Ivydene Gardens Case Studies: |
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When a property is to be maintained, then you need to know for what purpose. I was asked to mow the lawns, prune the shrubs and weed the beds for a property that had had no garden maintenance for a year. After the first day of cutting the overgrown lawn and weeding the front garden; knowing that the property was going to be put up for sale, I wrote the following email to my client in the left column with work done after the client's response in the right column:-
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Some observations, suggestions for you and possible actions by me about the external part of your property and your neighbour's (to improve the visual look of this property before it’s sale) |
Client requested that I carry out the work for all 29 of the observations, suggestions for you and actions by me. |
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Front Garden:- |
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1. Action - Your neighbour at No 6 did say that the verges were the council’s responsibility, but that they have not cut them this year. I asked her whether I could cut her verge and she agreed; since she has not cut hers. I hope you agree that the cut verges do provide a better first view, since I intend to keep on cutting them as well as the lawns until they look like lawns. |
The verges, caravan parking area, vegetable garden, front and back garden lawns were cut using a 21" Honda Self-Propelled Mower every fortnight. The front and back lawns were scarified using a Honda Scarifier by scarifying along the lawn, vacuuming the lawn with the lawnmower, scarifying at 90 degrees to the last way, vacuuming, scarifying along the diagonal, vacuuming, scarifying along the other diagonal and finally vacuuming. |
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2. Action - Your tarmac drive has weeds and moss growing in it. I intend to use my high pressure hose to clean them off and brush off the loose tarmac shingle. |
The drive was swept, the weeds removed and the moss removed by high pressure hosing it. The loose material was put into into a Hippo bag. |
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3. Observation - Your top pane of glass in the front door is broken. The draught excluder at the top of the side on the door frame is not on the door frame. |
Bell Glass of Gillingham replaced the glass in the front door, the cracked glass in the scullery window and the workshop window. I painted the door before replacing the draught excluder and the respective windows after their glass replacement. |
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4. Action - I intend to remove the ivy from the door and its frame between the drive and your internal patio. |
The ivy was removed. |
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5. Observation - The garage door handles and the side door to the internal patio are not the same colour as the rest. |
The garage door handles, garage doors and side door was repainted. |
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6. Observation - The caravan parking area has concrete slabs and small pea-shingle directly onto the clay earth below. This has no Geotextile at the base with no 8” deep Type I MOT foundation above or no 2” of washed sharp sand on top and below the slabs to prevent the underlying clay from heaving or depressing the top surface to the detriment of any weight of caravan or vehicle placed on top. |
The weeds were removed, Plantex laid on top and a fresh layer of pea-shingle (supplied by Allsand Supplies Ltd who sell by the cubic yard as against by the ton - 1 cubic yard of stone is 1.8 tons) applied. Creating the correct foundation etc would not have been cost effective from the point of selling the property. |
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7. Observation - The middle post on the fence between you and next door is broken at the base and it’s metal support is not keeping it upright. |
A wooden stake was inserted into the ground alongside and screwed to the post. Replacing the broken post would have required replacing the fence sections on each side of it as well, which would not have been cost effective. |
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8. Observation - The paint is coming off your front soffits, and next doors soffit. The paint is coming off your front asbestos/concrete downpipes. |
The soffits and downpipes were painted. |
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9. Observation - Next door has asbestos/concrete guttering facing your garden in need of painting (perhaps black to match the black plastic guttering and downpipes which you have). The Windows of Next Door and their wall has ivy root fragments on their glass and frame, from the ivy that was cut down from your garden. |
The guttering was painted. The ivy roots were removed using water from a high pressure hose. |
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10. Suggestion - The Asbestos/Concrete downpipes and guttering along the front fence in the caravan parking area need removing. |
This was removed. |
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11. Action - Concerning the climbers on the front fence: Honeysuckle - leave alone, Clematis – prune to ground, Rose – tie to fence with vine-eye/wire support system below trellis, and Climber at end – cut to ground. |
This was done. |
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12. Action - The 3 remaining trees in your front lawn are to have 1’ radius of grass removed from their trunks, to allow the trees to receive nutrients and water. |
This was done. Grass mowings were used as a mulch in that 1' radius to provide nutrients for those trees. |
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13. Action - The 2 front borders to be weeded, pruned, prunings shredded and shreddings applied round their shrubs before covering with grass mowings to feed the plants. |
This was done. |
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14. Internal Patio:- |
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Observation - if the internal patio climber is removed with its string support system, then the ceiling beams that it is supported by could be stained the same colour as the rest. |
This was done. |
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15. Back Garden:- |
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Action - The buddleia by the external ramp will be removed, as will the grey juniper tree, grey leylandii tree and yellow juniper tree at end. |
These were removed. |
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16. Observation - The paint is coming off your back soffits, asbestos/concrete guttering and downpipes. |
These were cleaned and painted. |
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17. Action - The garage rose needs vine-eye support system. |
This was done. The vine-eye support system keeps the plant at least 3" away from the building, thus allowing airflow behind to stop fungal growth on the climber. |
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18. Action - Back Garden beds to be weeded, pruned, prunings shredded, shreddings with grass mowings on top to be used as mulch on the beds. |
This was done. |
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19. Action - All support systems on fruit trees to be removed. |
The tree posts and straps were removed and put into a HippoBag for disposal. |
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20. Action - Either the rose trellis is replaced and the rose tied to it, or the trellis is removed together with the rose. |
The rose trellis and rose from the vegetable garden area were removed. |
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21. Observation - The back garden slab patio and slab path are laid directly onto the earth with the cement grouting having weeds in it. Either remove cement grouting to replace it with Geofix to allow for drainage, or lay the slabs correctly with correct depth of foundations etc. |
The patio and paths were high pressure hosed to clean them and the lawns abutting them were edged. Creating the correct foundation etc. would not have been cost effective from the point of selling the property. |
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22. Suggestion - Suggest you eat your raspberry crop and maybe your rhubarb. |
The raspberries were eaten by the birds and the forced rhubarb left for the new owners. |
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23. Action - Remove the 3 gooseberries from the vegetable garden and plant them where the trees, which will be cut to the ground, are. |
This was done. |
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24. Action - Remove raspberries, keep the rhubarb, level the ground to path level and sow lawn seed to create lawn in the vegetable garden. |
This was done. |
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25. Suggestion - The rocks and bricks leaning against the chainlink fence in the vegetable garden are removed together with the material behind the shed. |
The Medibags from Hippowaste were used to remove this waste. |
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26. Suggestion - If the shed was painted perhaps black, it would not look so shabby. |
It was painted chestnut brown. |
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27. Action - Remove honeysuckle climber from shed. |
This was done. |
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28. Suggestion - White emulsion underneath conservatory roof to be removed, to provide more light in the winter. |
Deniva Cleaning Services removed this emulsion as part of their cleaning preparation of the house for sale. |
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29. Action - Prune trees. |
These were pruned, prunings shredded and the beds mulched with those shreddings. |
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Does this help? |
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The property was sold within a month. |
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Extra Information
Honda Mowers, Scarifiers and Stihl Chainsaws are available from
The Midibag (1 cubic metre) and Megabag (1.5 cubic metre) Hippobags are a skip alternative for Household, Garden or Building Waste from Hippowaste.
Bell Glass will replace glass in your home.
Plantex is a geotextile used to separate materials from combining with each other and is available from Travis Perkins builders merchants. |
Site design and content copyright ©December 2006. Page structure amended October 2012. Chris Garnons-Williams. DISCLAIMER: Links to external sites are provided as a courtesy to visitors. Ivydene Horticultural Services are not responsible for the content and/or quality of external web sites linked from this site. |
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Case Studies Pages Case
3 - Drive Foundations
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Design Cases When designing a garden, it is vital to know who and for how long the resulting designed and landscaped garden is going to be maintained by. The book 'The One Hour Garden' describes what maintenance work can be done in the time that you have allotted; and therefore what besides a lawn, you can have in your garden. My redesign and construction work to be done on my 3 gardens - as shown by Case 2 - must be to reduce the maintenance time required to the time I have available. If the gardens are first weeded, pruned, mulched, mown and bare earth converted to lawns using grass seed, then construction can take place in the future - as free time allows during a week or fortnight after the maintenance has been done. In Case 4, the combination of the Structural and Planting Designs would create a garden that I would be able to maintain in one day a fortnight. I would install a 3" deep mulch in the spring on the beds, so that I can prune the shrubs/trees and hoe the odd weed; whilst the father mows the lawns, the mother tends the vegetable garden and their teenage daughters play football!! The children in Case 5 loved to look at creepy-crawlies and wildlife, so that together with low-cost the design for different areas in a terrace house garden was created.
Construction Cases Case 3 is building a drive on clay and it is important to get the part you will not see - the foundations - done correctly. Case 8 is creating a pond with its pitfalls for foundations.
Maintenance Cases If you are asking someone to maintain your garden, then do provide the complete picture. If as in Case 1, you intend to sell the property, then look at this - as not a maintenance but as a selling job - and get that job done instead. Case 6 is creating a vegetable garden in a back garden during the maintenance program of one day a fortnight to maintain it and the remainder of the back and front gardens. This was done over 7 years using a crop rotation system Concrete ponds are likely to crack open due to movement in the ground levels due to being in clay or vibration caused by road traffic if it is fairly close. Case 7 shows no planting shelves for the pond plants. |
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Section below on Problems for Houseowners and Builders when the new home is surrounded by clay and how to solve them. |
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Problems for Houseowners and Builders when the new home is surrounded clay and how to solve them. 8 problems caused by clay:-
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Builders do sell the original topsoil including
where the new building and its garden areas are to be built. The consolidated parent material (bedrock) is usually sand, chalk or clay with flint possibly. At the end of building; the builders rubble is covered with possibly only a 2 inch (5 cms) depth of imported topsoil, which might be the washings from the sugar beet in the sugar industry. This is covered with turf and the unsuspecting public is offered the result. As likely as not one of their gardens slopes towards the house and even with the modern depth of foundation wall, there is no guarantee that subsidence will not occur.
If every garden of a new house had a 12 inch depth of soil removed from its new garden area, then at the end of the building work, the Aquadyne Drainage System would be laid round the entire boundary. Next to it then plant the relevant Instant Hedge on the non-house wall sides to absorb the rainwater collected by that drainage systemThe mix to change clay soil into a friable useful soil in less than 4 months for the above domestic garden problem was in royal blue colour typing. Using the burgundy colour typing components, the builder could create the following soil mix for his gardens:
If water with 150 kgs of clay was first added to the Concrete TruckMixer and then the required volume of cullet followed by the required volume of waste plasterboard, the mixture is then mixed for an hour. If the cullet/waste plasterboard mixture is passed through the poultry houses to mix with the poultry litter on the litter floor before being collected into the next Concrete TruckMixer, then the houses would be cleaner and smell less. The required volume of waste from beer making could replace the Peat above and the requisite Sulphate of Iron and Sulphate of Potash could be added to the Concrete TruckMixer before that mixture from the Poultry Farm litter floor is added. That soil mixture could then be mixed for 30 minutes before applying it to the garden areas of the new houses built by the builder to an 11 inch (27.5 cms) depth. The resulting mixture would then integrate with the clay and create a deep topsoil within 3 months. All the requirements for a soil as shown in the figure above would then have mixed together and time will increase the bacteria and get a new soil structure created. The following type of turf could then be laid over the proposed lawn areas a fortnight later:- RTF (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue), bred by Barenbrug Research USA, produces rhizomes (an underground stem) that send a shoot up to the soil surface while extending new roots downwards. In fact, RTF can root to 1.5 metres deep giving it a chance to tap into water reserves that normal lawn turf cannot reach. |
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Section below on Plant Selection Methods |
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Choose 1 of these different Plant selection Methods:-
1. Choose a plant from 1 of 53 flower colours in the Colour Wheel Gallery.
2. Choose a plant from 1 of 12 flower colours in each month of the year from 12 Bloom Colours per Month Index Gallery.
3. Choose a plant from 1 of 6 flower colours per month for each type of plant:- Aquatic
4. Choose a plant from its Flower Shape:- Shape, Form
5. Choose a plant from its foliage:- Bamboo
6. There are 6 Plant Selection Levels including Bee Pollinated Plants for Hay Fever Sufferers in
or
7. when I do not have my own or ones from mail-order nursery photos , then from March 2016, if you want to start from the uppermost design levels through to your choice of cultivated and wildflower plants to change your Plant Selection Process then use the following galleries:-
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There are other pages on Plants which bloom in each month of the year in this website:-
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PLANTS PAGE PLANT USE Groundcover Height Poisonous Cultivated and UK Wildflower Plants with Photos
Following parts of Level 2a, |
PLANTS PAGE MENU
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PLANTS PAGE MENU
Photos - 12 Flower Colours per Month in its Bloom Colour Wheel Gallery
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To locate mail-order nursery for plants from the UK in this gallery try using search in RHS Find a Plant. To locate plants in the European Union (EU) try using Search Term in Gardens4You and Meilland Richardier in France. To locate mail-order nursery for plants from America in this gallery try using search in Plant Lust. To locate plant information in Australia try using Plant Finder in Gardening Australia. |
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Section below provides details about flowers |
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The following details come from Cactus Art:- "A flower is the the complex sexual reproductive structure of Angiosperms, typically consisting of an axis bearing perianth parts, androecium (male) and gynoecium (female). Bisexual flower show four distinctive parts arranged in rings inside each other which are technically modified leaves: Sepal, petal, stamen & pistil. This flower is referred to as complete (with all four parts) and perfect (with "male" stamens and "female" pistil). The ovary ripens into a fruit and the ovules inside develop into seeds. Incomplete flowers are lacking one or more of the four main parts. Imperfect (unisexual) flowers contain a pistil or stamens, but not both. The colourful parts of a flower and its scent attract pollinators and guide them to the nectary, usually at the base of the flower tube.
Androecium (male Parts or stamens) Gynoecium (female Parts or carpels or pistil) It is made up of the stigma, style, and ovary. Each pistil is constructed of one to many rolled leaflike structures. Stigma This is the part of the pistil which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate. Style This is the long stalk that the stigma sits on top of. Ovary The part of the plant that contains the ovules. Ovule The part of the ovary that becomes the seeds. Petal The colorful, often bright part of the flower (corolla). Sepal The parts that look like little green leaves that cover the outside of a flower bud (calix). (Undifferentiated "Perianth segment" that are not clearly differentiated into sepals and petals, take the names of tepals.)"
The following details come from Nectary Genomics:- "NECTAR. Many flowering plants attract potential pollinators by offering a reward of floral nectar. The primary solutes found in most nectars are varying ratios of sucrose, glucose and fructose, which can range from as little a 8% (w/w) in some species to as high as 80% in others. This abundance of simple sugars has resulted in the general perception that nectar consists of little more than sugar-water; however, numerous studies indicate that it is actually a complex mixture of components. Additional compounds found in a variety of nectars include other sugars, all 20 standard amino acids, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, organic acids, oils, free fatty acids, metal ions and proteins. NECTARIES. An organ known as the floral nectary is responsible for producing the complex mixture of compounds found in nectar. Nectaries can occur in different areas of flowers, and often take on diverse forms in different species, even to the point of being used for taxonomic purposes. Nectaries undergo remarkable morphological and metabolic changes during the course of floral development. For example, it is known that pre-secretory nectaries in a number of species accumulate large amounts of starch, which is followed by a rapid degradation of amyloplast granules just prior to anthesis and nectar secretion. These sugars presumably serve as a source of nectar carbohydrate. WHY STUDY NECTAR? Nearly one-third of all worldwide crops are dependent on animals to achieve efficient pollination. In addition, U.S. pollinator-dependent crops have been estimated to have an annual value of up to $15 billion. Many crop species are largely self-incompatible (not self-fertile) and almost entirely on animal pollinators to achieve full fecundity; poor pollinator visitation has been reported to reduce yields of certain species by up to 50%." |
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The following details about DOUBLE FLOWERS comes from Wikipedia:- "Double-flowered" describes varieties of flowers with extra petals, often containing flowers within flowers. The double-flowered trait is often noted alongside the scientific name with the abbreviation fl. pl. (flore pleno, a Latin ablative form meaning "with full flower"). The first abnormality to be documented in flowers, double flowers are popular varieties of many commercial flower types, including roses, camellias and carnations. In some double-flowered varieties all of the reproductive organs are converted to petals — as a result, they are sexually sterile and must be propagated through cuttings. Many double-flowered plants have little wildlife value as access to the nectaries is typically blocked by the mutation.
There is further photographic, diagramatic and text about Double Flowers from an education department - dept.ca.uky.edu - in the University of Kentucky in America.
"Meet the plant hunter obsessed with double-flowering blooms" - an article from The Telegraph. |
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SOIL PAGE MENU Soil Introduction - How does Water act in Soil SOIL SUBSIDENCE
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Click on Black or White box in Colour of Month. |
LATE SUMMER GALLERY PAGES FOLIAGE COLOUR BULB, CORM, RHIZOME AND TUBER INDEX - There are over 700 bulbs in the bulb galleries. The respective flower thumbnail, months of flowering, height and width, foliage thumbnail, |
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Besides the above Bulb Flower Colour Comparison Pages, you also have the following Comparison Pages:- |
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Late Summer INDEX link to Bulb Description Page |
Flower Colour with Flower Thumbnail |
Flowering Months Mat, |
Height x Width in inches (cms) - Seed Head Thumbnail Soil Sun Aspect Soil Moisture |
Foliage Colour |
Bulb Use |
Comments |
PLANTS PAGE PLANT USE Groundcover Height Poisonous Cultivated and UK Wildflower Plants with Photos
Following parts of Level 2a, |
PLANTS PAGE MENU
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PLANTS PAGE MENU
Photos - 12 Flower Colours per Month in its Bloom Colour Wheel Gallery
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Acis "They are excellent for cutting and make a good display either in a bed or in a thin woodland. They also do quite well in grass, which must not be mown until their leaves begin to die down. "Indoor Culture in Window-boxes - Plant in clumps during October, 3 inches (7.5 cms) deep, 2 inches (5 cms) apart. These are excellent for a site in partial shade, but will only succeed if left undisturbed for 2 or 3 years. Suitable varieties are Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant' and Leucojum vernum." from Indoor Bulb Growing by Edward Pearson. Published by Latimer House Limited in 1953. |
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Acis autumnalis |
White |
August, September, |
4-6 x 4 |
Dark Green grass-like foliage, often being produced shortly after the flower spike. |
Plant at edge of bed. Use in rock garden. Cut flower. Thin woodland or shade from shrubs. Naturalize in grass. |
In autumn it throws up leafless stems from which it bears 2-4 bell shaped white flowers, often with red bases to them. |
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Acis autumnalis pulchellum - |
White |
August, September, |
8 x 4 |
Dark Green grass-like foliage being produced at the same time as the flower spike. |
Plant at edge of bed. Use in rock garden. Cut flower. Thin woodland or shade from shrubs. Naturalize in grass. |
Plant with 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5 cms) of soil over the tops of the bulbs towards the front of a bed in an area where they can be left undisturbed. |
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Acis |
Pure White flowers on 4-8 inch stems |
September, 6 petal, bell-shaped flowers in spike. |
4 x 2 |
Dark Green grass-like foliage being produced at the same time as the flower spike. |
Plant at edge of bed. Use in rock garden. Cut flower. Thin woodland or shade from shrubs. Naturalize in grass. |
Plant with 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5 cms) of soil over the tops of the bulbs towards the front of a bed in an area where they can be left undisturbed. |
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Acis valentinum |
White |
February, March, |
10 x 12 |
Thin Grey-Green leaves being produced after the flower spike. |
Plant at edge of bed. Use in rock garden. Cut flow-er. Thin woodland or shade from shrubs. Naturalize in grass. Coastal conditions |
Grows in open, calcareous, stony and rocky places, hill slopes. Requires winter mulch to protect it from the worst of the weather. |
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White with Red stripes |
September, October, Umbel |
6-12 x 12 (15-30 x 30) Sand, Chalk |
Green cylindrical and hollow leaves |
These unusual autumn flowering species are ideal on a scree or rockery in full sun. They are hardy and also make nice pot specimens in a cold greenhouse. |
Native of the Pelo-ponnese. Plant at soil level and 4 inches (10 cms) apart. All Alliums have the distinctive onion smell, both in the foliage and bulb. This smell can be used to reduce aphid infestations on flowers by planting 1 each side of the infected plant. |
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Babiana stricta - tender |
Pale Cream through Purple, Mauve and Blue and Crimson |
March, April, May 5 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a spike with slight fragrance |
6-18 x 4 |
Sword-shaped 5 inches (12.5 cm) long, 0.5 inches (1.125 cms) wide, green |
Plant against South-facing House Wall in Southern England where temperatures do not go below -5 degrees Centigrade. Mulch with 3 inches (7.5 cms) of organic compost to conserve moisture in the summer. |
Set 6 inches (15 cms) deep in average and sandy soils, a little shallower in heavy clay - put 2 inches (5 cms) of sand surrounding bulb to prevent rotting - soils, 6 inches (15 cms) apart. Leave undisturbed for years. Remove mulch during autumn and winter. |
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Dark Green to Dark Brown Spathe |
September, October, November Up to 6 inches (15 cm) long spathe but not a flower |
4-8 x 12 Scree, Sand or Chalky soil with 1 inch (2.5 cms) of sand worked into the top 2 inches (5 cms). |
The 5-10 light green leaves are 1 inch wide and 2-4 inches long. |
Can be planted beside a path in a rock garden where it is is a rocky, sandy location in full sun in Southern England. |
Biarum is a group of unusual looking bulbs, grown for their weird and wonderful spathes that are produced in autumn. Not fully hardy so these are best grown in pots in the garden before spending the winter in a greenhouse. |
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Light Green with |
September, October Up to 6 inches (15 cm) long spathe but not a flower |
3-4 x 12 |
5-10 light Green leaves emerge in Sep-Oct |
Can be planted beside a path in a rock garden where it is is a rocky, sandy location in full sun in Southern England. |
Not fully hardy so these are best grown in pots in the garden before spending the winter in a greenhouse. |
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Biarum tenuifolium |
Pale Green with Purple Flush Spathe |
July, August, September, October, November |
10 x 12 |
5-10 light Green leaves emerge in Sep-Oct |
Can be planted beside a path in a rock garden where it is is a rocky, sandy location in full sun in Southern England. |
Native to the central and eastern Mediterranean. |
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Bright Green with |
September Up to 6 inches (15 cm) long spathe but not a flower |
9 x 12 |
5-10 light Green leaves emerge in Sep-Oct |
Can be planted beside a path in a rock garden where it is is a rocky, sandy location in full sun in Southern England. |
Native to Northern Greece and Italy. Not fully hardy so these are best grown in pots in the garden before spending the winter in a greenhouse. |
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"The Erythroniums native to the Western U.S. are considered by many to be the most beautiful of the genus. Often called "Fawn Lilies" because of the dappled coloring to the leaves, they have dainty nodding flowers like small lilies, set off by large shining leaves that are either plain green or marbled with silver and bronze. Most grow in shaded woodland areas that go quite dry in summer, but with excellent drainage, they can tolerate some summer water." from Telos Rare Bulbs in USA. "Culture in Garden - They like a damp, well-drained soil, and a partially drained position. The bulbs must not be kept out of the ground any longer than necessary, as they resent being moved, nor must the best results be expected at their first time of flowering. It follows that they should be left alone as long as they flower well. An anual top-dressing of a mixture of light decayed manure and peat benefits them. They are increased by offsets and by seed, which last should be thinly sown in pans in a cold frame in August, and the seedlings grown on for 2 years before planted out in the the open; or if room can be found, in loose soil in a cold frame where they remain until the bloom, when the best can be marked before they are put in their permanent places." from Black's Gardening Dictionary. Edited by E.T. Ellis, F.R.H.S. Second edition. Published by A. & C. Black Ltd. in 1928. "The largest flower spikes are found where the ground has recently been burnt, so it is possible that a top dressing of potash would have the same effect. If they are to be divided and moved in the same garden this is probably best done when they are beginning to die down after flowering." from Collins Guide to Bulbs by Patrick M. Synge. Reprinted 173. ISBN 0 00 214016-0 "Suitable for cultivation in the garden, greenhouse or house. They succeed in any good well-drained garden soil, but the ideal compost is equal parts loam, peat, leaf mould and sand. The bulbs should be planted in August in a shady position in beds, rock gardens, edges or under trees. Once planted, they need not be disturbed for many years. "Rock Garden Culture for Erythronium citrinum (Yellow flowers); Erythronium Frans Hals (Purple-rose flowers); Erythronium revolutum (Pink flowers); Erythronium Hartwegii (Creamy-white flowers) - Plant in September 1.5 inches (3.75 cms) deep and 4 inches (10 cms) apart, in partial shade, in moist, well-drained sandy loam and ample leaf-mould or peat. Surround the tubers with about an inch (2.5 cms) of silver sand, and do not lift more often than necessary, but mulch annually with well-rotted manure and leaf-mould. Propagate by means of seed in a frame in August. Thin out but do not plant the seedlings out until the third September after sowing. The plants are also increased by offsets." from Rock Gardens how to plan and plant them with sections on the Wall, Paved, Marsh and Water Gardens by A. Edwards in charge of the rock garden, kew. Published by Ward, Lock & Co. in 1929. |
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Erythronium |
White, Each flower stem will have 1-10 downward pointing flowers, with reflexed petals. |
April, May, June Clump. |
6 x 5 Humus-rich Sand. Bulbs must be kept slightly damp during storage and before planting. |
The broad, often mottled, mid-Green marbled purplish- Erythroniums fit in naturally with Trilliums, Galanthus, Hepatica, Helleborus, Hosta, Pulmonaria, Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium. |
Grow under deciduous trees/shrubs, in a rock garden, or naturalize in thin grass. Ideally they like a soil which will dry out in Summer although many will do very well in a normal shady bed or border. Must receive adequate moisture during early spring when the foliage is making growth. Appreciates additional dressings of fallen leaves when the plant is in woodland gardens. |
Erythroniums do best when planted under trees and shrubs - to provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day, in as near to a woodland setting as possible. Plant bulbs 5 inches (12.5 cms) deep in good, rich soil; in the autumn in soil that does not dry out. If you want to plant them in pots use a John Innes compost rather than a peat based compost. They will be fine in this and should only be repotted when it is absolutely necessary. |
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Erythronium |
Sulphur-Yellow with brown central rings |
April, May, June Forms a large Clump. |
12 x 4 Chalk, |
Bronze-mottled, glossy, deep green |
Plant in pots, woodland or under shrubs in bed. Use as indoor plant in Green-house or sunny window of cool room inside house. Inside Alpine House, or outside in Alpine Trough, or Window-box. |
Bulbs must be kept slightly damp during storage and before planting. A good variety to start off with. Received an 'Award of Merit' in 1959. Ideal compost is equal parts loam, peat, leaf mould and sand for pots. |
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Erythronium |
Bright Yellow |
April, May, June Forms a large clump. |
12 x 4 Chalk, |
Wavy-margined, pale to mid-green. |
Plant in pots, woodland or under shrubs in bed. Use as indoor plant in Green-house or sunny window of cool room inside house. |
Plant inside Alpine House, or outside in Alpine Trough, or Window-box. |
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Dark Brown, Maroon and Black |
October, November, December 6 petal, star-shaped flowers |
16-20 x 16 ( 40-50 x 40) Well-drained Sand, Scree Suitable for coastal conditions in stony or sandy soil. |
Light green leaves overlap each other being up to 12 inches long, with the uppermost surrounding the flowers. |
The corms should be planted 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) deep and 6-8 inches (15-20 cms) apart in pots in a frost-free greenhouse during the winter and then the pots can be sunk into a south-facing rock garden during the summer in bold clumps. |
It grows in dunes and sandy places in South Africa. Flowers may last only one day, but the plant will continue to produce flowers for several weeks from October to early December. |
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Freesia "For outdoor culture, any light rich sandy soil will suffice, and the bulbs should be planted 2 inch (5 cms) deep and 2 inches apart in August and September. Do not move plants while growing as plants resent being disturbed. "Pot not more than 5 top-sized corms into a 5 inch (12.5 cm) pot from August and onwards, using John Innes compost or 4 parts sand, 3 parts leaf-mould with 0.5 ounces medium bone-meal mixed in the compost. The pots should then be plunged in a sunny spot in the garden, or frame, and remain there until there is the first possibility of frosts. During this time the corms must develop a good length of leaf. Where there is no garden a peat-filled box set up by a sunny window will do as a plunging ground. In such case it is important to see that the peat is kept sufficiently moist and that the excessive heat through the window does not scorch the potting compost. The window should be kept open in hot weather and at all convenient times. |
The following details come from Cactus Art:- "A flower is the the complex sexual reproductive structure of Angiosperms, typically consisting of an axis bearing perianth parts, androecium (male) and gynoecium (female). Bisexual flower show four distinctive parts arranged in rings inside each other which are technically modified leaves: Sepal, petal, stamen & pistil. This flower is referred to as complete (with all four parts) and perfect (with "male" stamens and "female" pistil). The ovary ripens into a fruit and the ovules inside develop into seeds. Incomplete flowers are lacking one or more of the four main parts. Imperfect (unisexual) flowers contain a pistil or stamens, but not both. The colourful parts of a flower and its scent attract pollinators and guide them to the nectary, usually at the base of the flower tube.
Androecium (male Parts or stamens) Gynoecium (female Parts or carpels or pistil) It is made up of the stigma, style, and ovary. Each pistil is constructed of one to many rolled leaflike structures. Stigma This is the part of the pistil which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate. Style This is the long stalk that the stigma sits on top of. Ovary The part of the plant that contains the ovules. Ovule The part of the ovary that becomes the seeds. Petal The colorful, often bright part of the flower (corolla). Sepal The parts that look like little green leaves that cover the outside of a flower bud (calix). (Undifferentiated "Perianth segment" that are not clearly differentiated into sepals and petals, take the names of tepals.)"
The following details come from Nectary Genomics:- "NECTAR. Many flowering plants attract potential pollinators by offering a reward of floral nectar. The primary solutes found in most nectars are varying ratios of sucrose, glucose and fructose, which can range from as little a 8% (w/w) in some species to as high as 80% in others. This abundance of simple sugars has resulted in the general perception that nectar consists of little more than sugar-water; however, numerous studies indicate that it is actually a complex mixture of components. Additional compounds found in a variety of nectars include other sugars, all 20 standard amino acids, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, organic acids, oils, free fatty acids, metal ions and proteins. NECTARIES. An organ known as the floral nectary is responsible for producing the complex mixture of compounds found in nectar. Nectaries can occur in different areas of flowers, and often take on diverse forms in different species, even to the point of being used for taxonomic purposes. Nectaries undergo remarkable morphological and metabolic changes during the course of floral development. For example, it is known that pre-secretory nectaries in a number of species accumulate large amounts of starch, which is followed by a rapid degradation of amyloplast granules just prior to anthesis and nectar secretion. These sugars presumably serve as a source of nectar carbohydrate. WHY STUDY NECTAR? Nearly one-third of all worldwide crops are dependent on animals to achieve efficient pollination. In addition, U.S. pollinator-dependent crops have been estimated to have an annual value of up to $15 billion. Many crop species are largely self-incompatible (not self-fertile) and almost entirely on animal pollinators to achieve full fecundity; poor pollinator visitation has been reported to reduce yields of certain species by up to 50%." |
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Freesia alba |
White |
March, 6 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a cluster. Very strongly scented. |
8-17 x 4 Sand, or potting compost, |
Light Green sword-like leaves |
Bring pot indoors when nightime temperature drops below 9 degrees Centigrade. Excellent house plants and cut flowers. |
Native to South Africa. Main attraction with these bulbs is the sweet fragrance that fills the room. If outside, mulch in autumn, remove mulch in summer. |
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Freesia andersoniae |
Cream to Purple with yellow. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a cluster. Very fragrant. |
8 x 4 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Native to southern coastal areas of South Africa. Plant against South-facing House Wall in Southern England |
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Pale yellow with bright yellow-orange markings. |
April, May. |
12 x 24 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Erect, spiral dark green fan, 10 inches (25 cms) long. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Native to eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Plant against South-facing House Wall in Southern England |
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Fragrant Ivory White with mauve reverse and yellow markings. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a cluster. |
6-12 x 6 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Native to South Africa. In colder areas, lift corms after foliage dies, store overwinter, and replant in the spring. |
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Fragrant Ivory-White |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Introduced in 1957 and recei-ved an 'Award of Merit' in 1962. |
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Fragrant Ivory-White. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Dusky Pink on a |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped double-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Dark Red on a pale |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped single-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Lemon Yellow. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped single-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Yellow. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped double-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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White. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped double-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Red. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped single-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Creamy-White. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped double-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Buttercup Yellow. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped single-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Purple-Red. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped semi-double-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Yellow. |
April, May. 6 petal, funnel-shaped single-flowered flowers in a cluster. |
10 x 20 Sand, Gravel, or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage held in fan shape |
Excellent house plants and cut flowers, also in rock garden next to house wall. |
Bring pot indoors during autumn and winter. |
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Ixia 'Blue Bird' - tender |
Pale Blue and Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Castor' - tender |
Violet Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia flexuosa - tender |
Pinkish Mauve |
June, July Clump. |
24 x 24 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Giant' - tender |
Ivory and Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Hogarth' - tender |
Cream and Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Holland's Gloire' |
Yellow |
July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Mabel' - tender |
Pink with Red Blush |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia maculata - tender |
Yellow with Purplish- |
May, June Clump. |
18 x 12 |
4 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Marquette' - tender |
Yellow and Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Rose Emperor' |
Pink with |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Titia' - tender |
Magenta |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Venus' - tender |
Dark Red |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Vulcan' - tender |
Pink and Purple |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Ixia 'Yellow Emperor' |
Yellow with |
June, July Clump. |
16 x 12 |
3-5 erect, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves per corm |
Grow in greenhouse, cool conserv-atory, patio pot, raised rock garden by south facing wall, window-box. Ground cover |
In very mild areas, plant out in sandy soil with good drainage and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep coarse bark mulch, in March and then lift in late summer when the foliage has died down. Then, corms should be allowed to become dry. |
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Lachenalia aloides - |
Green, Crimson and |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
10 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
2 broad-to-lanceolate leaves which are dark green with purple markings |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia aloides |
Yellow |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
10 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
2 broad-to-lanceolate leaves which are dark green with purple markings |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia aloides |
Red, Yellow, Green |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
8-12 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
2 broad-to-lanceolate leaves which are dark green with purple markings |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia aloides |
Bright Orange edged |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12-16 x 12 (30-40 x 30) Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage and flower stems with brown markings |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia aloides |
Greenish-White |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
4-8 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
2 broad-to-lanceolate leaves which are dark green with purple markings |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Very robust |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia bulbifera |
Coral-Red edged with Green or Purple |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
6-15 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
2 broad-to-lanceolate leaves which are dark green with purple spots |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
These are the galleries that will provide the plants to be added to their own Extra Index Pages
The following Extra Index of Bulbs is created in the
Having transferred the Extra Index row entry to the relevant Extra Index row for the same type of plant in a gallery below; then
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Index of Bulbs from Further details on bulbs from the Infill Galleries:-
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Bulbs and Corms with
Index of Bulbs from
Website Structure Explanation and
There are other pages on Plants which bloom in each month of the year in this website :-
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Lachenalia contaminata |
White with Maroon tips and stripes |
April, May 3 petal, |
6 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Grass-like in appearance and plain Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens |
Blue shading to Rose |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
7-9 x 12 (17.5-22.5 x 30) Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia 'Fransie' |
Pink shading to Yellow with Maroon tips |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with mid-Green stems spotted Purple |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia glaucina var. pallida |
Cream with a Yellow or Pale Green Hue |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
8 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Dark Green foliage slightly mottled Purple with pale Green flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia juncifolia |
White tinged Red |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
6 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with mid-Green stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia 'Namakwa' |
Orange fading to Yellow, with Pink tips |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with Orange flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia namaquensis |
Blue shading to Magenta, White internally |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
6-8 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Spreads rapidly by means of long stoloniferous roots. Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England within the UK. |
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Lachenalia 'Nova' |
Bluish-Green |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
8 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia orthopetala |
White |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
10 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green grassy foliage with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia pustulata |
Cream or Pale Yellow, to Pink or Blue |
March 3 petal, |
12 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia 'Robyn' |
Red |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 Sand or potting compost, |
Mid-Green foliage with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. They can be grown as bed edging in only Southern England, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands within the UK. |
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Lachenalia 'Rolina' |
Creamy-Yellow |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia 'Romaud' |
Buttercup-Yellow with Creamy-White tips |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia 'Romelia' |
Light Yellow |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia 'Ronina' |
Yellow |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green with Purple flower stems |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia 'Rosabeth' |
Red outer petals, inside is Yellow |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green with Purple spots |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia rosea |
Blue through to Pink |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
10 x 12 |
Mid-Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia 'Rupert' |
Lilac-Purple |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
12 x 12 |
Mid-Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia splendida |
Blue shaded Lilac |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
10 x 12 |
Light Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia unifolia |
White with Blue shading |
May 3 petal, |
10-12 x 12 (20-30 x 30) |
Light Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia viridiflora |
Blue-Green to Turquoise |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
8 x 12 |
Mid-Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Lachenalia zeyheri |
White, |
March, April, May 3 petal, |
4-8 x 12 |
Mid-Green |
Edging in frost-free gardens. Houseplant in Patio Pot within a sunny but unheated room. Patio Pot or |
Use either John Innes compost or a mixture of 2 parts sandy loam, 0.5 part leaf-mould and 0.5 part decayed manure, with 1 part coarse sand in pots or hanging baskets. Will not tolerate frost so grow in Greenhouse or as houseplant in a sunny but unheated room. Bed edging in only Southern England. |
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Leucocoryne 'Andes' |
Mauve with Purple |
May, June 6 petal, umbel-shaped flower in an umbellate. Sweetly scented. |
10-14 x 4 (25-35 x 10) Well-drained Sand or potting compost, |
Grass-like green foliage varies in length from 6-12 inches. Often they are just maturing or even have died down by going yellow by the time the first flowers are seen. |
A small genus of only 12 species from the winter rainfall regions of South America. These make excellent pot plants in a frost-free greenhouse or unheated room in the house, and |
Plant in the sloping ground next to a South-facing wall in the Channel Islands or in pots in cold frame or greenhouse for the remainder of the UK. The bulbs will not tolerate frost. This plant is resistant to deer! |
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Leucocoryne 'Caravelle' |
Mauve with Plum |
April 6 petal, umbel-shaped flower in an umbellate. Sweetly scented. |
12-16 x 4 (30-40 x 10) Well-drained Sand or potting compost, |
Grass-like green foliage varies in length from 6-12 inches. Often they are just maturing or even have died down by going yellow by the time the first flowers are seen. |
A small genus of only 12 species from the winter rainfall regions of South America. These make excellent pot plants in a frost-free greenhouse or unheated room in the house, and |
Plant in the sloping ground next to a South-facing wall in the Channel Islands or in pots in cold frame or greenhouse for the remainder of the UK. The bulbs will not tolerate frost. This plant is resistant to deer! |
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Massonia echinata |
White fading to Pink |
February Tubular flower |
2 x 10 Well-drained sand or potting mix, |
2 wide green leaves about 5 inches long, which lie flat on the ground. |
Makes an attractive and unusual late winter flowering pot. Full Sun in a Conservatory in the UK, where temperatures do not fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degess Centigrade) in pot or hanging basket |
In well-drained soil (sand) in rock garden within Channel Islands where temperature exceeds 7C, otherwise grow in mixture of 2 parts topsoil, 3 parts peat moss and 7 parts sharp builder's sand in wide pots. Place shards of broken clay pots in the bottom to ensure good drainage. |
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Mela-sphaerula ramosa Zones 8-10 of Hardiness Zone Map developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
Pale Yellow |
April, May, June Tall dainty Gypsophila-like stems are covered with 6 narrow finely pointed petals in small starry flowers within a spray. |
12 x 3-6 Well-drained sand or potting mix, Part Shade in a Conservatory in the UK, where temperatures do not fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Moist in growth, dry in dormancy |
Long, narrow, light green leaves up to !0 inches (25 cms) in length. |
Suits pot cultivation in UK Conservatory. Lasts very well as cut flower. The bulbs will not tolerate frost. Moisture is necessary at the time of planting in late July-September, but keep barely moist until the foliage is observed. Then, additional amounts of water should be given, but never allow the bulbs to sit in cold, wet soil. Should be a complete resting period in the summer with dry conditions. |
Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cms) apart in the ground next to a South-facing wall in the Channel Islands or 5 bulbs per 10 inch (25 cms) pot and 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep. Soil - In well-drained frost-free soil (sand) perhaps in Channel Islands, otherwise grow in mixture of 2 parts topsoil, 3 parts peat moss and 7 parts sharp builder's sand in wide pots. Place shards of broken clay pots in the bottom to ensure good drainage. Grows in sheltered damp places among rocks in southern Africa. |
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Magenta-Pink with |
September |
8 x 4 |
Light green clover-like foliage, often twisting and closing at night or on very hot days. The foliage is not present during the late autumn and winter, when the plant is dormant. |
An outstanding selection with magenta-pink funnel-shaped flowers with yellow throats held above light green clover-like foliage in early autumn. Frost tender, so one for the greenhouse. |
This is good for hanging baskets. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. |
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Reddish-Purple with |
September, October, |
0.5-2 x 4 (1.25-5 x 10) |
Light green clover-like foliage, often twisting and closing at night or on very hot days. The foliage is not present during the late autumn and winter, when the plant is dormant. |
This is good for hanging baskets. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. |
Oxalis is an enormous family of plants from all over the globe. These in this Gallery are a selection of winter-growing varieties. All are easy to grow and very rewarding with very long flowering times. There are approximately 1919 species. |
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Yellow |
May, June, July |
4 x 4 |
Small tufts of light green clover-like leaves appear in spring and then die down for several months, before re-appearing in early autumn at the same time as the bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers. Foliage is absent in the winter. Mat-forming habit. Deep mulch after autumn foliage has died down to prevent the bulb being frozen. |
This is good for hanging baskets. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. |
Frost hardy, this will withstand temperatures down to -5c. |
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Telos Rare Bulbs in USA have other Oxalis varieties for sale from |
Pink with a Yellow centre |
May, June, July |
10 x 10 |
Light green clover-like foliage with a silver gloss, often twisting and closing at night or on very hot days. The foliage is not present during the late autumn and winter, when the plant is dormant. |
This is a variable winter-growing oxalis from South Africa which produces delicate flowers in a range of pinks and apricots which last for ages. Do not feed to keep the leaves contained. This is suitable between paving, massed at the front of a low border or in a wall and rock garden, also suitable for window-boxes. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. |
Oxalis are wonderful "collector's items" -- you know you have been bitten by the bug when, upon seeing their dazzling jewel-like flowers and different leaf forms, you experience an irrepressible urge to possess more! The South African species are largely winter-growers, brightening the dreary months with their exuberant flowers, then go dormant in summer. They are best appreciated as container plants, and need sun to open their flowers. |
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White |
October, November |
5 x 2 |
Light Green, erect, 0.25 inches wide and 4-5 inches high, foliage |
Polyxena is a small family of very dwarf bulbs suited to pot culture in a frost-free situation. Can start to flower in the autumn soon after potting. Very uncommon and well worth growing. This is suitable for hanging baskets in the summer and in coldframes for the rest of the year. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cms) apart. Can be grown outside in the Channel Islands in sandy soil. Moisture is needed in early spring, with little or none needed after the foliage dies back in late autumn. |
Small, white flowers are held between the leaves with flower fragrance much like that of a hyacinth. The native habitat in Cape Province of South Africa is open, sparse grassland near the coast. |
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Deep Lilac |
October, November |
2-3 x 12 (5-7.5 x 30) |
Light Green, erect, 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches in length, foliage |
This bulb has clusters of starry-like deep lilac flowers produced at the base of the strappy green foliage. |
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Sparaxis grandiflora acutiloba - tender
Sparaxis is derived from the Greek "sparasso" ("to tear"), which refers to the lacerated spathes that surround the flowers |
Golden-Yellow |
April, May |
4-10 x 12 (10-25 x 30) |
Flat, stiff and rather tough dark Green leaves 8 inches long are held in a fan shape at the base of the flowering spike. |
This is suitable for hanging baskets in the summer and in coldframes for the rest of the year where they can be protected from the frost below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants will withstand a few degrees of frost, but not prolonged cold temperatures. Plant 2 inches (5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. Can be grown outside in the Channel Islands in sandy soil in bold groups of 25 or more in one place. Moisture is needed in early spring, with none needed after the foliage dies back in late autumn, so that the corms ripen. Great cut flowers, as they are long-lasting. |
Sparaxis, native to South Africa, has been in cultivation for over 200 years, due to its ease and free flowering form. As part of the Iris family, brightly coloured flowers are borne above the strappy foliage. Colours range from hot oranges, yellows and pinks to reds and dark purple. Well worth a pot display in fertile gritty loam under frost free conditions. The plants prefer to be on the dry side in the summer as in their native habitats of South Africa, where they receive their rainfall in the winter. |
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Deep Violet with |
April, May |
6-12 x 12 (15-30 x 30) |
Flat, stiff and rather tough dark Green leaves 8 inches long are held in a fan shape at the base of the flowering spike. |
This is suitable for hanging baskets in the summer and in coldframes for the rest of the year where they can be protected from the frost below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants will withstand a few degrees of frost, but not prolonged cold temperatures. Plant 2 inches (5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. Can be grown outside in the Channel Islands in sandy soil in bold groups of 25 or more in one place. Moisture is needed in early spring, with none needed after the foliage dies back in late autumn, so that the corms ripen. Great cut flowers, as they are long-lasting. |
Sparaxis, native to South Africa, has been in cultivation for over 200 years, due to its ease and free flowering form. As part of the Iris family, brightly coloured flowers are borne above the strappy foliage. Colours range from hot oranges, yellows and pinks to reds and dark purple. Well worth a pot display in fertile gritty loam under frost free conditions. |
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Yellow and Cream with Purple flush |
April, May, June |
6-12 x 12 (15-30 x 30) |
Flat, stiff and rather tough dark Green leaves 8 inches long are held in a fan shape at the base of the flowering spike. |
This is suitable for hanging baskets in the summer and in coldframes for the rest of the year where they can be protected from the frost below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants will withstand a few degrees of frost, but not prolonged cold temperatures. Plant 2 inches (5 cms) deep and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms) apart. Can be grown outside in the Channel Islands in sandy soil in bold groups of 25 or more in one place. Moisture is needed in early spring, with none needed after the foliage dies back in late autumn, so that the corms ripen. Great cut flowers, as they are long-lasting. |
Sparaxis, native to South Africa, has been in cultivation for over 200 years, due to its ease and free flowering form. As part of the Iris family, brightly coloured flowers are borne above the strappy foliage. Colours range from hot oranges, yellows and pinks to reds and dark purple. Well worth a pot display in fertile gritty loam under frost free conditions. |
Functional combinations in the border from the International Flower Bulb Centre in Holland:- "Here is a list of the perennials shown by research to be the best plants to accompany various flower bulbs. The flower bulbs were tested over a period of years in several perennial borders that had been established for at least three years. In combination with hyacinths:
In combination with tulips:
In combination with narcissi:
For narcissi, the choice was difficult to make. The list contains only some of the perennials that are very suitable for combining with narcissi. In other words, narcissi can easily compete with perennials. In combination with specialty bulbs:
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Red, Orange, and Yellow to White with Red and Gold or Black throat |
May, June, July |
12 x 16 |
Flat, stiff and rather tough dark Green leaves 10 inches long and 0.33 inches wide are held in a fan shape at the base of the flowering spike. |
This corm has Six-petalled flowers, which are produced on wiry stems in early to mid-summer in a wide range of colours from red, orange and yellow to white. In addition some have a very striking red and gold or black throat. The foliage is narrow and strap-like, up to 25cm long. |
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Pale Red |
May, June |
9 x 16 |
The stiff, pointed, sword-shaped leaves are held in a basal fan and are shorter than the flower spike. |
Tritonia is a small genus of corms from South Africa. Bright flowers are arranged along wiry stems, borne above the grassy foliage. These make a lovely cut flower. The varieties listed in this Gallery are from winter growing regions and so are best cultivated in pots in a frost free situation. Pale Red flowers are erect and bowl-shaped, 1.5 inches in diameter |
This is suitable for hanging baskets in the summer and in coldframes for the rest of the year where they can be protected from the frost below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants will withstand a few degrees of frost, but not prolonged cold temperatures. Plant 2 inches (5 cms) deep and 4-6 inches (10-15 cms) apart. Can be grown outside in the Channel Islands in sandy soil in bold groups of 25 or more in one place in a rock garden. Moisture is needed in early spring, with none needed after the foliage dies back in late summer, so that the corms ripen. In the wild of Cape Province in South Africa, they are found growing in grassy areas where there is considerable moisture during the growing season, followed by a drier period. Great cut flowers, as they are long-lasting. |
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White |
May, June |
9 x 16 |
The stiff, pointed, sword-shaped leaves are held in a basal fan and are shorter than the flower spike. |
This corm has "pure white bowl-shaped flowers. |
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Pink |
May, June |
10 x 16 |
The stiff, pointed, sword-shaped leaves are held in a basal fan and are shorter than the flower spike. |
This corm has very pretty pink flowers. |
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Pale Red |
May, June |
10 x 16 |
The stiff, pointed, sword-shaped leaves are held in a basal fan and are shorter than the flower spike. |
This corm has pale red flowers. |
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Orange |
May, June |
10 x 16 |
The stiff, pointed, sword-shaped leaves are held in a basal fan and are shorter than the flower spike. |
This corm has hot orange flowers. |
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The flower stalk is mottled with Purple and is about 18-20 inches in height. Pale Rose and flecked at the tip with Green |
December, January, |
18 x 30 |
About 10 basal leaves are produced, each up to 18 inches long and 4 inches wide, with undulating margins, forming a rosette. Sometimes flecked with pale green, contrasting well with the shiny deep green. |
This bulb is one for a sunny windowsill or warm greenhouse but well worth growing. A rosette of long fleshy leaves are produced, from the middle of which a single tall flower spike grows. Up to 50 pink, tubular flowers can be borne, the insides are often spotted yellow. Need a minimum of 5 degrees Centigrade (41degrees Fahrenheit). |
Veltheimia bracteata is a native of western areas of the Cape Province of South Africa. This is suitable as a house pot plant. Make sure the containers are large enough so that they can grow for awhile without being repotted. Plant 1 inch (2.5 cms) deep and 6-10 inches (15-25 cms) apart. |
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Site design and content copyright ©June 2007. Page structure amended November 2012. DISCLAIMER: Links to external sites are provided as a courtesy to visitors. Ivydene Horticultural Services are not responsible for the content and/or quality of external web sites linked from this site. |
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UKButterflies Larval Foodplants website page lists the larval foodplants used by British butterflies. The name of each foodplant links to a Google search. An indication of whether the foodplant is a primary or secondary food source is also given. Please note that the Butterfly you see for only a short time has grown up on plants as an egg, caterpillar and chrysalis for up to 11 months, before becoming a butterfly. If the plants that they live on during that time are removed, or sprayed with herbicide, then you will not see the butterfly. |
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Plants used by the Butterflies follow the Plants used by the Egg, Caterpillar and Chrysalis as stated in |
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Plant Name |
Butterfly Name |
Egg/ Caterpillar/ Chrysalis/ Butterfly |
Plant Usage |
Plant Usage Months |
Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
10 days in May-June |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
- |
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Egg, |
1 egg at base of plant. |
Late August-April |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
- |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid on underside of leaflets or bracts. |
7 days in June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid on underside of leaflets or bracts. |
7 days in June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid under the leaf or on top of the flower. |
7 days in August. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
10 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
2 weeks |
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Cabbages - Large White eats all cruciferous plants, such as cabbages, mustard, turnips, radishes, cresses, nasturtiums, wild mignonette and dyer's weed |
Egg,
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40-100 eggs on both surfaces of leaf. |
May-June and August-Early September. 4.5-17 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of leaf. |
May-June and August. 7 days. |
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Cabbages:- |
Egg, |
1 egg on underside of leaf. |
July or August; hatches in 3 days. |
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Cabbages:- |
Egg, |
1 egg laid in the tight buds and flowers. |
May-June 7 days. |
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Cherry with |
Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
- |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
10 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
6 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
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(Common CowWheat, Field CowWheat) |
Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 16 days in June. |
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Currants |
Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 20 days in July. |
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Dog Violet with |
Egg, |
1 egg on oak or pine tree trunk |
15 days in July. |
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Dog Violet with |
Egg, |
1 egg on leaf or stem. |
Hatches after 15 days in May-June. |
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Dog Violet with |
Egg, |
1 egg on leaf or stem. |
Hatches after 10 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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False Brome is a grass (Wood Brome, Wood False-brome and Slender False-brome) |
Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
... |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 20 days in July. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid on underside of leaflets or bracts. |
7 days in June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf or stem. |
Hatches after 10 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid under the leaf or on top of the flower. |
7 days in August. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. 5 or 6 eggs may be deposited by separate females on one leaf. |
14 days in July-August. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid in the tight buds and flowers. |
May-June 7 days. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 20 days in July. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
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Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
1 then |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg at base of plant. |
Late August-April. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
10 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
2 weeks |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
6 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of leaf. |
May-June and August. 7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. 5 or 6 eggs may be deposited by separate females on one leaf. |
14 days in July-August. |
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Narrow-leaved Plantain (Ribwort Plantain) |
Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 16 days in June. |
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Narrow-leaved Plantain (Ribwort Plantain) |
Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 16 days in June. |
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Nasturtium from Gardens |
Egg, |
1 egg on underside of leaf. |
May-June and August. 7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on tree trunk |
15 days in July. |
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Mountain pansy, |
Egg, Chrysalis |
1 egg laid under the leaf or on top of the flower. |
7 days in August. 3 weeks in September |
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Egg, |
1 egg on tree trunk. |
15 days in July. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 20 days in July. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
- |
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Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid under the leaf or on top of the flower. |
7 days in August. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 16 days in June. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on underside of a flower bud on its stalk. |
7 days. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
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Egg, |
1 egg under leaf. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
2 weeks |
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Trefoils 1, 2, 3 |
Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
6 days in May-June. |
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Egg, |
Groups of eggs on upper side of leaf. |
- |
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Egg, |
1 egg laid on underside of leaflets or bracts. |
7 days in June. |
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Violets:- |
Egg, |
1 egg on underside of leaf or on stalk. |
July-August for 17 days. |
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Violets:- |
Egg, |
1 egg on stem or stalk near plant base. |
July to hatch in 8 months in March. |
|
Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. |
2 weeks. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
1 egg on leaf. 5 or 6 eggs may be deposited by separate females on one leaf. |
14 days in July-August. |
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Willow |
Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches encircling the branch of the food plant. |
Hatches after 18-22 days in April. |
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Egg, |
Eggs laid in batches on the under side of the leaves. |
Hatches after 20 days in July. |
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Plants used by the Butterflies |
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Plant Name |
Butterfly Name |
Egg/ Caterpillar/ Chrysalis/ Butterfly |
Plant Usage |
Plant Usage Months |
Asters |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
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Runner and Broad Beans in fields and gardens |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-June or July-September. |
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Aubretia in gardens |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June or August till killed by frost and damp in September-November |
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Butterfly |
Eats sap exuding from trunk. |
April-Mid June and Mid July-Early September for second generation. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
20 days. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June |
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Holly Blue |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-Mid June and Mid July-Early September for second generation. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October. |
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Buddleias |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October. |
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Wood White |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June. |
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Cabbage and cabbages in fields |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-June or July-September. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
July-October |
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Adonis Blue |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
1 Month during Mid-May to Mid-June or during August-September |
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Pale Clouded Yellow |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June or August till killed by frost and damp in September-November |
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Cow-wheat |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June-July |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-Mid June and Mid July-Early September for second generation. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
3 weeks between May and September |
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Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys - Birdseye Speedwell) |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June-July |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
30 days in May-June. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-September |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
May-June for 18 days. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
1 Month. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October. |
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Painted Lady |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
July-October. |
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Marigolds in gardens |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June or August till killed by frost and damp in September-November |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
1 Month during Mid-May to Mid-June or during August-September. |
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Michaelmas Daisies |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-June or July-September. |
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Narrow-leaved Plantain (Ribwort Plantain) |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June-July |
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Nasturtiums in gardens |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
April-June or July-September |
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Butterfly |
Eats sap exuding from trunk. |
April-Mid June and Mid July-Early September for second generation. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
May-June. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
July-October. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
July-May |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
7 weeks in July-August. |
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Comma |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
July-October. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
3 weeks between May and September |
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Trefoils 1, 2, 3 |
Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
1 Month during Mid-May to Mid-June or during August-September |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar. |
20 days in August. |
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June.
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Butterfly |
Eats nectar |
June-July |
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Apple/Pear/Cherry/Plum Fruit Tree Blossom in Spring |
Butterfly |
Eats Nectar |
April-May |
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Rotten Fruit |
Butterfly |
Drinks juice |
July-September |
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Tree sap and damaged ripe fruit, which are high in sugar |
Butterfly |
Hibernates inside hollow trees or outhouses until March. Eats sap or fruit juice until April. |
10 months in June-April |
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Wild Flowers |
Large Skipper |
Butterfly |
Eats Nectar |
June-August |
Links to the other Butterflies:- Black Hairstreak |
Topic - Wildlife on Plant Photo Gallery. Some UK native butterflies eat material from UK Native Wildflowers and live on them as eggs, caterpillars (Large Skipper eats False Brome grass - Brachypodium sylvaticum - for 11 months from July to May as a Caterpillar before becoming a Chrysalis within 3 weeks in May) chrysalis or butterflies ALL YEAR ROUND. |
Wild Flower Family Page (the families within "The Pocket Guide to Wild Flowers" by David McClintock & R.S.R. Fitter, Published in 1956 They are not in Common Name alphabetical order and neither are the common names of the plants detailed within each family. The information in the above book is back-referenced to the respective page in "Flora of the British Isles" by A.R. Clapham of University of Sheffield, |
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When you look at the life history graphs of each of the 68 butterflies of Britain, you will see that they use plants throughout all 12 months - the information of what plant is used by the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis or butterfly is also given in the above first column.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF A FLAILED CORNISH HEDGE - This details that life and death from July 1972 to 2019, with the following result:- End note, June 2008. I hear spring vetch has been officially recorded somewhere in West Cornwall and confirmed as a presence in the county, so perhaps I can be permitted to have seen it pre-1972 in the survey mile. I wonder where they found it? It's gone from hedges where it used to be, along with other scarcities and so-called scarcities that used to flourish in so many hedges unrecorded, before the flail arrived. I have given careful thought to including mention of some of the plants and butterflies. So little seems to be known of the species resident in Cornish hedges pre-flail that I realise some references may invite scepticism. I am a sceptic myself, so sympathise with the reaction; but I have concluded that, with a view to re-establishing vulnerable species, it needs to be known that they can with the right management safely and perpetually thrive in ordinary Cornish hedges. In future this knowledge could solve the increasingly difficult question of sufficient and suitable sites for sustainable wild flower and butterfly conservation - as long as it is a future in which the hedge-flail does not figure.
CHECK-LIST OF TYPES OF CORNISH HEDGE FLORA by Sarah Carter of Cornish Hedges Library:-
Titles of papers available on www.cornishhedges.co.uk:-
THE GUILD OF CORNISH HEDGERS is the non-profit-making organisation founded in 2002 to support the concern among traditional hedgers about poor standards of workmanship in Cornish hedging today. The Guild has raised public awareness of Cornwall's unique heritage of hedges and promoted free access to the Cornish Hedges Library, the only existing source of full and reliable written knowledge on Cornish hedges." |
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Recommended Plants for Wildlife in different situations
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From the Ivydene Gardens Box to Crowberry Wild Flower Families Gallery: |
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The Bumblebee Pages website is divided into five major areas:
FORCED INDOOR BULBS in Window Box Gardens. |
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Theme |
Plants |
Comments |
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Thyme |
Thymus praecox, wild thyme Thymus pulegioides Thymus leucotrichus Thymus citriodorus |
Thymes make a very fragrant, easy to care for windowbox, and an excellent choice for windy sites. The flower colour will be pinky/purple, and you can eat the leaves if your air is not too polluted. Try to get one variegated thyme to add a little colour when there are no flowers. |
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Herb |
Sage, mint, chives, thyme, rosemary |
Get the plants from the herb section of the supermarket, so you can eat the leaves. Do not include basil as it need greater fertility than the others. Pot the rosemary up separately if it grows too large. |
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Mints |
Mentha longifolia, horse mint Mentha spicata, spear mint Mentha pulgium, pennyroyal Mentha piperita, peppermint Mentha suaveolens, apple mint |
Mints are fairly fast growers, so you could start this box with seed. They are thugs, though, and will very soon be fighting for space. So you will either have to thin and cut back or else you will end up with one species - the strongest. The very best mint tea I ever had was in Marrakesh. A glass full of fresh mint was placed in front of me, and boiling water was poured into it. Then I was given a cube of sugar to hold between my teeth while I sipped the tea. Plant this box and you can have mint tea for months. |
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Heather |
Too many to list See Heather Shrub gallery |
For year-round colour try to plant varieties that flower at different times of year. Heather requires acid soils, so fertilise with an ericaceous fertilser, and plant in ericaceous compost. Cut back after flowering and remove the cuttings. It is best to buy plants as heather is slow growing. |
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Blue |
Ajuga reptans, bugle Endymion non-scriptus, bluebell Myosotis spp., forget-me-not Pentaglottis sempervirens, alkanet |
This will give you flowers from March till July. The bluebells should be bought as bulbs, as seed will take a few years to flower. The others can be started from seed. |
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Yellow |
Anthyllis vulneraria, kidney vetch Geum urbanum, wood avens Lathryus pratensis, meadow vetchling Linaria vulgaris, toadflax Lotus corniculatus, birdsfoot trefoil Primula vulgaris, primrose Ranunculus acris, meadow buttercup Ranunculus ficaria, lesser celandine |
These will give you flowers from May to October, and if you include the primrose, from February. Try to include a vetch as they can climb or trail so occupy the space that other plants can't. All can be grown from seed. |
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White |
Trifolium repens, white clover Bellis perennis, daisy Digitalis purpurea alba, white foxglove Alyssum maritimum Redsea odorata, mignonette |
All can be grown from seed. The clover and daisy will have to be cut back as they will take over. The clover roots add nitrogen to the soil. The mignonette flower doesn't look very special, but the fragrance is wonderful, and the alyssum smells of honey. |
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Pink |
Lychnis flos-cucli, ragged robin Scabiosa columbaria, small scabious Symphytum officinale, comfrey |
The comfrey will try to take over. Its leaves make an excellent fertiliser, and are very good on the compost heap, though windowbox gardeners rarely have one. |
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Fragrant |
Lonicera spp., honeysuckle Alyssum maritimum Redsea odorata, mignonette Lathyrus odoratus, sweet pea |
The sweet pea will need twine or something to climb up, so is suitable if you have sliding windows or window that open inwards. You will be rewarded by a fragrant curtain every time you open your window. |
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Spring bulbs and late wildflowers |
Galanthus nivalis, snowdrop Narcissus pseudonarcissus, narcissius Crocus purpureus, crocus Cyclamen spp. |
The idea of this box is to maximize your space. The bulbs (cyclamen has a corm) will flower and do their stuff early in the year. After flowering cut the heads off as you don't want them making seed, but leave the leaves as they fatten up the bulbs to store energy for next year. The foliage of the wildflowers will hide the bulb leaves to some extent. Then the wildflowers take over and flower till autumn |
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Aster spp., Michaelmas daisy Linaria vulgaris, toadflax Lonicera spp., honeysuckle Succisa pratensis, devil's bit scabious Mentha pulgium, pennyroyal |
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Bee Garden in Europe or North America |
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Plants for moths (including larval food plants and adult nectar sources) from Gardens for Wildlife - Practical advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden by Martin Walters as an Aura Garden Guide. Published in 2007 - ISBN 978 1905765041:- |
Marjoram - Origanum officinale |
"On average, 2 gardeners a year die in the UK as a result of poisonous plants. Those discussed in this blog illustrate a range of concerns that should be foremost in the designer’s mind." from Pages on poisonous plants in this website:- |
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Wildlife-friendly Show Gardens
Many of our gardens at Natural Surroundings demonstrate what you can do at home to encourage wildlife in your garden:-
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Ivydene Gardens Water Fern to Yew Wild Flower Families Gallery: |
Only Wildflowers detailed in the following Wildflower Colour Pages |
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Gardeners in the UK tend to weed their flower beds and are satisfied when it is weedless; with bare soil between the plants. Then, Unfortunately, there needs to be something for those plants to eat through the medium of being either dissolved or carried in water through tunnels created by worms to their roots. The water is usually rain, but sometimes the owners spray a lage amount of water as irrigation instead and still expect these plants to grow. The following noddy steps might elucidate you:- |
Step 1 - From How Soil is created with organic matter page:- "Rock fragments alone lack the ability to supply adequate quantities of water and nutrients. However, certain bacteria, fungi and plant species have evolved to live in these conditions and are called ‘primary colonizers’. Lichen can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Lichens are a mutually beneficial association between algae and fungi. The algae obtain carbon and in some cases nitrogen from the atmosphere using a combination of photosynthesis and nitrogen-fixation. Once their own carbon and nitrogen requirements have been met, surplus nutrients are then passed to the fungi. The fungi attack the rock with organic acids. This releases minerals for the algae. When these organisms die, their tissues become combined with the mineral material, so forming the first organic-matter additions to the soil. As the amount of soil organic matter increases it becomes possible for other plants ( which extract their nitrogen from soil, rather than atmospheric sources) to colonize the site." |
Step 2 - From Why is Organic matter important to soil? page "Soil Type (sand, chalk or clay) and whether it is alkaline or acidic (chalky or limefree) soil also affects the choice of plants as well as the choice of how to improve their health and vigour. |
Step 3 - From In Soil formation - What is Soil Texture page Soil Texture The proportion of sand, silt and clay is referred to as its texture as shown in the diagram below. The gaps between the soil particles are called ‘soil pores’. These soil pores are used to provide the plants with water, air and nutrients dissolved in the water. The soil pores for sand (like the big gaps in a jumbled pile of bricks) are large and clay (like the small gaps in a loose pile of cement) pores are small.
Addition of Humus, Sand and Stone to improve the structure of Clay Soil The Soil - The most important element to consider, when starting a planting plan, is the soil. Soil provides anchorage for plant roots and holds the water/nutrients that are necessary for maintaining life. It is made up of the following elements:-
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Step 3a continued When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter. When animals die, their remains add to the litter. Over time, all this litter decomposes. This means it decays, or breaks down, into its most basic chemical elements. Many of these chemicals are important nutrients for the soil and organisms that depend on soil for life, such as plants. The thick brown or black substance that remains after most of the organic litter has decomposed is called humus. Earthworms often help mix humus with minerals in the soil. Humus contains many useful nutrients for healthy soil. One of the most important is nitrogen. Nitrogen is a key nutrient for most plants. Agriculture depends on nitrogen and other nutrients found in humus. Some experts think humus makes soil more fertile. Others say humus helps prevent disease in plants and food crops. When humus is in soil, the soil will crumble. Air and water move easily through the loose soil, and oxygen can reach the roots of plants. Humus can be produced naturally or through a process called composting. When people compost, they collect decaying organic material, such as food and garden scraps, that will be turned into soil." from National Geographic.
Many gardeners in Britain, including those in the Royal Horticultural Society, tend to weed their beds, rake the ground level and leave that top soil fully exposed to the sun and wind. That means the humus content in the soil gradually disappears and your plants are not healthy, so along comes the chemical fertilizer (Growmore for the beds and Lawn fertilizer for the grass) and on it goes. The plants take up as much of this fertilizer as they want at that time before the fertilizer dissolved in water disappears down to the subsoil out of reach of the roots of that plant. Instead of destroying natures system in the garden, why not put the weeds and prunings on the lawn and mow them using a rotary mower. Then, with the collected vegetable/fruit peelings, the egg shells, used tea bags and coffee grounds from the kitchen applied on your flower beds before covering that kitchen waste with the grass/weed/prunings mowings to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cms) to provide food to enter natures recycling system. If weeds are put on the lawn from your weeding the day before you mow them, they have a chance to dry out and die off. |
Step 3 continued
ACID and ALKALINE SOIL - Soil with a high lime or chalk content is alkaline. When lime is not present, it is neutral or acid. Peat is acid. Acidity and alkalinity is measured in terms of the soil's pH level. Neutral or nearly neutral (6.5-7.5) soils are ideal for most plants. At this pH level, nutrients are readily available. Some plants prefer alkaline soil and a few will only thrive in acid soils
The Soil Textural Triangle |
Types of Soil
Information in brackets in the 'Types of Soil' above comes from |
The climate in the South of England is temperate, with up to 20" of rainfall and a minimum temperature of 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit, and so require draught tolerant frost hardy plants. A 150mm deep mulch of mixed peat, sharp washed sand and horticultural grit was applied on top of a heavy clay soil to improve its structure, and stop the plants therein from drowning, at £10 a square metre. The mix was:
The following was then sent to me:- |
and the following was sent to me in October 2004:- An unsuccessful planting scheme had left bare areas of garden as plants failed to survive winter in the waterlogged clay soil. The loss of numerous plants and the cost of replacing them had left us disheartened. It was evident that remedial action was need in the form of a mixture of gravel, sand and peat to create an organic loam. Approximately six inches was added in April and left to settle and do its job. By July there was a noticeable difference in the quality of the soil and the plants. Shrubs with sparse, mottled leaves were looking glossy and robust, overall growth had increased (including the weeds!) and the soil was holding its moisture well. But the biggest difference came in the confidence it gave us to transform the garden. The borders used to be a no-go area between May and September as the clay baked and cracked, but the new soil was easy to handle and weeds could be successfully removed. We realised that there are no quick fixes - the key to a healthy garden is rich, nutritous soil. Once our plants began to thrive we were optimistic that, with good advice, we could create a garden to be proud of. |
Step 4 - From How is Clay created Page
Sand and silt particles are largely unaltered by chemical weathering. They are chemically the same as the mineral material in the parent rock. |
Step 5 - Soil Structure This describes the way in which sand, silt and clay particles are bonded together in larger units called ‘aggregates’. These are formed when the soil is subjected to shrinking and swelling, plant-root penetration or freezing. All these processes tend to break the soil into discrete units. Aggregates are said to be stable when they are able to resist pressures caused by processes such as compaction and sudden wetting. Rapid wetting is a process in breaking up unstable aggregates, because when dry aggregates are suddenly exposed to water, pores near the surface of the aggregate become filled with water, trapping air inside the aggregate; the resulting pressure can sometimes be enough to break the aggregate apart, and this is called ‘slaking’. Aggregates are divided into microaggregates (less than 250 millionths of a metre) and macroaggregates (greater than 250 millionths of a metre). Before microaggregates can form, microscopic clay minerals need to be grouped together in small stacks called ‘domains’. When clays are bonded together in this way, they are termed ‘flocculated’. The most important factor influencing flocculation is the presence of ions with more than 1 charge. When clay minerals are covered with singly charged ions they disperse and become deflocculated (i.e. they will absorb a great deal of water without it draining).
However, not all ions carry only 1 charge. For example, calcium (Ca2+) in lime or chalk, Magnesium (Mg2+) and aluminium (Al3+) are 3 very common ions in soils. Ions with multiple charges allow clay minerals to bond together to form domains. Once clay minerals are stacked together to form domains, they can then bond with organic matter to form microaggregates. |
The interaction between clay domains, organic matter, silt and sand particles diagram. |
Step 6 - If the problem is a very Sandy Soil, then change the 2 cubic metres of Sharp Washed Sand in the above mixture for 2 cubic metres of Clay. Put the clay in the mixer first with 0.5 cubic metre of water to dissolve the clay. Then once the clay is liquefied, add the remaining ingredients except the peat and mix whilst still still keeping it liquid. Then add the peat and mix it in before filling the required transportation sacks. Transport these sacks as quickly as possible to their destination and mulch the ground with a 6 inch depth (15 cms) of this damp material. The ground should transform into a good loam within 4 months, providing that is not walked or driven on during that time. |