Anyone growing lupines in Philly area?
15 years ago
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- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
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Anyone grow Tamarix 'Pink Cascade'?
Comments (20)I found this thread as I was looking for info regarding the tamarisk because I'm reading a book called "The Silver Chalice" and they were mentioned there. I have a tendency towards "fictitious gardening" (my name for it); plants discussed/mentioned in novels I love are the ones I enjoy finding to plant when we move to the country. (I'm in south eastern Pennsylvania, USA.) After reading the comments by info_npss_sk_CA and aipc_programdirector_gmail_com, I'm rather confused. Both claim that this is an invasive species, which, from what I understand doesn't necessarily mean that one would witness that plant taking over and driving others out over the course of one or two growing seasons because the tamarix (scientific name for the tamarisk /saltcedar) doesn't just have the ability to replace your other plants or take over your yard; it also monopolizes available water in the soil while salinizing that same soil. These effects aren't necessarily something you are going to see from your house or while standing next to it. Nor does the fact that you have seen it locally or purchased it locally negate that. As the information regarding these plants is easily accessible to everyone here in this thread, (even a brief search online using any of the three most common names for these plants yielded quite a few sites outlining why this species is on the invasive lists of Canada and the United States of America) I am confused as to why everyone besides the two folks I mentioned appear to have ignored this information. I understand enjoying the challenge of cultivation (especially with a "new-to-you" plant) as well as the enjoyment one can derive from the fruits of one's labor, but this plant comes with long-term effects that may not only replace native species (it appears to have been introduced as an ornamental plant around the 1880's) but can also increase the frequency and intensity of fires and floods. I understand that someone may think that planting only one will not have much effect on the ecosystem, but it does because you can bet that you are not the only one who has purchased and planted one, and every plant purchased increases the demand for another to be ordered and local garden stores (as opposed to big-box centers) grow locally. I'm simply confused as to how this doesn't seem to be taken seriously despite being explicitly explained, in addition to a link being provided so that nobody even has to bother taking the initiative and searching themselves. I've bookmarked this page so that later today I can return and add links. I'm on my phone and am not sure how to copy and paste them. (We've had the phones a couple of months but generally don't use the Internet beyond emails or occasionally limited and very basic social media, so I'm not sure how to do certain things.) Thank you for reading. I would appreciate it if anyone can help me understand....See MoreWild Lupines
Comments (8)Hi Stumpie, welcome to the Far North Forum! Last year a gardening friend from NS gave me a handful of Lupinus perennis Wild Nova Scotia Lupine seeds. They winter sow very well and they transplanted just fine from container to ground, mind you, you'll have to make sure to supply water till they take off on their own. We had plenty of rain last year so I only had to water them once after they were transplanted. With wintersowing, there's no soaking or nicking the seed. Winter Sowed March 03/05, Germinated April 6/05....See MoreIs anyone in z5 growing musa basjoo?
Comments (20)Howdy Folks; I am lurking your board since my hubby is considering a job offer in the Rochester area. Musa Basjoo will grow in quite cold areas. We have a professor here in the area (Dr. David Franko, Miami, OH), who researches growing tropical plants in cold climates. He has a great book "Palms Won't Grow Here: and other myths". Anyhow, I tried growing Basjoo twice without overwinter success. I went to a talk by Dr. Franko and asked him about it. Here are some tips he gave me. The key is a good root structure, with good drainage. They are killed more often by rot than cold. So, plant them as soon as you can after your frost date. Once the plants have a good root base, cold should not kill them. Plant them on a bit of a hill or ensure good drainage. This was my problem. I had nothing but rotted stumps in the spring. If you are still worried about them in the fall, build a cage around them that you fill with leaves and protect from moisture with plastic. Once they are well established you may not have to do this. Check out the "tropicalesque" (sp) board. Lot's of people are growing them there. I hope to put a few in this spring, provided we are not moving to Rochester :). Good luck....See MoreAnyone here an NFL Philly Eagles fan?!
Comments (14)Grew up there. It isn't easy being a fan of any Philadelphia team (they will almost always break your heart), but I do stick with them. Of course, having been born north of Green Bay (don't ask-dad was there for a year with his co.) and owning a share of the Packers, they are my number 1 team. Nonetheless, you give me hope Faron. it is always nice to have two winning teams to cheer for during the season. Now, we are outside DC, so with luck, the Eagles will prevail over the team here. ;)...See More- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
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