JEARRARD'S HERBAL
Thats enough introduction - on with the plants!
To navigate this site, use the links above, or the detailed links at the bottom of this page.
... out in the garden.
14th February 2010
Camellia 'Mary Christian' .
As expected, spring has demonstrated its chill appearance this week, almost to the extent of catching me out (though three or four frosts cannot compare
with the conditions some have experienced). I spent too long out in the cold on thursday and friday and have paid for it - just beginning to feel human again.
The spring is undeniable, however. The evenings are lighter, I am no longer scurrying about at the end of the afternoon trying to get a few last
things done before it becomes too dark to see, and as soon as the sun comes out, the temperature returns.
This Camellia was planted so long ago that it is no longer where it needs to be (the garden plan has changed) but I will work around it.
Along the way it was parted from its name, so I am grateful to Burncoose Nursery for identifying it for me. I rather like the compact growth. As the season
progresses it will become pinker and brighter and I will look on it a little less kindly, but for now I am enjoying it.
14th February 2010
Crocus chrysanthus 'Cream Beauty' .
I have from time to time dipped my toe in the limpid pond of Crocus without ever quite getting wet. So many illustrious people have been there before
me that I feel rather self conscious, as though I am stumbling along in footprints too big for me. I am sure that as a child I ran along beside my father
skipping and triping to match his stride. That is how I feel about Crocus.
I don't feel so bad about C.chrysanthus, which is a frolicksome little piece of fluff and I don't have to take it so seriously. I am growing a few
this spring, with the intention of producing some seed and raising some seedlings, and that may perhaps lead me towards complete immersion!
14th February 2010
Cyclamen coum .
For weeks and weeks I have had Cyclamen coum in the greenhouse, looking fine and pink but possibly a little tired and dusty. I don't know what it is
that makes them slightly sad in the greenhouse, but I think they will all have to go out. A few growing under the sycamore are more wonderful in the sunlight
now than the greenhouse plants have been all winter.
It is possible that I have simply selected the best plants for the garden (I sometimes do strange things like that) but I think they are just
not as good in pots!
14th February 2010
Ranunculus ficaria 'Aurantiacus' .
The bright colours continue. The Lesser Celandines need watering - I switched the water off in the frost to protect the pipework and I haven't switched it on again yet.
They like water, and I am not supplying enough of it, so they are slow coming into flower. 'Aurantiacus' is wonderful - I finally flowered an orange seedling
of my own last spring after years of trying, but it isn't as good as this.I am hoping that I can found a dynasty on it.
In the meantime, the garden needs attention and the one-time herbaceous border needs radical re-discovery. I have a plan which is simple and elegant.
The reality will involve an extended swear word and probably some bloodshed, but first I have to fix the guttering on the house!
To find particular groups of plants I grow, click on the genus name in the table above. Click on the "Index" box at the top of the page for the full list.
I have a lot of good intentions when it comes to updating this site, and I try to keep a note
about what is going on, if you are interested.
If you want to contact me, the address is infoMONKEYjohnjearrard.co.uk
When typing the address in, please replace MONKEY with the more traditional @ symbol! I apologise for the tiresome performance involved, but I am getting too much
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