Gardening

[stephenprudence]

The offending company didn't begin with a 'C' did it?

I also have problems with mail order plants, I purchased a Jasminum officinale from a company, and it died recently, not acceptable really so I know how frustrating it is.

Have you asked the company for a refund, if you have the invoice still I would have thought you are entitled to it, either that or you could get a perennial plant for the same value as the Begonias (although no certainties it will be any higher in quality).

I suppose it's best buying from nurseries/garden centres. I certainly won't be buying online again.

[Nemesis]

No not a C. And yes I agree-- I only buy what I can see from now on. My best blooms this year are Geraniums from M&S and Petunias and Mimulus from Colwyn Bay Market ! Cheap and cheerful !

[stephenprudence]

You can get some absolute gems from Markets, some real rare beauties and usually very cheap! Markets are some kind of treasure trove and quality is nearly always good 

On another subject I grow a plant called Crassula sarcocaulis (Bonsai Crassula), it's a trunk forming succulent (similar to the money plant, but more tolerant of cold), and its been spinning off seedlings everywhere to the point where it's actually now a weed. Not only that but I saw one of the seedlings has some red roots which has drilled into a pebble!!  Scary stuff!

Here's the plant in question:

[hollins]

Today's garden crop!

[hollins]

Today's garden crop a few hours later!

[Blodyn]

Yummy! 

[DaveR]

Today's garden crop a few hours later!

You have been busy! 

[Hugo]

The Bear's Breeches are starting to come into flower but I noticed traces of the customary mildew starting on one of the leaves. I've been trimming the hedges most of the week and noticed that another Bear's Breeches was riddled with the mildew so I've chopped it down which is a pity really because that bush was also starting to flower.
Earlier this year I moved a Hosta from one of the borders and put it into a large pot near the house. It's not an ideal spot for it but the Hosta seems to be doing ok.

[DaveR]

Your Hosta seems to be doing very well, in fact!

[Yorkie]

ANyone any idea what this is?   I'm trying to win a quiz!  L0L

[Fester]

Yes... its a Tiffany Lamp-shade Flower... !   L0L L0L

[hollins]

It's a hoya!
Now you can get your own quiz questions on Yorkie!

[Yorkie]

I am not a gardener but this year I planted half a dozen courgette seeds and I now have six darn great plants adorning my raised bed.  They are full of big Orange flowers and the signs of baby courgettes following on.   I am surprised at the number of "fruits", if one calls them such, on each plant they will keep us going for ages.  The prickly big leaves and stems are a bit rough.

Does anyone know if courgettes can be frozen?  If so do they have to be blanched, and sliced or whole?

I plan to batter and deep fry the flowers.       

[TheMedz]

I Googled it.

Courgettes

Choose young ones. Wash and cut into ½ to 1in (1 cm) slices. Either blanch, or saute in a little butter

1 min.

[Yorkie]

Thanks TheMedz.  Silly me I could have done that myself!   Had a look and it seems that they turn out a bit rubbery or watery when thawed and not too appetising.  Popular solution seems to be making soup with them.   I think I will try making a ratatouille and freezing that in handy portions.  Watch this space!