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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 12:41:00 GMT
....because the lower elevation of the sun takes it behind trees to the south and west of me and the greenhouse is not getting much sunshine.
Once they fall however it diffuses through the branches and whilst not ideal, is better than I am getting at present.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 12:48:19 GMT
What sort of leaves are stopping the sun from getting to your greenhouse Mick? I ask because some trees retain their leaves a lot longer than others. The sycamores just outside our garden are almost bare now. I think beech trees hold on to their leaves for a long time though.
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 13:08:02 GMT
Not sure plocket. They are all on the railway embankment at the end of my garden.
They are not the Sycamore that I know but do have the winged seeds like Sycamore.
A couple of years ago we had a south easterly gale in Autumn which blew the seeds into my garden. Next spring they came up absolutely everywhere. They cut a small amount back each year to keep the leaves off the line but I wish they would cut the lot down. Selfish, I know.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 13:19:54 GMT
I feel the same about the sycamores outside our garden - I've contacted the council but they've refused  There are quite a few trees that have "winged" seeds but whatever your trees are I hope for your sake that they fall soon! What have you got in the greenhouse at the moment, and is it heated? |
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 13:21:52 GMT
Plocket, I will give you one guess as to what I have in the greenhouse.
Yes, it is heated.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 13:23:27 GMT
I did think I was asking a daft question when I posted it!!! ;D
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 13:30:39 GMT
Don't worry - it's the sort of thing that I would do. Also slightly unfair of me as there are also succulents, overwintering tpelargoniums etc.  Actually, there are half a dozen succulent pelargoniums - these are rather interesting, make easy bonsai subjects and only grow in winter. Hence my need for sun. The greenhouse is heated 40f in about two thirds and 50f (ouch) in the remaining third for the touchy stuff. |
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 13:38:10 GMT
Bonsaid pelargoniums hey? That sounds different. You don't sound like your average gardener if you don't mind me saying it!!
You must struggle a bit in the winter despite the heating because you can't guarantee much sun in the colder months, with our without trees in the way. Have you considered artificial lighting?
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 14:01:24 GMT
Thank you Plocket - I take the first para as a compliment.
It is not too bad in winter as 95% of the plants are resting. Chickaddd or Torontotrini might confirm that bit I believe that in the States some people actually store the cactus indark frost free cellars until Spring.
Light would however be an advantage for the winter growers but I already spend enough on them and the bonsai pelargonijms are happy at 40f.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 14:33:33 GMT
Good!!! ;D
I don't have many plants that I have to protect over winter partly because I just haven't got the space (I don't have a greenhouse) and partly because I can't be bothered!!! I have some pelargonium cuttings and a few other seedlings in a coldframe, and my Pennisetum Setaceum is now indoors coz it doesn't like being cold. And I have got my carnivorous plants but they are houseplants, and when the porch is built they will live in there as it won't be heated. You never know Mick, I might be asking for more possible "porch" plants when it's finally built!!!
Any chance of seeing some of your bonsai pelargoniums?
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 14:46:50 GMT
As this is the office computer I don't have the facility for pics I'm afraid. However, I'm working on something with my daughter that might do the trick!
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 14:49:28 GMT
P.S. when spring rolls around I will have spare cactus seedlings (all named and seed from the wild - not just any old seed).
If members PM me nearer the time I will be pleased to send if they pay the postage.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 15:32:30 GMT
Wow! I don't know the first thing about cactus altough I have a few which I seem to have had forever. I forget to water them most of the time as they are in the spare room and the downstairs loo - but they are hanging on! So what seedlings have you got Mick, and what would you recommend?
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 9, 2006 16:00:32 GMT
Tell you tomorrow.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 9, 2006 16:04:01 GMT
Ok Mick! I won't be around much tomorrow so it isn't me ignoring you!!! ;D
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 10, 2006 8:34:31 GMT
OK, this is what is likely to be available:-
CACTI
Echinocereus pectinatus
Echinocereus scopulorum
Echinocereus fendleri
These are all pretty easy to grow
SUCCULENTS
Aloe claviflora
Stapelia leendertziae (may need to correct that name)
Caralluma keithii
The last 2 are the plants with magnificent but smelly flowers.
Ther may be more - I had a quick look in the dark last night.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 10, 2006 19:04:48 GMT
I've been looking them up Mick. I can't find piccies for your exact plants but the Stapelias look amazing. Any chance of putting my name down for one of them? Just a thought though - how big do they grow, and are they suitable as houseplants rather than greenhouse plants?
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 13, 2006 8:32:23 GMT
They're available for any one who aksks. Just remind me again when we get to Spring!
They don't grow to an enormous size and are fine as house plants as long as you have a sunny window. Try to keep them cool in winter so that they rest then.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 13, 2006 8:56:51 GMT
Ooo they sound perfect for my new porch (WHEN it's built!!!)
Have the leaves gone from the trees yet Mick? The sycamores here are almost bare and it's noticable how much more light we get in the garden. It's less sheltered now though!
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 13, 2006 9:04:29 GMT
Not really. And the forecast for this week is wet and warm which won't encourage them. However, I believe it might get stormy later this week which could blow a few leaves down.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 13, 2006 9:12:13 GMT
I'll keep my fingers crossed that those leaves fall soon Mick! ;D
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Post by Chuckles on Nov 14, 2006 8:33:14 GMT
Couldn't stand seeing them on the ground any longer..........filled my 1st bag of leaves yesterday. There is enough to fill another bag today and probably another part bag in a couple of days. The main culprits are 2 large Lime trees in the gdn. It was quite satisfying, the lovely autumn colours, the thought of the lovely stuff they will become and seeing the paths tidier. |
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Post by Chuckles on Nov 18, 2006 12:44:29 GMT
Not many leaves left now on my two Lime trees, one is almost done the other still has a few left, the Rowans either side are almost bare too.   |
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 23, 2006 17:03:10 GMT
They have fallen.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 29, 2006 9:19:27 GMT
Hurrah! Now you need some sun!!! ;D
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 29, 2006 11:09:20 GMT
Got plenty of rain! (If only it would fall in summer).
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Post by Plocket on Nov 29, 2006 13:34:03 GMT
We've had quite a bit of rain recently too, but it's bright and sunny here today so hopefully you'll get some Mick.
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 29, 2006 14:06:25 GMT
Indeed, not bad here at all Plocket.
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Post by Plocket on Nov 29, 2006 14:26:18 GMT
Oh I'm glad about that - I bet the cacti are pleased!!!
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 29, 2006 14:46:42 GMT
Probably having a little sun party as we speak.
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There are quite a few trees that have "winged" seeds but whatever your trees are I hope for your sake that they fall soon! What have you got in the greenhouse at the moment, and is it heated?
