July 2011 in the Southern Hemisphere

[Lesley Cox]

We still have a lot of snow round the house but most of the airports and roads are open again. I hope there's some thaw today so I can see what little ones have been smashed or mashed. Predicted 11C temp.

[arillady]

And we here in South Oz are due to get 18C plus tomorrow - wow that will be soooo good.
Just hope the weather is good over the weekend when a few of us head to Renmark to prune and move roses at Ruston Roses in our Tea, China, Noisette Collection.

[Tecophilaea King]

Although the real Spring has not arrived yet with snow and frost in both Islands, a few of my  favourite species don’t take any notice of the weather and putting up a brave display, with the Iris reticulata, Galanthus plicatus and the Narcissus cyclamineus doing their little best to brighten up the winter garden.
I am not sure about the G. plicatus, perhaps someone could confirm or ID it.  Thanks.

Iris reticulata Gordon
Iris reticulata Purple Gem
Galanthus plicatus
Narcissus cyclamineus
Narcissus Cyclades

[Tecophilaea King]

Lachenalias put on a spectacular display, ranging in colour from hot red, yellow, mauve and multi-coloured varieties,
and are adaptable and easy to grow giving a better display when they are crowded.
Suitable for both containers, clumps in the garden or as a low border display.

Lachenalia aloides var.tricolor 
Lachenalia aloides var.vanzyliae
Lachenalia aloides var.quadricolor 
Lachenalia pearsonii (in Bud)
Lachenalia pearsonii 
Lachenalia contaminata 
Lachenalia pendula 
Lachenalia mathewsii 
Lachenalia splendida 
Lachenalia viridiflora

[shelagh]

I love Lachenalia contaminata it really looks quite refined amongst it's blowsy bright neighbours.

[Brian Ellis]

A super display of Lachenalia Bill, as you say, they are spectacular.

[Anthony Darby]

Not quite out, but this was one of several dozen clumps of what looks like Asphodelus fistulosus growing on some waste ground on Westshore, Napier. Surely not?

[Ezeiza]

Most probably, Anthony. Th first flower opened this week here. Once again, curious that times coincide in so distant countries.

[Lesley Cox]

That plant Anthony, turned up in a raised bed here a few years ago. Where from for Heaven's sake? It's gone now but set masses of seed which I dumped.

Your Lachenalias are wonderful Bill. The ones you sent to me a couple of years ago aren't though the ground yet.

[Ezeiza]

Dear Lesley, the Asphodelus looks like a terrible invader in a drier climate. Our abundant rains keep it at bay and I must admit it is lovely with a very long season of bloom.

[Lesley Cox]

What I can't understand is how it ever arrived with me in the first place. Not the sort of garden around me where such things might be found and there were no new nursery plants anywhere near. The flowers were exactly the same colour as A. acaulis so I wondered if I had some mutant form that had seeded off from that. Obvioulsly not. Anyway, it's gone now.

I've spent the very nice, sunny-after-a-good-frost morning, sorting out some plants to take for sale to the Trillium Weekend on Oct 8th-9th. Attenders may apply for a table to sell plants and I have some interesting things in small numbers.

[Anthony Darby]

I'm taking James to the rugby on 9th October. First weekend of the school holidays. It the seedings work out it will be All Blacks vs Scotland.

[Lesley Cox]

I have a one track mind. I read your post as seedlings.

[fermi de Sousa]

I have a one track mind. I read your post as seedlings.

Me too -is it great minds or simple ones that think alike
Asphodelus fistulosa is also a problem here in Australia.

Bill, I love your lachenalias!
cheers
fermi

[Anthony Darby]

These were flowering last week on Westshore, Napier.