Germination

[Robert_Brenchley]

I just checked the cold frame where I put any seeds which need stratifying. Four species of Trillium, one of herbaceous Paeony, and Lilium Szovitsianum (what a mouthful!) are up. Trilliums and paeonies are fine, but I have trouble with lilies in the ground, as it gets a too wet in the winter. I might make a raised bed for flowers that like to keep their roots a bit drier.

[Robert_Brenchley]

[PurpleHeather]

It seems to have been a little less wet this winter (certainly in this area NW) but we had more than enough rain last winter & summer.

This year we have had to dig down well over a foot to find water soaking up compared to last winter, that is much better. So, nothing seems to be sitting in water this year.

A raised bed is a good idea. It is easier to add a drop of water if necessary.

Why do so many plants have such complicated names? It is harder to read a gardening catalogue than a medical dictionary.

[Robert_Brenchley]

It hasn't been too bad, but I have persistent problems with anything which likes to be dry in winter. I have some old brickwork down by the stream bank which could be repaired and turned into a bed fairly easily. It's not doing anything at the moment.

[Mrs Ava]

Excellent Robert.  I checked out my tray of tree seeds which I am hoping to grow to bonsai, and I have about 2 up so far.  Hope they get a move on if they are going to grown.

[Robert_Brenchley]

They'll take several years. I believe Trilliums can reach flowering size in a couple of years uinder cover, though. The question now is when to repot; Trilliums don't like it, but my seed compost won't keep them going indefinitely!