Sally, Is your Forsythia blooming? My yard is full of cylinders, many of which had to be righted and more firmly attached after the wind.
Chantell & JBerger, very lovely photos. I lost a Pink Pussey willow to the voles. That Black one is a real beauty. The only Willow here now are small shrublike ones called Bridal Rice Willow. This post reminds me that I didn't check on them this weekend.
Anyone else see spring peeking...
Forsythia only blooming indoors--forced!
Hmmm....didn't even peek at the lilac...will check tomorrow...so exciting!!! Chloe follows me out and immediately puts her had up to her ear - LOL - so cute...I've always done that when I want her to listen esp. if the birds are singing!!
JB, I guess this Saturday's swap might be too far for you... but I really hope you come to Holly's swap this spring or one of the other swaps in the works... because not only would I love to meet you, but I also "need" some of that black pussy willow! It would make a great focal point for a new garden bed I'm starting to plan... I want to plant it in memory of Blake, my sweet kitty who was at my side for 18 years... and it definitely needs a pussy willow. I didn't know this beauty existed! Is it as easy to root from cuttings as regular pussy willow, or do I need to haunt nurseries for a potted one?
I got mine from cuttings last year, a friend gave me several and I let them sit in a 5 gal bucket for most of the summer before I finally did pot them up and then they only got planted very late at the very end of summer. Looks like the rabbits chewed on them but they look OK. I'm going swimming with my friend this morning I could see if she has some branches that I could cut for you and bring down on Sat. Ric wants the ones that have that virus that makes them wide and twisty. I bought him some at a garden farie and was told they would root but they never did.
JB, Lancaster isn't far about 30 mins depending on where you want to go.
Critter, if I can root these I cut to force, I will plant one and send it to you. If they root I will tell you immediately on this link, or you can email me privately and send me your address. I wonder if I cut them, wrapped them in a damp wrap, if I sent them to you as just cuttings and not with roots, would they make it. You are only a day or two away by priority mail. Do you want to try it? If so, send me your address and I will put them in the mail and we can see what happens.
Holly, what county is Dover in? My son lives in Lititz.
Thanks, Holly! That would be wonderful.
I would love to try cuttings, JB... I've never done dormant cuttings, though... but I've been pretty successful with early spring cuttings from my crooked willow (just as leaves are forming). If I have no luck with Holly's cuttings, or if she can't get them, I'll let you know. I'd be delighted to pay postage plus whatever the going florist rate might be, or maybe we can work out a trade. Thank you!
I was swimming this morning with Vickie (owner of the Black Pussy Willow). Hers is huge and I can have all the cuttings I want. I will take plenty to go around and bring them to the Seed Swap and can also have more for the Spring Swap, too. Although that wouldn't keep you JB from bringing some to the Spring Swap if you are able to attend.
We are in northern York Co. about half way between Harrisburg and York. Maybe if you can attend the Spring Swap you can combine it with a visit to your son.
Thanks, Holly!
JB, I really appreciate your offer, but it looks like Holly has me covered.
Chantell, I would love to hear how your Daphne smells. I've read that there is no more beautiful smell than perhaps Osmanthus. We had a light dusting of snow and flurries off and on all day. On Sunday I saw both daffodils and crocus in bloom on a protected southern slope in Charlottesville. I'm gettin' the fever!
If heaven has a smell...I believe Daphne's fragrance just might be it...I love it!! Just got in some of the Rock Daphnes everyone raved about...will wait to plant those though.
No problem, jjust so you get some. Thanks for the invitation but I seldom get back to PA.
I have too much going here and it is a 2 hours plus drive back home for me. I have a problem getting anyone to care for my flock and especially my old Jack Russell. He can not stay crated for more than 4 hours. He has had a liver problem that has been really difficult to care for. I am happy here, I will read about it when you return. Hugs.
OH Holly...if you could spare a few for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Sad that JB you won't be coming but I certainly understand...not much we won't do for our furrbabies!!!
Holly, save me a couple of the black pussy willow. Thanks. I'll root them in water.
Yes, I will bring plenty and post on the swap thread for everyone to see.
No ,my lamb's ear is NOT that pretty right now, but after being totally flattened and melted away, it's putting up new growth pretty fast.
Then you have today....(drum roll please) - Let it snow...Let it snow...let it snow...sheesh!
My cousin from Hershey just called me to tell me it was snowing up there and it was coming my way. Miserable woman!
It is cloudy here in NJ and very damp and cold. We are to have freezing rain and possible snow. Oh Lord! Please take winter away soon.
JB I think we are just going to get rain here, I'm about 15 mins from you.
Marigold and alysum seeds I planted indoors on Feb 14th are COMING UP
Hello FlowerJen, you should look outside. It is snowing. Are you North or South of me. I see you are Zone 6B. Maybe I am wrong, The map is so difficult to see. I am willing to change if I am wrong. How did you verify 6B? Everyone I have asked told me I am in 7.
Now I am lost. Poor old lady me. JB
lol
Yeah it's snowing I guess national weather service was wrong....
I'm a little north of you the other side of Chesterfield
I used this map
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-ne1.html
Looks like only salem and cape may counties are 7a.
You must be up near Bordentown then. Great. I looked at the map again and I am going to change my zone. Even Logees says I am in Zone 7, The map you use is the same map I used but I must admit it looks like Burlington County is 6B. Thanks for your help. I have been in the wrong zone for years. What can i say ? Must be my age. LOL Zooom Zoooom here I go moving to Zone 6B lol. Stopped snowing. JB
Yep right next to Bordentown, also. I'm in that little corner of Mercer County that is surrounded by Burlington and Monmouth Counties...
have a fun trip to 6b!
Chantell, I missed the discussions on the rock daphne. Can you direct me to where I could get one. I may not be able to do so immediately, but often, if I've learned about a plant, it starts to dwell in my mind until it becomes reality. Thanks. Pam
Here ya go Pam http://www.gardengrower.com/home.php?cat=260 and here's the thread where Daphnes were being discussed. I did just receive mine - FedEx ground beat up the box pretty badly but by golly the vendor had great packing the plants seemed to have weathered it just fine. NOTE: b/c it's ground shipping it does take a week to arrive, because of this though the shipping is VERY reasonable.
And believe me...I understand the need to obtain something I've heard about.
This message was edited Feb 18, 2009 10:06 PM
Pam, Here's the link in Fragrant Gardening that Chantell meant to post: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/942769/
Chantell, do you have a photo of the Rock Daphne?
Ahh thanks - guess it would've helped to have pasted it after I copied it...duh!!! LOL
I can take a pic in the AM and post when I get to work. I purchased the smaller size - that they're now out of. I'm cheap, I tell you...hate paying too much for shipping
Hi Flower, I used to live in Monmouth County. I had my little bird farm up in Cream Ridge. Do you ever come down RT. 537? I live on the corner of 537 and Wrightstown Sykesville Road. You know Sykesville Rd. That goes from 537 to Chesterfield. I love Hamilton Market Place but seldom get there over the winter months. So nice to have someone so close by. If ever I have anything you would like to have, just email me privately, I never charge my friends. LOL I just love to share.
Here is an update on the Black Pussy Willows I brought in a week or more ago. They are really starting to turn black now. Nature is a wonderful thing. I love to watch how these beautiful creatures know what to do and when to do it. Just had to share so you could compare pictures.
Another closer look
Ugh...stormy I forgot to take the pic today...I will I promise, though!!
I love Cream Ridge but even there it's getting built up. I travel Sykesville Road to go the scenic route down to my brother's in Voorhees. I cut down that way and then thru Vincentown. I love it down there, too bad there was nothing for sale in that area when we were looking 4 years ago.
You should meet up with us when we go to Fairweather Gardens April 4th http://www.fairweathergardens.com/calendar.php and we're planning a visit to Rarefind Nursery http://www.rarefindnursery.com/ in Jackson in May date to yet be determined.
Hey flowerjen, I didn't know your brother lives in Voorhees! Please feel free to stop by our house next time you visit :)
JBerger, I love black pussy willows and have had them on my wish list now for quite some time. I tried growing it twice now and lost it both times. My mom says pussy willows grow like weeds but we can't seem to grow it. Every year we buy a few cuttings of the plain ones to root from the Phila. flower show and they sometimes do root, but when planted never seem to take. I'll keep trying though, I really would love to grow both kinds, the black and the giant.
Ya know Holly has the black pussy willows. She brought some to the seed/plant swap in Frederick today.
Wind, I have some Black Pussy Willow inside just now trying to root them. If I have any luck, I will be happy to see you get one. Please keep in touch so I do not forget. I am hoping they sprout. They are starting to go into seed now and that is a good sign. The little guys are really black now. Soooooooo neat. I get to Mt. Laurel once in awhile. Mt. Holly evey four month to doctor. If I can get them to grow in pots I will be happy to meet you and deliver one. Hugs.
JB, I was really surprised. My friend V is the one with the black pussy willows and hers are all out, the pretty black fuzzy Catkins showing all over her bush. She lives near by about 3 miles, lives on the north side of the hill and has these things growing in the shade on the north side of her house and they are going to town. My small new one has been gnawed by the bunnies and what they haven't eaten doesn't look like it will do much for a couple of weeks. I live on top of the hill and it's out there in the bright sun shine. Well, if we had bright sunshine it would be. LOL
Holly I'm hoping that I can get some cuttings of the black pussy willows at your swap, so I can start them in my nursery spot in pots.
I was thinking of trying to start some of the Buffalo current bush, or just bring cutting if anyone would be interested in it. Time to start the have want list for your swap (wink, wink)
Holly, mine are in the bright sun also and the outside ones are only turning black. I think this weather has them really confused. The big old regular catkins are just now popping also. They are next to the blacks. the ones on the cuttings inside are the ones going to seed.
Sounds good Diana, next time I'm going down there I'll let ya know.