Maggi, FMS? Is that fibromyalgia? They misdiagnosed me with that in '85 until they got it right with MS in 2000. And, believe me, that I do understand. The heat exacerbates the symptoms, as if we needed that...
Take your time. When you get your list posted, we'll see if anyone wants to trade here. As I said, if not, don't get discouraged. You and I can trade privately. And, I should have said before, welcome to Dave's!
Barb
Scented Geranium Swap, PT 2 (Pelargonium)
Welcome to daves Maggi
Barb I sure hope your feeling better, your daughter is quite lovely.
I don't mind the date change if that's what you guys want to do. I'm not selling on ebay now, summer time is usually when I stop , and I start back in the fall. I'm just burnt out on boxing them babies up too. so have at it. no problem here. Let me know what you guys decide on th e date, I might be able to root another celery too, I have forgotten to do that previously. And no worries on the lavender lad.
Well, if we are to change the date, let's decide when its to be?
August 30? Some people may have back to school issues then...
Barb
Yes Barb-FMS is Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Boring, but not life-threatening. Wow-they had you mis-diagnosed for 15 years. That's terrible. For 10 years they told me there was nothing wrong with me, except 'nerves'. I was SO happy when a specialist finally diagnosed fibromyalgia, and I knew I wasn't going mad. I think the doctor decided I WAS mad when she saw my reaction to being told I had a chronic illness with,as yet,no effective treatment or cure.LOL. Anyway, in the end I did get out into the garden as it got cooler, and did some much-needed weeding. Hooray!
I'm afraid it will definitely be tomorrow before I get my list done now though. Thanks for the kind welcome (you too Kathy-Ann). See you tomorrow. Maggi xxxx
Barb - I'm so sorry you have been feeling poorly...and you as well, Maggi. Please know that there is someone in Oregon that prays for many, many "good days" for you both.
As far as the swap goes, I am completely flexible. I am along for the fun of it, and really am just enjoying the process. So far, the cuttings I took are looking good and healthy...knock on wood! If we decide to push the date out, I may try to add some of the SGs from Papa Geno's. Some of them may be healthy enough by then...I will compile a list of the ones I can add, if we decide to ship later.
Oh, Maggi! Welcome! I'm a newbie to DG, too! Well, what I should say, is that I found the DG site and signed up about a month ago. To tell you the truth, though, I have spent such a good deal of time here, learning and lurking, that I feel like it has been longer! Yes...we use the "xxxx" sign for kisses, too. In fact, when I am emailing my friends, or sending notes to folks who know me, my standard signature is "xoxo"...kisses and hugs!!
xoxo
Tracy
Thanks, Tracy!
Anyone object to pushing back to August 30?
Barb
My cuttings are still doing all right, but I wanted to have more of them to send from my newer plants. I stuck another round of cuttings on Friday, while trying to get everything else potted & packed for the MidAtlantic RU. I even got a couple of cuttings from the coconut geranium and the strawberry geranium, so I hope they strike roots this time. I was hoping they'd be ready by the end of July, but it would be a near thing, and by the end of August they will probably look much better. So, August 30 sounds good to me!
Maggi, welcome to Dave's Garden! I've been watching my SG's like a hawk when they bloom, but I haven't seen any seed pods yet, or at least nothing that looks like the pictures Kathy_Ann posted. But I'll keep watching for them! I'm sorry to hear of your FMS... I've been dealing with something similar that's now "mostly" in remission, so I know all about variable energy levels & all the rest.
Barb, I do hope you're feeling better! I hope your plants & cuttings bounce back, but don't be kicking yourself for being down; health limitations are frustrating enough without adding guilt to the mix. I'm trying not to feel guilty about some potbound seedlings that I haven't yet been able to get planted.... and I'm about to bump them to the back of the line again so I can plant some perennial divisions I just got at the RU plant swap! I know what I'll be doing once it cools off a little this evening.... :-)
Did you get your plants from Heather? I feel like I owe her big time for babysitting them for us!
Was the RU great?
Barb
I did indeed get my fabulous box of plants from Heather! Thank you so much for picking out those goodies for me from your sale! We exchanged lots of plants & cuttings.... she brought a whole trailer full!! The RU was amazing.... we all just had the best time, and the cabin is just gorgeous! I'm glad to hear Ellie's recital went so well, and I hope next year you'll all be able to join us -- I think there is sure to be a 3rd MidAtlantic RU!
I gave Heather two SGs, so I guess the swapping has officially begun!
I can't begin to tell you how disappointed we were to miss it. And, we are definitely hoping to attend next year, even if just for Saturday's doings...
Barb
August 30 is good with me too, I'll be sending bluespiral's scenteds to you too barb, she's sent me my plants already, and I have a list of what to send for her and will mark her name on them ok.
rooting hobb's farm's scenteds might be a plan, I can't believe their growing so well. their doing wonderfully, papa geno's are growing too, but still not big enough for cuttings.
Okay, August 30th it is, unless someone gets back after the weekend and has a problem with that date. I'll edit the top as well...
And, Ellie's seed kits are now on her website. Now, on to the cookbook and her latest idea... a calender!
Barb
If you are moving the date till Aug 30 could I jump in? I was going to look over what everyone is rooting and find a few that nobody has going. We've got a great nursery here that has a wonderful selection but I could never afford all the ones I want.
BassetMom- If there are too many people signed up just let me know. These things get so confusing so fast and of course I wouldn't take it personally!
-Garity
August 30 sounds good to me. Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple of my papa's plants rooted by then. I have a question. What does everyone use to place their cuttings in (besides water), I've been putting mine in Miracle-gro potting mix and everything is dieing and I was wondering if I was using the wrong thing. Thanks. Fran
-welcome to the newcomers.....glad to have you around :)
-I noticed you hadn't been around in the past couple of days barb and was hoping you were doing ok, I'm glad you're feeling better now :)
I've been using Pro Mix or Miracle Gro Mix (very similar, but has a little added fertilizer which doesn't seem to do any harm and might be good for root growth), but I've been mixing in about 1 part additional perlite to every 3 or 4 parts potting mix just to lighten it up a little for better drainage. I've been adding a liberal dash of those polymer moisture crystals, too. They seem to help keep the soil from getting soggy as well as to help maintain moisture levels by releasing the water they absorb. I'm also letting the cuttings rest overnight in a baggie and using rooting hormone when I stick them.
Otherwise, I'm following Tom DeBaggio's method (see my long post near the top of the first thread) and having reasonably good results. I've lost a few cuttings, including both strawberry cuttings I took the first time around, but hopefully the new ones will do well. It's important to check the pots regularly so you can removed any dead ones before rot or mold spreads from them to the others. I also tried leaving some cuttings in a baggie for several days rather than just overnight, to see how well they might ship without roots, but I lost most of those.
I went to the library this weekend and found Tom Debaggio's book so hopefully I will have more success with the next round! I just thought maybe it was the soil so we'll see!
Oh, good! I just love that book. I bought it I think 6 years ago, and DH says it was the beginning of a slippery slope in terms of propagating plants! I'm no longer just a grower, he says I am a pusher. People who visit are generally not allowed to leave without at least one plant during the "season." My cleaning lady left with a big pot of Sedum that was leftover from the RU plant swap on Saturday (thanks, Heather -- she was delighted)!
What is the name of the book from this author?..Ive been trying to search for it online....Judy
Here's the Garden Bookworm link: http://davesgarden.com/gbw/c/1617/
DeBaggio, Thomas. Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting & Root: An adventure in small miracles. Interweave Press, 1994.
Well I found it on Amazon.com ...I will have a copy in a few days and will know what everybody is raving about...thanks for the info critter....Judy
Princess, thanks for missing me. Slow to recover but hanging in there..
Garityann, please jump in with both feet. The more people rooting and contributing the bigger the pot.
And, to add my 2 cents, I always use MiracleGro potting mix and only just now had problems because of the combination of th heat and my illness.
Barb
oh yes, the heat, wow! I"ve lost 8 pounds in this heat, I'm headed back out in it, man oh man, I'm a new 4 foot l0 in woman now LOL. still have l2 more pounds to go, doc said I had to loose 20 pounds, didn't need that on my heart he said, and I'm doing it, I feel so good!!! Ok, enough of this, i'm going to root the celery scented now that I keep forgetting.
talk to you ladies later on.
Hot here again today, though it rained all day yesterday. I swear you could hear the ground and plants sigh in relief!
Barb
We haven't had a rain for over a month now, some folks are flooding, and we're having a no burn ban.
Yup, our first rain in about that long. A real good one, on again off again, everything here has finally perked up... except me! I live by a state forest (my back fence borders the edge) and they are having a heck of a time keeping people out during the burn ban.
ooooh, that sounds even better than the tree row & corn field behind us, especially as the developers are eyeing that field. A state forest! Now I'm really hoping you'll have an RU gathering in your back yard next summer.... :-)
We had a rain shower yesterday and are having a little thunderstorm now, so everything looks much happier. The ground is good for weeding & digging again, but it's just been toooo hot. The new geraniums that I put in the big pots are just taking off! So far, so good on the new round of cuttings too, although of course nothing more has rooted yet. I have 2 'Lime' and 5 'Southernwood' cuttings with roots that I'll pot up (hopefully) this afternoon.
Yup, we've got trails and a native American reservation and all kinds of stuff. And, never will have any neighbors back there.
Wanted to tell you all that the BassetHusband got a job this week. Managing a Target warehouse right around the corner frum us. As I typed to Jill, a paycheck AND and 10% discount! Now, I just have to learn how to cope with him being gone during the day for the first time in 5 years. To think, the last time he worked days, I could walk...
Barb
I ordered four more plants today, to try and replace the ones I lost. We'll see...
Also, in case you are interested, I've started an Herb and Edible Flower Seed RR in that forum. Need two more people and then its off and flying. Just thought it would be fun and quick to do. Already got several people here in it...
Barb
Dear Barb, sorry I didn't get back to you earlier with my trade list- no good excuse-just didn't get myself together.
Congratulations on your husband's job and I hope you manage ok without him during the day; I'm sure you will-you seem to be a very capable person,despite your difficulties.
Tracy, Critterologist (love the name) and Fran , many thanks for your welcoming words- what a lovely,friendly lot you are!
Now for the list:
I keep all my seeds in airtight plastic containers in the fridge.Some are from my own plants, some are from Thompson and Morgan Seeds or Chilterns Seeds-both very reputable dealers.
*Hollyhocks-purpley tones. own seed collected sept.2004
*Marigold(calendula) -mixed varieties; own seed collected sept.2004.
*Wallflowers and brompton stocks mixed colours; own seed coll.aug.2004.
*Straw flowers (helichrysum)-red,pink, gold and cream tones; own seeds from sept 2004
*Columbine(aquilegia)-yellow and white long-spurred variety; own seed from end may 2005
*Flat-leaved parsley;own seeds aug 2004-LOTS available plus 2005 harvest ready soon.
*Round medium-sized orange pumpkin; own seed autumn 2004. Local variety, firm,nutty flesh,good for roasting. Keeps well- we ate the last one last month!
*Long green/orange pumpkin; own seed(only a few).Local variety, sweet orange flesh, good for purees , soups and casseroles.
The following are all unopened T+M packets from 2004:
*Calabrese 'trixie' F1 hybrid- small packet
*Parsnip ' Tender +true'
*Cabbage 'Grand prize'
*Curly parsley 'Afro'
*Flat-leaved parsley or French parsley
*Spicy salad leaves for stirfries or salads-x2
*Swede or rutabaga 'Virtue'
*Broccoli early purple sprouting 'Rudolf'
The following are opened T+M packets from 2004-still contain most of the seeds and have been kept in fridge in sealed containers (like all the seeds listed here):
*Broad or fava bean 'Express'
*Carrot 'Early nantes 2'
*Lettuce 'Little gem'
Barb-if any of these are any use for Ellie's 'seeds of hope' just bag them first. You won't owe me a trade for these of course-I'd love to make a contribution to such a good cause if you see I've got anything suitable.
If anyone wants to trade,apart from scented geraniums,I'm also looking for any aquilegia except the yellow and white one,any unusual herbs,or anything fragrant.Reply to me here or send me a DG mail.
Maggi xxxx
This message was edited Jul 11, 2005 10:52 AM
Maggi, let me know how you make out here. As I said, if you don't get a trade going, we'll do one between us.
I do miss my guy terribly during the day but the kids are home from school (though not necessarily home wiht me). September will be a HUGE adjustment for me... Rather not think about that right now... no I'll just focus o the 10% discount at Target....
Barb
I just wanted to mention I will be away for a few days,so if anybody sends me a message I won't be able to reply until next tuesday.(5th July).Have a good 4th !
maggi xxxx
Hello Swappers! I was reading something interesting in a book tonight about SG's and I thought I would share. I remember someone asking about collecting seeds from them and instructions were given so I thought I would post.
"Each of the five carpels in a floret contains a single seed. When the seeds are ripe the carpels begin slowly to detach from each other, starting at the seed end. The seeds are ready to harvest when the carpels turn brown and a dark line runs up the style. As the carpels continue to separate, they stretch outward and remain attached only at the tips of their now feathery styles. The is you last change to collect the seeds before they blow away.
Place the harvested carpels in a paper bag and let them dry for several days. You can plant the entire carpel or first remove the seed by gently rubbing the carpels between your hands. Pick away the restulting chaff or put the seeds through a sieve. Store any seeds which you don't plant immediately in air-tight glass jars in a cool, dark location. The seeds will remain viable for one to three years, depending on species." From Scented Geraniums: Knowing Growing and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums by Jim Becker and Faye Brawner
Hope this helps. I haven't seen any blooms up close before so the name parts aren't too clear to me, but I know ya'll know more than me. I've included the 2 close up pictures from the book so you can get a close view of the parts....neither labels the carpels so I guess maybe I'm just ignorant in not knowing what they are! I'm so new at all this!! I want to know it all NOW! :) ok, start saving seeds swappers......for next year! Have a Happy 4th tomorrow. Fran
Here's picture #2
Thanks, Princess! That's a help. I've been watching the (few) blooms on my 'Coconut' SG pretty closely, especially since the second round of cuttings from it also failed, but I haven't spotted any seeds forming yet.
Thanks princess, that helps me too, I've watched the other scenteds for seeds, but they just don't do the same process that the coconut scented geranium does, I've not been able to collect seeds on anything but the coconut, But not really looking to collect seeds on others, I did hear that the coconut is hardly ever propigated by cuttings, I tried layering once, it didn't work either, but I have babies from the seeds I planted. So that works, LOL and they look just like the mama.
I have not been online only very briefly for the past week. So much seems to happen in a very short time.
Welcome Maggi! Yes XXX are kisses here too. I don't have a problem with postage to you.
Barb-You're daughter has the lovliest smile. I LOVE that garden bench in the background. My DH has been home since he got hurt last summer. I don't know what I'll do when he finally gets fixed(if they can fix him). Sorry to hear you were under the weather. I have hopes to send you an envelope tomorrow. It's all put together and just sitting here waiting to go to the post office.
As to this swap thing, I like the Aug.30 date. I'm trying to root two of my nutmeg cuttings. I put them in a ziplock baggie full of potting mix using rootone. They still kept blooming. So I'm guessing that they are ok. I don't want to mess with them to check for roots just yet.
-Juli
Julie, you seal the whole cutting up in the zip lock bag? I would think that would cause rot with the hot weather. it might work better just to put it in a tiny pot or something where air can get to the green part of the plant. Just wondering though.
kathy
Juli, many thanks for your welcome and generous offer. Apart from postage considerations with sending cuttings to Europe, there is also the question of Rules and Regulations... However, I'm willing to risk it if you are!
I only have rooted cuttings from one type of SG,but they were rooted last year so are now small, well-established plants. I think they are some type of rose geranium,although some noses swear they smell of lemon... My original plant came from a cutting given me by a very old (93) friend of the family, whose plant was a direct descendant of her mother's plant .... so it may be just an ordinary rose geranium, but it's an English heirloom one! If anyone's interested in these, or in the seeds I've listed above, LMK. BTW, as Princess points out above, geraniums give very few seeds, so I'd only expect a small number of SG seeds in exchange for a packet of swap seeds.
Maggi xxxx
You're welcome! Let me know how the seed collecting goes...on the coconut and others. I'm curious about it. Thanks. Fran
Princess, many thanks for your helpful info. I don't know what a carpel is either,and I don't think the illustrator knew either ! Anyone out there like to enlighten us?