Comments on: Beggars can’t be choosers

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:41:58 +0000

Kim, Thanks for the bergenia tips! It is such a great texture when it’s as happy as yours… I think we have kept it too wet in some places and probably in too rich soil in others. And even though my soil at home is terrible and I’m the most neglectful gardener, it’s in the wrong-est place… I’ll have to see if it’s alive enough to move it. -kris

By: Liz Stein

Liz Stein — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:41:04 +0000

Oh, I do love the v. bodnantense, even if it does bloom sparsely; I had to leave mine in Massachusetts when we moved, but I’m ordering another this spring. I saw one in London in February, and there were only a few blooms open there, either, but when nothing else is blooming it’s a tonic to smell it. I’m also going to get corylopsis, which I haven’t tried before, and sarcococca–both were too tender for zone 5, but I’ll see how they do in 6. It’s definitely time to get outside!

Liz – you’re so right! I can’t believe I’m leaving when it’s this nice out. I’m also sorry that it was too wet for me to go in for a sniff of the viburnum – I’ll have to remember to check it out again when I’m back. I’m with you on wanting corylopsis – we have ‘Longwood Chimes’ and I always forget about sarcococca… Happy spring! -kris

By: Blackswampgirl Kim

Blackswampgirl Kim — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:02:36 +0000

Kris, I think that the key to the bergenia is neglect, and maybe good drainage. Beth Chatto uses it extensively in her gravel gardens, and that’s why I decided to give it a try in my sandy yard. I don’t believe that I ever really give it an extra drink of water, even in a drought… and in fact, I promptly forgot about the ‘Solar Flare’ variegated one that I bought last year once I planted it, so I KNOW that one hasn’t had any pampering. (Not even the kind you SHOULD give new plants!) But I found it while cleaning up the nearby catmint yesterday.

Does that help? I hope so–it’s a great plant, texturally speaking!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:08:33 +0000

Very pretty! More than that, I’m commenting to say I’ll be repeating “bodnantense” in my head over and over the rest of the day. I don’t know what it is about that word!

Andrew, Now you’ve got me saying it… Except I’m not quite sure about pronunciation. I can tell you though that it’s named for the Bodnant Gardens in Wales and I’ll bet that’s even more fun to visit than say out loud. -kris

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:48:52 +0000

Hellebore looks like she went out to play in her party clothes. It’s coming! And hey, are you getting sunshine today, too? Have fun with the fam in Zone 8!

Lynn, You’re right about the hellebore – can’t take her anywhere! and hooray for sunshine!! I swear, if I fly into clouds, I’m turning right around. -kris