| Author | Content |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 23, 2008 10:00 PM Post #5459286
| Please come out of the woodwork and participate... There are about 800 NZers registered on DG and only a handful ever make themselves known and
this is a real shame. Gardeners are a friendly lot and enjoy each others gardens. Because of import regulations we are unable to swap seeds and plants with other country's but we can amongst ourselves and that would be a lot of fun and of course interests in common. I would love to be able to access others plants and seeds and would be happy to share what I have with you all. Come onto the Australian Forum and get to know us, we don't bite and
there is a lot of help here just for the asking of. I was made most welcome and have enjoyed the most friendly conversations and help from my new Aussie
friends. So PLEASE come on in. If you have any problems with this just Dmail me. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 24, 2008 11:12 PM Post #5463839
| Awchid, I'm NZer, merely an American unable to sleep. It's 10:15pm here. I was unaware of strict import regulations for you. Pansies in your photo? Too warm for us now. I'm in N.E. Mississippi and we're in the dog days of Summer: hot/humid. Are you on the North or South Island? Leeflea51 |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 6:31 AM Post #5464419
| Hi Lee, nice of you to pop in, and from so far away. I live in Gisborne on the East coast of the North Island. Here it is mid winter, we get the occassional frosts which will damage anything that is not covered for the night, There is a lot of rain and southerlies that blow up the island from the south pole. These are a bit chilly but as long as there is a bit of wind most everything survives nicely I live about 3mins from the sea and the summers here are hot and fairly humid but our temps don't get as high as yours or as low. Only a -3 to -5. Growing things here is fairly easy. I get the most fun out of growing things that are hard to grow or need a bit of extra care. Im pleased you decided to stop by, I love unexpected visitors. Yes our border regulations are very strict but it is good to protect our bio security as there are a lot of bugs pests and weeds that we surely don't want, and animals too We have nothing that bites us except 2 small spiders. Apart from the odd wasp we can garden without ending up in danger,lol. Probably our greatest danger is overwork and sunburn. :)
Please come back and tell me something about where you live and what you grow, I'd be most interested. Bye for now.
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 25, 2008 7:05 AM Post #5464454
| Awchid, so good of you to respond. I've always been fascinated with NZ/Australia. What I've seen on tv of NZ enthralls me, esp. a glacier that was featured. It was also mentioned about geologic activity you have from time to time. Any of late? I live in the Deep South of the US..In Mississippi about 350miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Our Summers are hot and humid anywhere from 90-100F with humidity levels of about 50% or more. I was born and reared here and have never gotten used to the climate. I often say that my ancestors aside from coming from the UK must have come from the far north of Europe and their genes are still pronounced. I, too, like growing unusual plants. Orchids have been my passion for about 8 yrs. Soil: red, rocky clay and sand mix. This is a cotton, soybean growing area. I'm about 50 miles from Tupelo,MS where Elvis Presley was born. Currently we are experiencing the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, just alot of rain and a breeze. Venomous animals: rattlesnakes, cotton mouth snakes, black widow and brown recluse spiders, copperhead snakes. Wild animals: foxes, coyotes, o'possums, raccoons, sqirrels, black bears(though not many), bobcats, white-tail deer, etc. I do so love animals that the thought of shooting a deer makes me cringe. Wouldn't eat venison if you paid me. Winters: mild average low about 20F and the occasional 0F reading which wipes out the gardenias. Terrain: near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Rolling hills. Highest point in Mississippi is about 300ft. just about 25 miles from here. Lowest point: land at the Gulf of Mexico. Do allow me to tell you of a fascination of mine about your part o the world and it is that of the marsupials. We've only 1 native one and that is the o'possum, though we drop the 'O'. The echidna and platypus fascinate me. Is either in NZ? Would so love to see a kiwi and penguins in their natural habitat. That's about all I can think of at the moment. Please do respond with questions, should you need clarification. Leeflea51 Addendum to winter temps. the ones I stated are night temps. Day time temps can average about 40-60F. |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 7:39 AM Post #5464516
| Well done Lee. That is all very interesting and gives great insight into your area. Australia is the country of the oppossum and the platypus and other fascinating animals. They were so generous they shared one species of their oppossum ( the pretty one) with us.
I think it was originally brought over by someone for the fur and they got away or were let go and now they are a noxious animal here
as bad or worse than rabbits. They are devastating the native forests, and peoples orchards and running over roofs at night and screeching their darn heads off. Most of this is from personal experience I might add. They are a very pretty animal and overthe years I have had them as pets and they make a lovely pet when young.. They also eat all the buds off the roses. I have seen kiwis in the zoo but not in the wild. they only live in certain parts of the country and are nocturnal. I actually don't like venison but deer farming is big business over here now, but they used to be culled in big numbers as they were doing as much damage as the oppossums just on a lower level.
I just checked the time and it is 11.30pm so had better head off and get a cuppa and go to bed. It is my 1st early night in 2weeks have been up till 2-3am watching the games... Night for now .. Lesley... Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 25, 2008 7:58 AM Post #5464543
| Good night to you Lesley. the slipper orchid is lovely. I can't tell if it's a phrag or pahph. I didn't have success with Phrag. bessaea. I have bloomed Paphio, 'Pinocchio'. He's resting now. Have a Paph. liemianum 'Halls' x rothschildianum 'Chester Hill'. However, I don't think it's resting, I think it's comatose but the leaves and roots are healthy. If and when it gets ready to bloom fine. The Ansellia I had out this Summer bloomed it's heart out and just finished a few days ago so I cut off the stems. The scent reminded me of licorice. It won't be long before I'll have to start bringing in the other orchids from outside as Autumn is not too far off. I'm told that I can leave one of the dendrobiums out as long as the temps stay in the mid-40'sF. I suppose if I had to pick a favorite of all(only have about 25) it would be Blc.Keowee. Th scent and the flowers are wonderful and it has an agreeable disposition. Take care. Leeflea51 |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 8:33 PM Post #5467619
| Morning Lee, the pic is of paph insigne. it's pretty tough and has survived my tlc and flowers in it's own good time. Last year no flowers this year 2 so not complaining. I had no luck with prags. I think my conditions were a ;little harsh for them so gave up, may try again now I am in a different area. Yeah 40F not too bad as long as plenty of sun as well and shelter from frosts.
This is a dend. speciosum in bud, will be lovely when the flowers come out. Grown outside but sheltered. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 25, 2008 9:14 PM Post #5467848
| Awchid, The paph. insigne is beautiful. It doesn't look as if it had had hard treatment. Re: dends. I've one hybrid, can't remember the name, but I understand it's a nobile type and someone on the American Orchid Society forum said that I should be in no hurry to bring it in and Fall approaches as it is fine with temp, in the mid-40/sF. I'll take their word for it and give it a try. I've been able to flower most all, except the D*** phals. supposedly the simplest. Leaves and roots perfect. Just no blooms. I think I just don't give them enough of a day/night temp. drop. Am expecting blooms soon from a couple catts that I have outside now. The Encyclia cochleata has just bloomed itself proud this Summer but who can't bloom one of those? Re: Dend. speciosum, what are the cultural requirements? The only resource book I have is Flora's Orchids by Ned Nash and Isobyl La Croix. It has been most helpful over the years. At times I post question on the AOS forum site. There I can get some questions answered but they are so technical. I'm merely a fellow who does it as a hobby and when it becomes tedious, I'll stop. I don't understand ppm ratios and things like that. I need it simplified such as teaspoon per gallon of water, etc. I'm thinking of cancelling my mebership with them as someone on the site got snirky with me. I held my hot-tempered personality and just didn't respond. One advantage to being a member is receiving their magazine, 'Orchids'. There many of my questions can be answered and I'm not made out to be a fool. Do rsvp at you choosing. Leeflea51 |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 9:31 PM Post #5467922
| Hello - I didn't realise I could post here...
have been avidly reading articles from the newsletters for a while & finally exploring a bit further afield on the site.
Even posted my first blog entry today.
It has been wet, wet, and wetter down here In Christchurch.
I did get a strange fungus come up in a few places.
Yay for the internet, found out after some searching that it is a Basket Fungus & native to NZ.
Apparently it is found in Aussie but considered rare.
cheers - Dalfyre
ps the fungus pictured was about the size of a tennis ball.
I thought it was a plastic toy at first.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 10:14 PM Post #5468163
| I'm glad you have dropped in and it is nice to meet you Dalfyre. You have all been having shocking weather in the South which really leaves us up here not much room to complain, which of course we still do. It is a beautiful day today and just bit little cool. I'm sitting in the sun chatting when I should be out doing!!
That is one awesome fungus, you were so lucky to get such a good photo of it. How long did it survive like that before it collapsed?
Perhaps now you have had this one you will get more as the spore must be there to produce this one.
What are your favourite plants and what do you enjoy growing as this doesn't always mean the same thing? I grow orchids, hellebores. daylillies, bromelliads, roses a few flag iris and a few hard to resist cacti and anything else that takes my fancy...A very eclectic mix.
Now you have stopped by please make it a habit. It is so nice to have another fellow Kiwi on deck,lol.
Lesley.
This is for you. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 10:35 PM Post #5468275
| I don't know what the specific requirements of any orchids are, just what I have learnt and how I apply that to my own plants. I can tellyou that my interpretation is pretty basic. Survival of the fittest. Dend. kingi and speciosum and X's, Plenty sun and heaps of water, Twice daily if it is extremely hot. feed often or when you remember or have time, drier in winter but still plenty sun and if fains too much then just too bad. Mine still flower. PHALS, indoors on a table that gets all day sun, pots on pumice or pebbles with water to keep up humidity and all have flower spikes even my baby one that I don't think is old enough to flower yet. Who knows with anything these days, lol. My motto is if it survives grow it and if not grow something else Not to say I won't try more than once before I give up.
Here is a pic of my baby phally Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 25, 2008 11:58 PM Post #5468576
| thanks for the welcome Awchid.
I too like an eclectic mix of plants.
The house I am in was obviously owned by a good gardener many years ago.
Years of neglect while it was a rental meant it was very over grown when I bought it 8 years ago.
Lots of savage pruning & weeding have seen all sorts of new plants pop up.
The really astonishing things are the bulbs that magically appear, after 8 years you'd think I would have seen all of them by now but nope, they are such a lovely surprise.
I love roses & have added quite a few - most from cuttings so unnamed.
I'd like hellebores in my 'woodland' corner, they are on my wish list.
I dithered over ones for sale at the Warehouse & when I finally went back to buy they were gone.
Maybe next year, gives me time to try & weed out the honesty that is coming up every where.
Your orchids are amazing.
I had one cymbidium but gave it to someone who has a collection, figured it would have a better chance of survival that way.
The internet is proving invaluable for identifying my mystery plants.
Have discovered that I am growing Peruvian lily, Satin flower & have a Chilean firebush.
cheers - Dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 26, 2008 12:05 AM Post #5468596
| Awchid, Impressive phal. See, they seem so easy but I just haven't figured out what I do wrong. Leeflea51 |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 26, 2008 7:58 AM Post #5469214
| Dalfyre if you don't mind waiting I will send you down some hellebore plants. I have only lived in this home for 18 mths I used to live in our family home 100mls up the east coast from here at East Cape. I still have many dozens of potted and labelled H. plants up there and when someone takes me back for a weekend I will be able to fill another trailer with more of my poor abandoned plants. I had a huge garden and unless a lot of things are flowering I cant remember where they are. Quite a few different coloured alstromerias if your interested. I had a Chilean Fire tree for years, got it as a baby plant from the side of the road. A visitor to Gisborne in the early 1900's planted some along the road and a few of them are still growing although the originals are long gone. It's a wonder doc hasn't got rid of them. What a beautiful show when they flower. There were always surprised comments from people when they saw it in flower. I have
a few roses that were already here and I almost needed a blood transfusion after pruning them,lol.
Lee you just hang in there with those orchids , as long as they are still alive there is always the chance that they will flower for you. All my
plants have had to aclimatise and some took longer than others,lol.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 26, 2008 4:10 PM Post #5470952
| Thanks Awchid,
I have only just managed to clear my woodland corner.
For most of my 8 years here it has been the rough, unloved bit where all the branches pruned form trees & shrubs were piled up to 'compost'.
A layer of grass clippings every time I mowed, leaved raked up in autumn.
And with a large conifer on the fence line blocking almost all light the area was pretty gloomy.
After my neighbour removed the conifer I got motivated & raked & tidied.
Now with all the extra light seedlings & weedlings :( are popping up all over.
I expect it to be a few years before I have anything like a real woodland garden there.
Cheers - Dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 26, 2008 4:20 PM Post #5470983
| Woodland after clearing  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 26, 2008 8:51 PM Post #5472062
| That really is a very pretty area and the potential is endless. I can't see you waiting too long before your green fingers get itchy and you wont be able to help your self,lol. Just looking at it I start thinking of all the plants that would do well there.  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 27, 2008 4:24 PM Post #5475285
| I am open to suggestions!
I had a chat with a professional gardener about the spot & he thought with the silver birch & oak it would be too dry for trilliums (rats).
But he loaned me a couple of books & I am formulating a new wish list...
cheers - Dalfyre
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 28, 2008 2:29 AM Post #5477351
| Knock,knock. Hello from Mississippi, USA. Hi dalfyre. Is Awchid on? rsvp and tell me of somethings wonderful and good. Leeflea51 |
Kaelkitty Adelaide
(Australia) (Zone 10a)
August 28, 2008 3:56 AM Post #5477399
| HI leeflea,
Check this out - [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
I think it just might qualify as wonderful and good!
Ciao, KK. |
leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 28, 2008 4:46 AM Post #5477424
| Hi kaelkitty, Very impressive picture and plant. Is it an Arum. Yes, yes, it is both good and wonderful. Give me details. Leaflea
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 28, 2008 4:33 PM Post #5479659
| we had a stunning sunny day yesterday, today it is grey & cold again.
I had to spray my roses - could not believe there were aphids on them already!
Last year the aphids were terrible but the roses did well despite them.
I am really looking forward to seeing what cuttings have taken & what colour blooms they have.
We were going to sell our rental property &I gave the roses there a good tidy up.
Once we got all the prunings home I put some into the garden.
Mystery mix!
And if the ones I really wanted haven't taken & can go back since the property market went splat & our house didn't sell...
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 28, 2008 6:45 PM Post #5480163
| Ditto here Dalfyre, stated out a beautiful sunny day, so I went out and took a few photos, put my new plants out on a bench seat and everything was ready to do repotting, came back in for some breakfast and the day went down hill from there. It is now cold overcast
and quite yuk. That rose is gorgeous, is it a patio rose, name please if you have it that is a lovely colour. Clivias would look nice in your woodland area, hellebores especially the white ones to lift the shady areas, daffodills around the base of the trees and other scattered little bulb gems, I have a little white flowering plant under my big trees up the coast, I think it is a forest anenome but that could be wrong as it doesn't have a bulb and I guess it spreads from seed. These random plants just pop up about 3" high a nice leaf and then a white flower. I don't really notice it until it flowers and then I think how pretty it is and should put it else where but never have. Funny thing is I only brought 1 little plant with me. Maybe they had died down and I couldn't find them. Who knows, lol. Just rambling thoughts Dalfyre. I had better go and do something constructive, that will warm me up, I can't sit here chatting all day although its a nice thought as it is a bit warmer in here, not much though as I have the door wide open,lol. Will be back later :)
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 28, 2008 11:10 PM Post #5481273
| Knock,knock, hi NZers. Can't sleep even though it's only 10:15pm. How's the day there? Leeflea Too, to you Australians, Are the words Aussie and Kiwis offensive. I would't want to offend out of my ignorance. |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 29, 2008 3:36 AM Post #5481914
| Hi Awchid,
My hubby asked what I wanted for Valentines day a few years ago - I suggested a standard Iceberg.
They sent him home with Pinocchio, a bush rose.
I prefer the rose we received as a an engagement gift - another bush rose Yours Always.
Am trying to strike cuttings to give to Mum.
She has given me some nice red roses, and a sweet yellow mini.
Leeflea - Kiwi & Aussie are what we call ourselves so definitely won't offend :)
cheers - dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 29, 2008 3:47 AM Post #5481923
| dalfrye, so glad as I wouldn't want to offend. I suppose I got an education of Australia(i know you are in NZ) was from watching 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. I feel I know Alice Springs. Too, to weed woman, I would like to see a Tasmanian Devil, as I think they and I share a simlar disposition at times! How so very lucky you two are to be where you are or am I just romantacizing? Would love to experience the Southern Skies. Penguins, how thrilling. Saw a program on National Geographic about one type getting under people's houses and making all types of noises. Forgive my blathering on about your part of the world but it is so exciting to me, just a Mississippi country boy who has never traveled farther than Hawaii. Please do be so kind as to keep me informed with info. Also, proteas(sp?) seem lovely. Lee |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 29, 2008 4:37 AM Post #5481946
| Oh like Rodney Hyds, :) Hi Dalfyre I got outside and did my repotting, sitting in the sun and keeping warm. I ended up with 14 stapelias
some didn't have names and there are probably some double ups but that is a lot of new plants. I only managed 4 new ones from the cacti nusery in Auckland. There were also 8 new succulents so all in all a good day out don't you think. I'll pop down to yhe farmers market in the morning to see what they have this week. Lets hope it is fine
I new that rose was familiar it's one I managed to kill, they don't do well in frosts, they fail to thrive. They may do better here. Patio roses are so pretty and they have lovely colours. Just found out yesterday thar I have a trip back home on the 12th so am looking forward to it.
My niece is going up this weekend to see if the place is still there, like not blown away or washed away, not joking either it's a bit of a worry.
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 29, 2008 3:53 PM Post #5483935
| so far my Pinocchio has survived around 5 years worth of frosts...
and snow!
The 'Yours Always' I have had 4 years now.
Last year they had the longest flowering season - still looked fabulous until the snow in June.
I have some nice minis & two Kordana roses I could not resist on sale at the Warehouse.
I wasn't sure if they would live but were very cheap so figured it wasn't much money to waste if they up & died...
Both lived & had 3 plants in each pot so that was a real score.
I lost the label on the red but the other is "Patricia".
Looks like a china rose the colour is so delicate.
I had a side branch come out in pale cream flowers instead of the original apricot tint.
Should have tried to grow this on as a cutting to see if it stayed that colour.
In this pic you can see the two different colours from the same rose.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 29, 2008 8:05 PM Post #5484873
| That is very pretty Dalfyre, they have a consistantly good shape don't they. even as they are going off. I should get a few more and try again they would like it here and no snow either. How did you manage with all that lousy weather down there did it do much damage to your plants? Warehouse has some quite good plants as long as you get them before they run out of water. not so bad with the roses they are pretty tough. Mind you I always make a beeline for reduced trolly, I've ended up eith some good plants over the years Gee sitting at the computor runs away with the time, I was only popping on for 1/2 an hour and it's been 2hrs now and the sun has disappeared again,lol. Oh well I'm off, got to do something or I will have to sack myself. :)
Lesley Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 29, 2008 8:07 PM Post #5484884
| Awchid, Hello. am up for the time being. do rsvp. Lee |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
August 29, 2008 8:32 PM Post #5484974
| Hi Lee, are you still mucking around in the middle of the night? What do you do to keep yourself busy in the day time? Perhaps a cuppa and a late supper would help LOL. It usually works for me, then I listen to talk back radio. I tried getting on the puter one night and was up until about 6 in the morning. At least I got the rubbish out early but was out of sorts all day, haven't done that again. I need my sleep, not as young as I used to be,lol. Well the sun is out again so am going to go and attack my vege garden. I think my vege plants will grow better in there than in the punnets they come in. Do you grow your own veges? Can you tell me Lee what are collard greens ?? I have read that in books but haven't a clue what they actually are so enlighten me please.
Lesley Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 31, 2008 5:50 PM Post #5491698
| Spring has sprung!
The sun is shining, birds are singing...
I have the dreaded lurgi & am off work sick.
Lawns need mowing, garden needs weeding.
But my daffodils look so pretty:) Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
August 31, 2008 6:17 PM Post #5491781
| I have uploaded more daffodil pics to photobucket...
[HYPERLINK@s75.photobucket.com] Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
August 31, 2008 7:08 PM Post #5491928
| He, NZ's In a hurry to secure the outdoor things that might prove dannger in case Hurricane Gustave gets this far north. Do keep us in your thoughts. Leeflea51
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 1, 2008 6:53 AM Post #5493303
| Weeell I just lost my reply, and that is so annoying. Those daffodils are lovely Dalfyre and so are your other garden photos I reslly enjoyed looking at them. Very professional, you have a lovely garden and I can see how much pleasure it gives you. Do you have close neighbors
I just ask because I often wonder what my neighbor thinks when she see's me prowling about my section with my camera. They are Romanian and very shy and don't talk to me. Now that I think about it perhaps thats why, lol, they think I'm nuts:-)) I'll be referred to as that strange lady next door!!
I see in your pics that you have horses,, I had to part with mine when I came to Gisborne. I probably would have had trouble fitting 16 horses on my little section. I used to feel like the pied piper when I walked in the paddock they used to squabble about who could get the closest and then almost walk on my heels and upset my dog. and the cat. as the foals had to have their little play as well. All very well behaved though. I love the smell of horses it is so warm and comfortable.:)
Hi Lee I hope the hurricane is not going to be too disasterous for you and am pleased that this time the people are getting out of the way.
Anyway stay safe and out of harms way.
Lesley. |
leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 1, 2008 9:54 AM Post #5493657
| Awchid, the weather up in this part of tthe state is ok for now. Our bad weather will occur over night and tomorrow. We'll probably get tornadoes and torrential rains from the feeder bands. The southern part of the state and New Orleans are getting it though. We have a weather radio on and it alert us of severe weather. Take care, leeflea |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 1, 2008 6:31 PM Post #5495556
| Hi Lesley - glad you liked the garden:)
My neighbours on one side have a great garden themselves - we get on well, invited them to my wedding.
Other side interesting as it has been a rental off & on over the last 8 years.
The new owner is getting stuck in & hired a baby digger to clear the shrubs on our fence line.
It will have made his house sunnier, but in two minds about losing that privacy screen.
The horses aren't mine - I used to follow the career of Splashed - a skewbald pacer & then later her filly foal Cullermein.
My husband thinks I am mad, belong to an Appaloosa site where I watch the mares at foaling time.
After 7 years watching I finally saw live foalings online.
We share garden stories & pics there too - it is nice to share my garden when they are in the depths of winter & often under a blanket of snow.
I love spotted horses, spotted dogs & spotted plants...
think I have been nurturing a Horopito over the past 8 years, tasted a nibble from a leaf & it was HOT!
So glad i have been looking after it as it is a really lovely plant with beautiful markings & colour on the leaves.
Yay again to the internet - I saw a picture online & the light bulb went on...aha another plant identified:)
Cheers - Dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 1, 2008 6:38 PM Post #5495582
| close up of frosted Horopito leaves  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 2, 2008 6:50 AM Post #5497496
| It has been a beautiful day here, I didn't waste a moment of it. Went to the library while I waited for the lawn to dry out then came back and got it done. Tomorrow I may attack the front hedge, I have a friend who comes and cuts it for me but only when he thinks it needs doing and I think it has needed doing for the last 2months. It's a photinia and the red new growth is too long and looks untidy. I have just ordered a few more daylily's, also got a price list for a few orchids, still debating though. I have been trying to find a nursery that sells frangipani's as I would like a pink one as well as a white one and it would be easier to get them at the same time. I find it is really hard to find nursery's even when you know it is there somewhere. I ordered the daylily's acouple of weeks ago and thought I had saved the sight and it didn't come up anywhere and I just couldn't find it. I was looking through a notebook for something and there it was. I would have thought they would have sent an email with a price for the freight or something. Never mind I might finally have got the blue D/L I have been wanting.:) Will pop back in tomorrow, I have picked up the lurgy as well, a friend has it and has passed it along. No head cold but a really bad chest that is getting worse by the day. Sorry to here you have it as well, at least we know we didn't share the bug,lol.
Lesley Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 2, 2008 7:31 PM Post #5500212
| Hello Awchid, it's 6:30pm here and I'm just getting on. Have felt like **** all day. Coughing, lethargy, headache. Just generally bad.. I have asthma and when I start feeling like this and wheezing, I have to ramp up my meds to try and prevent bronchitis which puts me down for a week or so. So, I started on an antibiotic(Levaquin) and used my nebulizer machine with the med. in it that makes me shake as if I were in an earthquake. I'm hitting all the wrong keys now. Took some cough syrup as I feel as if I could cough out my lungs and Owen would be disturbed. Don't know why I'm even on here except the election coverage is boring my *** off and I'm not in to situation comedies or dramas. Much more a documentary, old Bette Davis or K. Hepburn movies. Would like to see 'Now Voyager' now. Will run. If you don't here from me in a while, you'll know why. Not dead, just limping along. Lee |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 3, 2008 6:10 AM Post #5501729
| Hi all, The Lurgy is on the warpath, I too feel like ****. Bad chest, bad head and no energy. Was going to do heaps today. Repotted
4 plants, did the tiniest bit of washing and called it a day, I was sweating and had no energy left. Just as well I went to the library yesterday I had something to read. So it wasn't long begore I had a sleep. Whole day wasted. My big cream cymbid finally opened and I couldn't be bothered taking a photo. Will be back tomrrow.
Lesley. |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 4, 2008 4:08 PM Post #5508370
| Curse that Dreaded Lurgy!
our front lawn needed mowing & the weather was perfect...
all I could do was curl up on the couch.
Now the rain is back so no mowing, I can just about see the grass growing!
And I have lost my voice & am still coughing & sniffly.
the weeds are jeering at me too :(
I'll get my revenge - death by round up!
cheers - Dalfyre
ps another different daffodil
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 5, 2008 6:54 AM Post #5510650
| I think my bug is on the way out, mind you I've dosed it well. I didn't lose my voice but may as well have as I haven't seen anyone to talk to anyway, lol. That daff certainly is different, It's like it's dithering about what it shold look like.. Very sorry about the description especially
if it is one of your special ones.
Lesley Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 5, 2008 4:12 PM Post #5512766
| lol - I like that description.
I think it looks like a lightly poached egg...
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 5, 2008 11:19 PM Post #5514431
| awchid/dalfyre, saying hello and admiring the photos. awchid, glad the bug is leaving you. dalfyre, your mentioning poached eggs makes me hungry. it's 10:15pm here, so why not breakfast? or rather a late supper. got new orchid catalog and am thinking of trying a cymb. they offer the warmth-tolerant onrs. might order one in a little bit-cymb. Swan Lake 'Bayfront Park'. are you two familiar with it? still having to use one hand to type so please excuse mistakes. leeflea |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 6, 2008 8:13 AM Post #5515286
| How are you feeling Dalfyre, has that bug moved on yet. Mines gone just got the cough now. I don't know about these nice warm days, my lawn needs mowing again. Didn't go to the farmers market today I decided to sort out the vege garden and get the plants in. Now it's
done all I have to do is wait until it is warm enough for the tomatoes and the beans and lettuce and hope SIL grows the things I don't have room for. It is very definitly spring the fruit trees are looking lovely with all their blossom makes me feel guilty that i'm getting the 2 here cut down. Love the blossom hate the fruit.
Hi lee I don't know the cymbid there are far too many and the ones here are different names to your ones. With a name like Swan Lake it should be nice. Give it a try, whats to lose. I quite like getting orchids with no names as they are usually a nice surprise when they flower.
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 6, 2008 4:16 PM Post #5517032
| Love those orchids!
I am still feeling lousy, but have to say getting better slowly.
Voice still not back - was meant to be at dog club today - not going to be able to help there & feel a bit guilty .
I shouldn't really since I help with taking classes & step in for other instructors, steward at all the shows ...
I do love my dog training!
One thing about not showing anymore is that I have a chance to do more gardening.
When I was away almost every weekend it was a struggle to even keep the lawns mowed.
And picking up after 4 dogs was not my favourite way to spend an afternoon...
with only two here life is easier.
I was scrolling through my photos for ones of the dogs in the garden & was reminded how much we have changed the back yard...
started off very overgrown, then after a few years the dogs had thinned a few shrubs & made a nice mud track right down the middle.
2 years ago we had it professionally landscaped.
The decking & pavers are great but I am starting to think about how to improve the planting...
not enough greenery out there & quite a few plants died.
they put in a Himalayan Daphne but they stuck it in the wrong spot & it only lasted a year.
Very sad!
I'll have to share some before & after shots.
cheers - Dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 6, 2008 4:23 PM Post #5517073
| before & after shots of the back yard in photobucket...
[HYPERLINK@s75.photobucket.com] |
chrissy100 Sydney
(Australia)
September 6, 2008 5:30 PM Post #5517372
| Hi to all you Kiwis and to our friend over in the USA ...Lesley I have been off the air for a while and am just catching up with the threads.How wonderful this one is.Those orchids are so lovely ...I had mine in full flower too this year ...first time that they all flowered.
You gave me some great hints on getting them to do just that thankyou ...I had to bring the last ones inside due to the awful weather we have been experiencing. The NZ pics are a real treat ...and like leeflea51 I think it is a very special place.
dalfyre ...hi ...so nice to meet and chat to other gardeners ...thanks for the happy thread everyone ...come on all you kiwis jump in and say hi ...don't be shy ...you can learn so much here and meet such friendly folk.
Take care up USA way ...so many bad things happening weather wise up your way ...be safe and don't forget to pop in for a chat ...we love getting to know you all and are only too happy to answer any questions re strange animal life lol and such.
Enjoy the weekend everyone.
chrissy
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 6, 2008 11:14 PM Post #5518730
| hi chrissy100, from the u.s.a. and am watching progress of hurricane ike with concern should he come into gulf of mexico. as i've written awchid and dalfyre, i' about 300miles from that area and katrina brought destruction this far north. thanks for your concern. hello awchid and dalfyre. leeflea |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 7, 2008 3:33 AM Post #5519363
| Hi Chrissy,
I lived in Sydney for a year, 1980...
we were in Wiley Park.
No garden - big blocks of flats.
I did have a good collection of pot plants.
Freckle face, spider plant & aluminium plant plus one big fruit salad plant that I loved to 'polish'.
I killed several maiden hair ferns - I cannot keep those alive!
Had a monster Boston fern, those are nigh impossible to kill.
Once we moved up to Brisbane I got stuck in to the gardening.
things grow so well up there :)
Cheers - Dalfyre Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 7, 2008 4:00 AM Post #5519381
| hi,dalfyre, what's the beautiful flower ? leeflea |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 7, 2008 6:49 AM Post #5519473
| I think it is Star Magnolia.
It is lovely when covered in flowers & has a wonderful fragrance.
I have a new shrub in flower, almost didn't notice it as the flowers are quite small.
Not sure what it is but suspect a witch hazel of some kind.
The leaves certainly look just like those of my other witch hazel.
I will have to search the plant files for clues to it's identity:) Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 7, 2008 6:15 PM Post #5521570
| did some research & think my shrub is a Winter Hazel...
just not sure which exact one.
It doesn't look much at the moment, I will have to find out what it likes & give it some tlc.
My white paeony is starting to come up just in front of the Winter Hazel.
Considering that the builders tipped some 'crud' onto the garden right there I am lucky to still have it!
I had to remove a crust of solid, cement like gunk so the poor thing could reach daylight.
Could be worse.
The man that plastered my back wall rinsed his bucket & tools out on top of my white rhodie...
It had been neglected & untended for years before I uncovered it & I was trying to nurture it back to health.
It gave up after that massive dose of lime!
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100 Sydney
(Australia)
September 8, 2008 2:51 AM Post #5523376
| Hi girls and boys ...hope you are enjoying Spring ...I hope our American friends are ok and our English ones are not too wet ...we hear you are flooding over there ...stay dry and safe won't you.
Sorry I can't chat right now but I will be back later ...it's been a nice day at last ...sunshine!
What did you do today?
this is what I did ...Hold your nose now lol Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 8, 2008 3:11 AM Post #5523395
| hi chrissy100, frm the u.s. hi,too, to dalfyre and awchid. havin a terrible night. just this close... leeflea |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 8, 2008 5:51 AM Post #5523492
| Good evening all you lovely folks. Hows the lurgy progressing Dalfyre? Love your spotty doggy.. Really though he/she is sweet and lucky you having 2 of them. I would love another dog but it wouldn't be fair on the dog as walking it would be very minimal. I did have a mastiff/lab a very large teddy bear of a dog about the same size as the yard I have now. 30acres was just his size here I would be picking up doggy doo forever, lol. Nice flowers D. you have certainly been busy re your before and after pics. Is the magnolia a stellata or other? Hi Lee good to see your back on deck and haven't been blown away. Not yet anyway I see another big blow heading your way again. It's good to have you back again too Chrissy we missed your smiling face :))
The weather seems to be warming up and the weeds are bursting out all over. Gave all my roses a good feed of potash yesterday so they should do well this year. The nemesia I put in are doing very well but the primula are a bit pathetic, too many white ones I think and I just love the iceland poppies. I'm not a big grower of annuals so having some makes a nice change. I only used to use a few petunias to fill gaps and for summer colour.. I had a bit of fun with petunias one year, I decided I would do the seed and have plenty of plants so I used a couple of polystyrene boxes and sowed the whole packet of seed. I waited for weeks and nothing came up so when it got warmer I sowed another packet then the weather really warmed up and the whole lot came up and the boxes were packed with plants, well I planted them all out in the garden and it was the most beautiful display of colour and certainly got some very nice feed back. I didn't do it again too much work keeping them looking nice and rescuing things from their smothering arms,lol. Just as well it was a huge garden.
My orchids are all coming along nicely so more pics on the way soon. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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chrissy100 Sydney
(Australia)
September 8, 2008 9:37 AM Post #5524053
| I sow a lot of my seeds in polystyrene boxes too ...and grow the seedlings on in polystyrene cups as well ...it is a great insulating material and perfect for keeping the soil at an even temp.
Gee leaflea sorry to hear all is not well ...we will keep you in our thoughts mate and hope everything will be ok ...keep in touch and let us know won't you.
it's getting late everyone so I am off to bed ...good luck with everything ...closing with a pic of baby angels (brugmansias) in the polystyrene cups (holes poked through for drainage). Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 9, 2008 12:28 AM Post #5527945
| Serious rush of blood to brain today..
I went & bought some bargain plants from the Warehouse & then went mad & weeded the gardens both sides of the drive...
and it is quite a long drive.
I am feeling a bit sore & my roses bit me - unappreciative beggars!
but I have cleared a mass of chickweed, forget-me-nots & other un-named incredibly pesky weeds.
Which gave me room to plant the new babies.
2 azaleas on the shady side & 6 Delta white pansies on the sunny side.
2 cyclamens have gone into the woodland corner.
Don't know if they will survive there but at $2.00 per plant I don't mind experimenting.
cheers - Dalfyre Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 9, 2008 4:09 PM Post #5530367
| Magnolia Stellata...
I just love this in flower!
It smells lovely & looks wonderful.
And it is planted right on the front boundary so passersby get to enjoy too:) Click the image for an enlarged view.
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leeflea51 Golden, MS (Zone 7a)
September 10, 2008 1:23 AM Post #5532552
| hi dalfyre, awchid, and chrissy, the magnolia is, in fact lovely. i do so envy your starting Spring as we are starting in to Fall. many plants, i have to bring in before i have my first total knee replacement sept. 23rd. Autumn, i suppose, is a better time to have it done than spring. take care all you viewers of the Southern Cross. leeflea |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 13, 2008 11:43 PM Post #5549319
| I have all kinds of things in my garden...
our cat likes to sleep in the daffodils.
And a new violet is flowering - one I didn't know was there.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 14, 2008 4:29 AM Post #5549685
| Isint it neat when you come across plants you had misslayed. I still haven't found my pink arum and it's planted here somewhere. I have all sots of treasures up the coast and last time up there I couldn't find half of them, so if they aren't flowering I still wont be able to find things. I think I'm going up on Friday, I'll believe it when i get picked up, my families arrangements can change a dozen times in a week.
Lesley Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 17, 2008 10:38 PM Post #5566203
| Hi Dalfyre I wasn't wrong! I'm not going up home for the weekend after all. My neice had her foot jumped on by a horse so she wont be going any where at the moment. I may have to wait another month now, don't they say patience is a virtue, I am turning into a very virtuous person I think. Its a cold wet day here today which is a shame after all the nice weather we have had this last week. Hope everything is fine down your way and spring is in the air :-)
Lesley |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 18, 2008 6:32 AM Post #5566976
| ouch - your poor niece!
I have enjoyed 4 days of glorious sunshine & now it is raining & cold again.
Most of my new plants are looking good.
I am plotting and planning what to do next...
I think I found something new in my garden again - looks like mini daffodils but I will have to wait & see...
as soon as they are open I will take pix.
Cheers - Dalfyre |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 20, 2008 7:09 AM Post #5575371
| Still nice here, a bit cold out of the sun so one just has to be more energetic. I have spent all day cleaning up then planting my new day/lilies. I haven't a clue what colour they are only that they were nice enough to order them. What was surprising was that some
individual plants had 5 and 6 plants to each name usually there is only 1 and even the names that said1 had 2 plants. Must have been bonus plants week. These were from Woodlands D/L My new lot are from Riverview D/L's and there is 1 plant per name, I know where I will order next time. The mini daff's are so sweet, I saw them at The W/H and was tempted but I would have had to put them in a pot as they aren't safe in the garden, I tend to put the spade or hoe thru them cos I forget they are there,lol I spent a lot of time pulling convolvulus while planting as well.
Looks to be another nice day tomorrow so seems like I will be busy again, oh goody.
Lesley. |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 21, 2008 3:03 AM Post #5579341
| Those Day Lilies sound like a good buy.
I think Mum had some in her garden but she wasn't keen on them, moved them & lost them.
I spent the morning indulging in my other passion - dog training.
I was instructing so missed out on joining the working bee shifting the gorse hedge trimmings into a trailer to be removed.
Dogs don't work well with gorse prickles in their feet so we have to be thorough in picking it all up.
I managed to get prickled in my own garden later, weeding around the roses again.
I cleared so many weeds last week and am determined to stay on top of them now.
I posted a couple of pix in the Spring flower thread, my new bargain pansies are doing well.
cheers - Dalfyre Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 22, 2008 6:41 AM Post #5583789
| Had a visitor the last couple of days so couldn't use the putor. Lovely camellia. I have been the same with my weeds which also means I go out to do a job and end up picking out finicky little weeds and my day starts disappearing down drain. Is it your gorse hedge?? I just couldn't imagine having one of those as gorse is a raging curse up here. I used to go out on the road and spray any that came up within cooee of our place. We were almost paranoid about them. I had a pet goat and they are supposed to love gorse so one day I went out with secateurs and cut some of the tenderist bits I could find plus a few sweet flowers. The whole exercise was very much agin my better judgement, delivered them to goat and she turned her nose up at them, So never again. lol. Off up to Tauranga on Friday to grandsons Birthday and hopefully we don't have to rush back as there is no school and DD has taken some holidays so here's hoping.
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 22, 2008 4:06 PM Post #5585828
| We have an ancient gorse hedge at my dog club.
There are still a few around but mostly macrocarpa hedges in rural/semi rural areas.
There is a chap who goes around annually trimming all the local hedges.
He does a great job but it does take a working bee to clear the trimmings away.
2 Years ago the landlords planned to remove the old hedge so it wasn't given the usual short back & sides...
The following year it took a major clean up to get it tidy again.
The cost of removing & replacing the hedge has given it a reprieve.
I remember being horrified at seeing gorse when I first came down to ChCh.
There isn't the same intense loathing toward it as up North.
Best thing about a gorse hedge - can't be tagged!
cheers - Dalfyre
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
September 23, 2008 6:35 AM Post #5588102
| What a gorgeous line up of dogs. I was thinking not only won't your hedge get tagged but none of the dogs will be rushing over to pee on it either:-) I have so much to do before the weekend and today I didn't seem to get anything done, Typical eh, so tomorrow I am going to be so busy. Lovely day here , I hope you aren't in for that horrid wind that is forcast for down your way. It's a real pain at this time of year.
Wind just burns off all the new lush growth and really dries out the ground. I did manage to water today so it wasn't an entirely wasted day I guess. Lesley. |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
September 23, 2008 3:58 PM Post #5589953
| Yesterday was Nor 'West, warm but when the wind got up there was no point in gardening.
I did pinch the laterals off my baby tomato & have put those into a 6 pack pot.
I have them in my 'tunnel house' - a large plastic bag on it's side on the terrace.
I also have the pots with tomato seed in there.
I don't know if I will get any tomatoes out of all of this but it is interesting to try.
I really should have mowed the lawns but couldn't stand it out there any longer.
Nor' West makes me feel blah!
I did take water out to my new plants , poor babies needed it!
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
October 4, 2008 11:52 PM Post #5634560
| Gee the time flies, I don't feel as if I have been away long. Got back on thurs recuperated fri, mowed the lawn yesterday, watered everything today, its blowing like blazes and its drying out the garden and pots badly. I've still got a few orchids coming out in flower and noticed yesterday that the tuberous begonias are all making good growth so I guess the next job is coming up fast. The garden plant mart has opened at last so I will have to go and get some capsi plants and some basil oh and some X lettuce and of course tomatoes, my vege garden is so small and I wanted to leave a bit of room between the plants but I think that theory has just gone out the window.
I had a lovely time at my G/sons birthday and it was great to see so many of the family, especially for a nice reason. Everyone got into the Hero or Villain theme and a great time was had by everyone. The food was also veeery nice. Now its time I got out my camera and made it earn its keep as I'm always running out of pics. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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weed_woman Coffs Harbour
(Australia)
October 5, 2008 12:23 AM Post #5634649
| Lesley, no time to stop and chat as I'm hosting visitors. Get on a plane and come on over!
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] |
weed_woman Coffs Harbour
(Australia)
October 5, 2008 12:24 AM Post #5634651
| Sorry lesley, had to go check on Terri. What did you end up going to the party as? |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
October 6, 2008 5:37 AM Post #5638336
| Hi Sue, Believe it or not I don't even have a passport. lol. I finally went as an english pirate and got dubbed as Jack Sparrows Nana as a grandson went as J/S it was a lot of fun and a great night was had by all. The birthday boy was one of the Pharohs and looked very regal.
I can't get over how much catching up I've had to do. So will go and check out some more. Catch you later.
Lesley |
dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
October 12, 2008 1:37 AM Post #5661119
| busy day today, took two classes at dog club & spent half an hour training my own dog after everyone left.
Had to water some of my newer plants we have had a few fine days in a row.
All sorts of things are springing up.
There is lily of the valley which I thought I had killed off, I am pleased to see it back as I love the scent & the pretty flowers.
Solomon's seal is up & flowering, not a very thick clump yet but looking good.
My peonies have flower buds that are getting fatter by the day.
The red is doing really well & making a liar out of all those who say peonies sulk for ages after transplanting.
I bunged it in rather randomly & all seem to have survived.
My gorgeous white one is a little slower to forgive me for splitting it up.
I gave some to Mum as a swap for the red, must ask her if it survived.
It has been a couple of years so hopefully it will be settled in & flowering for her.
My roses are looking great so far.
I see most of my cuttings survived, be funny if they are all from the same rose...
They came home in a rubbish bag so I rescued them but no way of knowing which was which variety.
I hope I can find good homes for the extras...
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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mike_in_NZ Atawhai,Nelson
(New Zealand) (Zone 10a)
October 12, 2008 3:04 AM Post #5661195
| Hi I'm back again! Been busy with work and spending time with my baby daughter. Loving being a dad - even with the 2am crying and feeding! How are you Lesley? Nice Spring garden underway I expect?
Mike |
Awchid Gisborne
(New Zealand)
October 13, 2008 4:02 AM Post #5665014
| Hi and Hullo. It seems that we have all been busy busy busy. My daughter ansd the grandchildren have been down for a few days and
when they went home I decided I was staying off the putor until I had caught up on the mowing and a few other jobs that really needed attending to. My family put my shade house together that was a mission it was rather more fragile than it looked when I got it but nothing that a piece of bamboo and insulation tape couldn't fix. and all rust patches were also taped up and all the joins so now it can be moved without falling apart. The yellow tape stands out a bit but that is not a problem, my plants don't really care.
It's nice to here from you again Mike I was wondering how you were , thought you may have blown away in one of those strong winds.
How old is your daughter. It's a lot easier to wake up at 2am when they are hungry at this age, than waiting up at 2am when they become teenagers, lol. Make the most of it at the time just races by. Yes I have a spring garden and am going to have to start getting ready for the summer. Don't be a stranger...
Dalfyre long time since we last had a chat, you seem to have been rather busy as well. You did well with your rose cuttings. I had to pull a
nice rose ut of the garden here so took a few cuttings and one seems to have taken so am keeping my fingers crossed. Went to the Stewart Centre today and ended up with a couple of pots of Lily of the Valley I have wanted some for years so it was a lucky find $4.and
a Flag Iris with a bud $2 It's a great place for plants at a good price. They may have one down where you are, check it out, it was years before I found out this place was here and it had apparently been here forever. I have been rather busy taking all the dead flower stalks off my Aussie orchids, it's aboyt this time that I decide that 2 or 3 would be a lot easier,lol, still have a few still flowering and now the
Sarcochilis are starting to flower so never a dull moment. A friend cut the hedge today and on the weekend the neighbour had the huge liquidamber tree just over my fence cut down also the ivy on the fence I have been trying to get rid of for 2 years was delt to last night and
has gone to ivy hell I hope. I'll just keep painting the stump with woody weed killer until it expires completely. Well I think that has caught you up with my going ons for now so will call again soonest.
Lesley. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dalfyre Christchurch
(New Zealand)
October 13, 2008 3:37 PM Post #5666912
| Ivy is so persistent!
I had an attractive variegated ivy on my house & all over the back shed when I moved in.
It took a few years but the house one finally got the hint & died.
The one out the back took a lot more work, I had the shed demolished when we landscaped.
That helped but the sneaky thing had spread over the fence & was coming back from next door.
That house was vacant for ages after the tenants moved so I finally mixed up very strong weed killer & climbed up on a concrete block so I could spray over the fence.
The new owner got stuck in as well & has been clearing elderberry & ivy for weeks now.
cheers - Dalfyre
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