butterflybrain

Purple climber ID please

Yes I agree with Berghill.  My sister has one. (It does,nt seem to smell much of chocolate though!)

Calling all Agapanthus Aficionados

I would definately  pot them on, 1 litre should be ok.  They will flower better if they are pot bound so I have always grown in containers.  (Not terracotta because the plants will crack them as they become more restricted.)  Experimented with planting in garden with no success.  So its containers in a sunny position well fed and watered throughout the summer and moved to a cold greenhouse in winter.  The bigger plants can be left outside if in a  sheltered position (against house wall) and maybe a bit of fleece if really bad weather forcast.  Hope this helps.  PS I'm no expert but this works for me!

new years resolution

Gosh all these resolutions.  I wasnt going to bother but I feel I had better make an effort.  So I AM going to stop planting big plants in the wrong place!  its such a pain to move them (my husband is very patient because he has to dig them up).  My excuse is I didnt expect it to grow so well!

Ceanothus Zanzibar

Thanks Busy-Lizzie and flowering rose.  As there is a seat in front of wall I dont think there will be enough room for it to bush out.  So its back to the drawing board!

Ceanothus Zanzibar

Would Ceonothus Zanzibar be suitable for growing against a sunny sheltered wall?

Geranium maculatum Beth Chatto

Dont think shade a problem but will check water situation.  The weather here in Devon has been very dry.  Thanks for advice.

Talkback: Growing runner beans

Am I the only one who hasn't had a fresh home grown runner bean this year?  The runner and french beans were a complete disaster!  My other half blames the weather, too cold and not enough water!  "What here in sunny Devon".

Geranium maculatum Beth Chatto

Can anyone tell me if geranium Beth Chatto is summer dormant.  It flowered earlier in the year and then lost all its leaves.  It is planted light shade in good soil.

Bad service, bad plants beware!

I too have been disapointed with the plants from J Parker. I ordered two packs of the cheap and cheerful offers which would apparently would fill my borders with colour.   Some of the plants did just about come through and I'm sure if I had planted the pots of groundsel and nettles they would have excelled.  Being a wimp I didnt complain but  turned to a proper nursery.  Beth Chatto cannot be faulted, the plants are a good size and very healthy.  Quick delivery and very reasonably priced.  I cannot recommend them enough.

Beware of Parkers Bulbs. .

Two years ago I ordered a couple of the herbaceous border special offers. Complete disaster.  The plants were pathetic little specimans and some plugs only contained nettles and groundsel!  Being a wimp I didn't complain, but will never order from them again.  I would sooner spend a little more and order from nurseries like Beth Chatto, brilliant plants and service I cannot fault them.

Ceanothus Zanzibar

Geranium maculatum Beth Chatto