Gardening: Hints and Help!

HostaH. I've grown Penstemon cuttings, they're much easier than I thought so I'll be taking more this year!

I went on a visit to Kingston Maurward in Dorset a couple of years ago, they have a national Penstemon collection and the gardener showing us round gave me confidence to have a go. Nice gardens there if you ever get the chance to go.

I miss our local gardening club and all the visits out we normally do and all the get togethers, we usually have a supper at this time of the year, All these small things add up. 🌷

Some winter irises and witch hazel in our garden just now. 

I treated myself to a winter iris (the same as your photo) last year, I was so taken with a large clump of them growing in a near by garden, such a pleasure to see them in flower especially at this time of the year.  We also have a witch hazel (all yellow flowers) which usually flowers in late January/February, I haven't seen any flowers out yet, lots of buds, will have to have a closer look tomorrow.

Impy. The witch hazel in the photo is called Jelena, nice scent close up.  Hope you see yours in flower soon, it's been milder here than sme areas. 

Beautiful morning, blue skies, all the fruit tree pruning done. 

I have bought some more Dahlia tubers today for later in year. I like to start them off early in big pots in greenhouse, and then use them to fill in any gaps in a herbaceous border. Got some Mesembryanthemum seeds as well. Dad used to plant these for Mum, so I shall be sending some up to her garden. They are such cheerful colours, very nice at front of a display.

I've got a box of seed packets which I'm going to start looking at over the next few days, see which ones need to be started off first.

I grew some mesum-whatsits last year TDA, they were a great success, had to give some away as the seeds were prolific.

Sent OH out to the greenhouse today to cover up some of his beloved plants which won't do well if the temperature drops.

Planted some Sweet Peas indoors about 10days ago, they have shot up to about 4''. I think this growth may be too quick, what's the best option for these , or should I start again? I also planted some Ranunculus corms, never seen these before what strange plants, one just peeping through. I thought they may fill some gaps. Anyone else grow these plants ?

Yes HH, I have grown Ranunculus, but not for a while. Can’t remember much about them to be honest🤔 I have got some Anemones corms to grow in a pot as well. These were my Grandma’s favourites. 

Our big task in the garden this year is to move our greenhouse. It’s not huge, but one side is up against a wall, and we need to get to a rampant ivy that has taken hold between wall and glass. Going to need careful planning. Got to take out each pane, then move frame onto lawn, clear ivy out, then put back together again. It’s full of over Wintering plants at the moment😬

Best of luck with that Takethedogalong, Yes  the Ranunculus corms ( very weird looking ) corms look similar to small crabs which need to be soaked in water for about 2/3hours before planting , they then double in size. The flowers come in all  colours which look really vibrant.So thought I would give them a try.