Seeds Arrive!
The first of this year's seed orders has arrived!. Vojtech Holubec has once again delivered an outstanding selection from his fabulous list. You can view his offerings at:
(Do not try to view his site in Firefox if you want a really good view of the photos.)
If you are worried about buying small seed lots (under 50) from overseas, know that you do not need a phyto certificate to import them. See the NARGS information page:
There were only two of my choices that were out of stock. But then, they were so rare as to be only a dream. As a consolation, I quickly perused the bonus seeds. All good choices there. I am consoled.
This year the Primulaceae are at the top of my interest list. Primulas, of course, are wonderful performers that return year after year. My experiences started with those big boys Primula japonica, candelabras, always dependable in moist soil. There are many selections: P. 'Apple Blossom', a nice pink white with a red eye; P. 'Miller's Crimson', a good red; P. 'Alba', white. All are easy from seed. I remember Dick Redfield's strain included some orange influence. His patch was stream side in a light wood. When I came upon it, it was difficult to tell if the sun was glinting through the trees to spark the stream, of if it was japonica lighting up the woods. Always a great doer, it rises with a circle of blooms and puts on layers over a long period. Dick's were quite well supported by the moisture and rose to more than three feet. It's a member of section Proliferae, which includes nice oranges like P. bulleyana , which has not been hardy here. Or should I say, has not yet found the right microclimate hereabouts. Presently, I have been separating the colors apart into various areas of the garden. My aim is to split the purples and pinks from the brick red.
(Do not try to view his site in Firefox if you want a really good view of the photos.)
If you are worried about buying small seed lots (under 50) from overseas, know that you do not need a phyto certificate to import them. See the NARGS information page:
There were only two of my choices that were out of stock. But then, they were so rare as to be only a dream. As a consolation, I quickly perused the bonus seeds. All good choices there. I am consoled.
This year the Primulaceae are at the top of my interest list. Primulas, of course, are wonderful performers that return year after year. My experiences started with those big boys Primula japonica, candelabras, always dependable in moist soil. There are many selections: P. 'Apple Blossom', a nice pink white with a red eye; P. 'Miller's Crimson', a good red; P. 'Alba', white. All are easy from seed. I remember Dick Redfield's strain included some orange influence. His patch was stream side in a light wood. When I came upon it, it was difficult to tell if the sun was glinting through the trees to spark the stream, of if it was japonica lighting up the woods. Always a great doer, it rises with a circle of blooms and puts on layers over a long period. Dick's were quite well supported by the moisture and rose to more than three feet. It's a member of section Proliferae, which includes nice oranges like P. bulleyana , which has not been hardy here. Or should I say, has not yet found the right microclimate hereabouts. Presently, I have been separating the colors apart into various areas of the garden. My aim is to split the purples and pinks from the brick red.
Primula auricula
After that auspicious beginning with primula seed, I ventured on to the small or the farinose- P. farinosa, P. auricula, P. allionii. They are all like chocolates- one just makes me want another. Of course I am limited this year to what is in the lists. But with Holubec's list, there is satisfaction: P. blinii, P. fasciculata, and P. stenocalyx. More than satisfaction are the formidable primula relatives - the androsace. I always grow Androsace helvetica, and A. pubescens. This year there is also A. tapete. What a gem it is - prostrate, wooly, with wonderful white flowers with red/yellow eyes. I am currently growing a plant that came from Harvey Wrightman. It is doing very well in the raised granite beds. And now to try it from seed!
Paeonia x mlokosewitsii
I also ordered a few campanulas, daphnes, a paeonia hybrid. I saw the hybrid Paeonia mlokosewitsii a couple of years ago in many Czech gardens. What a beauty! It is much larger than any of that species I have ever grown and a pale yellow in flower. It will make a nice change from the borders of P. lactiflora that run along my gardens.
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