Happy Birthday, Patti! (bbrookrd)

sorry I missed it... hope you have a great birthday week!!!

Hopefully that will be us as well, Louise!

Donniebrook and Robindog, That is a big wow. 101 and 104. Hopefully my Mom will make it to then too. She has an active mind and body. She is planning a rail trip through the eastern half of Canada in June and wants me to tag along. I might, but that is right in the middle of iris season. I like to travel in mid Aug when the dog days of summer have hit the garden. But I might go with her if I can hit a few botanical gardens along her route.

DH went skiing today on this stunningly perfect winter day. I am enjoying doing more plant research and taking the dogs for romps in the snow. I stand, they romp.

Onewish1, thanks, and I love that shot of Crocosmia. I finally hope to have some better luck with some I planted last spring that will return reliable next year. I seem to loose them after only a few years. I know that most people have no issues with growing it , so it is me. I especially adore it as it starts to bud. Your photo is stunning. Is that one C. Lucifer? There use to be a guy on DG who was a serious collector of it from England, but Dave removed him for some offense. I loved seeing his photographs of it, plus he had so many that are never listed on this side of the pond. Patti

I remember him - Mark! Now he sells them in England. He did have some beautiful rare crocosmia. He used to be MrCrocosmia, right?

Pirl, Yes, his tag had Crocosmia in it. So I did a DG search and he was as you said. Gone but not totally erased. I doubt he is on the other site so I goggled him. Good memory. Thanks. Patti

http://www.thecrocosmiagardens.net/5330367

http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/forums/t/18227.aspx?PageIndex=1

Odd things do happen.

Onewish1 posts a nice picture of an old favorite, Crocosmia.
Then I see today that Bleek is having his great spring special offer that includes among a long list of great plants, a few Crocosmia that I want. Go to the Classifieds for it. I am all over it to uphold my new title thanks to Pirl. They will be a Happy Un-Birthday gift to my self.

They remind me of orchids,,,,very bright & bold flowers....I'm sure I'm out of the hardiness zone.

Some are in zone 5. Which zone are you? Patti

I'm in 5, but on a windy hill.....that seems to make a difference in hardiness.

Marilyn, Lucifer should be able to handle a windy z5. let me know if you'd like to try some. I have tons.

Thank You!

They really are hardy to z5? I've always stayed away from them because I figured they wouldn't survive .

You're welcome, Marilyn.

Just Lucifer Pix. Want some too? I'm just sending a few, they multiply well. They are small corms, like glads. I dug some up and gave some to the gals on Cubits last year, and they filled right back in. But not invasively.

I understand there are some other ones that are supposed to be hardy to Z5, but they have not been for me, and I'm technically Z6 now.

I lost my Lucifer last year... and a yellow one the year before... both were planted 3 years ago.... the lucifer was in a spot that drains and close to my retaining wall... but I am not sure if the landscapers that do my fall clean up ripped it out.. this year I ran out of the house when the came.. and told them to leave all the beds alone.. I am not sure which was the problem though

Many of mine died, here in zone 7, but Lucifer is a survivor...so far.

I'd be glad to add you to the list too, Allison. I really do have a lot.

Oh thank you so much Polly!!

thank you very much Polly!!!!

OK, you're both on my calendar with Marilyn. You're welcome.

that is awesome Polly.. let me know what you want in trade.. I am sure I have something you "need"

Thanks Allison, I will.

How did I miss sending birthday wishes to you? I know I haven't looked at the NE thread list for awhile. So sorry.

Glad it was great and you are upholding your title.

Jan

Jan, Thanks. Having a great week. Come on back, still a nice group over here in the NE. Patti