Trying to relax today, Yvonne and I did get to Floriade, which is on here in Canberra at the moment.  I took lots of pics to share if people are interested.... if/when I ever get them prepared.

Paul, is this the Australian version of Floriade? what is it all about?
In the Netherlands, this enormous, impressive, magnificent Floriade show is on every 10 years, it takes that long to organise.
We hope you could show us some highlights of this Floriade perhaps.

[t00lie]

I have been sitting on these pictures from the Otago Alpine Garden Groups Spring show for over a week now. Not a huge number of entries but some nice plants none the less.

First New Zealand natives. Stuart deservedly carried off most of the prizes as his cultivation skills are second to none.

Congrats Stuart.

Thanks for the 'fix' David 

[fermi de Sousa]

which includes a national public holiday on Monday.

Not quite National, Paul, just ACT, NSW and S.A. - the rest of us celebrated Labour Day in March! (you were having Canberra Day) 
The White Anemone pavonina with the bluish exterior wasn't quite open this morning


This was a form I got from Viv which I think originally came from her close friend Phyll who sadly died a few years ago.

Some Aussie native plants, Phebalium glandulosum


Pussy-toes, Ptilotus spathulatus,


Eutaxia microphylla "Prostrate Form"




Dampiera dasyantha


Conostylis setigera.


and the tiny Conostylis stylidioides


cheers
fermi

[Lesley Cox]

Lachie would be pleased with toes like those.

[Paul T]

Fermi,

I did not realise that it wasn't a national holiday.  How about that?  That means we will have to do the ordering from our Victorian suppliers on Monday, which I didn't realise.  Glad you mentioned it.

Bill,

Our Floriade is not even vaguely on the scale of the Netherlands, so perhaps I SHOULDN'T post anything as it would disappoint?

[Tecophilaea King]

Our Floriade is not even vaguely on the scale of the Netherlands, so perhaps I SHOULDN'T post anything as it would disappoint?

Paul, don't worry, we'll be the judge of that, still curious, post away with a few highlights.

[Tecophilaea King]

Just a few more Pacifis Coast irises opening up today

[TheOnionMan]

Just a few more Pacifis Coast irises opening up today

Exquisite PC iris Bill, great photos too!  Do they really stand up so perfectly straight that you're able to take such straight overhead photos, or do the stems need some propping.

[TheOnionMan]

Wonderful plants Fermi, most are very new to me.  In the Northern hemisphere, pussytoes refer to the genus Antennaria (which I use for my email address).  The Conostylus are very cute!

[cohan]

thanks for the natives, fermi, always fascinating--the conostylis are especially fascinating, will have to look those up--like little spring bulb flowers, but much more interesting foliage!

[Tecophilaea King]

Exquisite PC iris Bill, great photos too!  Do they really stand up so perfectly straight that you're able to take such straight overhead photos, or do the stems need some propping.

Mark, most of the PC irises are self supporting, but I have to confess that occasionally I have to manipulate/propup the flower to take that particular picture.
Sometimes I also have to take the pot/container temporarely under cover so the rain, wind or even slugs won't damage/spoil the flowers.
You're not doing to bad either with excellent pictures of those charming I.cristata varieties and species in the Iris forum, you grow these beauties to perfection.
I'm very fond of those small and other delightful dwarf woodland irises, they have a charm all of their own.
I am also planning to subscribe to SIGNA,  would anyone recommend this Iris species group, what is their seed exchange list like? Thanks.

[arillady]

Bill I have been a member of SIGNA for years and I cannot recommend them highly enough - the publications and the seed exchange are fantastic.

[Tecophilaea King]

Bill I have been a member of SIGNA for years and I cannot recommend them highly enough - the publications and the seed exchange are fantastic.

Pat, that's enough recommendation for me, I believe you can now also subscribe to the new, cheaper and more affordable electronic-membership tier!
All E-members receive full membership benefits including the seed exchange, but rather than receiving printed bulletins and seedlists all correspondences will be by email.
Costs are the same no matter what country you live in because there are no postage expenses at this level.

[arillady]

I had not realised that you could have electronic-membership - thanks for the update.

[Lesley Cox]

I thought one had to belong to the American Iris Soc to belong to SIGNA. Is this not so now?