Stormy Weather

[amateur51]

Am dear, I wasn't even thinking about you,more myself, with these wretched noises etc. You are as bad as me, always think you are the subject of the discussion..I don't know why sparrers are supposed to be scarce,plenty around here and too many big fat pigeons.I'm jealous, only have one daff out.

What are we like, salymap?!

My Christmas cold persists and I now have a blocked ear so the tinnitus is somewhat exaggerated. To top it all, I find that radio programmes on the iPlayer are pitched at a lower volume so I crank it up so that I can hear; then if I go to a TV programme I'm momentarily pinned back in my chair by the high volume

What do the neighbiours think, I wonder?

[Pianorak]

. . . I'd say plant them & hope for the best. It's only a pound after all. Good luck!

Thanks, Amateur. I think I will risk it. As you say, it's only a pound.

[marthe]

Good luck with your bulbs, Pianorak! You've got an interesting assortment...and at a bargain price. I agree with Am 51. Put them in the ground and see what comes up. Freesia are tender anyway, and usually planted after frost (May 10th in S. New England) to flower in the summer. The bulbs have to be lifted in the autumn because freesias don't like to freeze! Anemone are also planted in late winter, early spring. The other bulbs are planted in autumn for spring bloom. The bulbs need to be chilled (in the ground) for a period of time to induce flower production. You might not get any flowers this spring but very likely will get something next year as the bulbs use this time to store energy to make foliage and flowers. Our best tulips were bargain tulips that my husband bought after Christmas and planted during a January thaw. Not only did they come up the following spring, but they increased prolifically for many years after. I never had to lift them or divide them. Go for it! Nothing ventured nothing gained! Best wishes, marthe

[Pianorak]

Marthe - thanks for the information. Problem now is to find a plot where to plant them. All the borders and the old vegetable patch are now "laid to lawn" - in estate agent speak! - and/or taken over by ground elder. Was going to make a start this afternoon - but didn't much like the cold north-easterly wind, so hurried back indoors pronto. Hey ho!

[mercia]

the fritillaries and narcissi would look good coming up through the grass

[vinteuil]

the fritillaries and narcissi would look good coming up through the grass

very much so - and particularly good in smallish clumps near the base of trees...

[Pianorak]

very much so - and particularly good in smallish clumps near the base of trees...

Brilliant! I've got three apple trees with very little grass encroaching - so that might do for the fritillaries & narcissi.

[salymap]

Does anyone else have trouble with foxes rolling on strappy leaved plants like daffodils and irises? I have some narcissi coming up in my front garden and they are already flattened and chewed up. I'm not a fox lover or hater but I wish they would find a new game to play.

Those bulbs for a pound sound good vslue, they will adjust their time clocks and grow, I'm sure.

[Serial_Apologist]

Patience may be required with fritillaries: they do sometimes take a few years to flower.

[Pianorak]

very much so - and particularly good in smallish clumps near the base of trees...

All done today - and if the fritillaries decide to take years to put in an appearance, well - patience is my middle name.

[salymap]

Morning Stormyweatherites, and welcome back to SHB. Very cold yesterday and near freezing today too. Caught a chill last week waiting at the local hospital, perhaps they are trying to drum-up more patients but I shouldn't think so.
What's new with you?

[Pianorak]

Morning saly and everybody - Waking up to a rather sharp frost here. Should I worry about the bulbs planted yesterday? Sorry to hear about your chill - do keep warm and take care! Waiting for the chap to arrive to service the boiler.

[mercia]

All done today

hope you didn't make the mistake I once did and plant some bulbs upside-down

[Pianorak]

hope you didn't make the mistake I once did and plant some bulbs upside-down

Hmmm, probably . . . some of them looked perfectly round to me with no discernible down or up-side.

[greenilex]

Hard frost in city centre this morning - back to old Colonel Winter, I fear.