Hi Sheila,

How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring them 
under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't 
remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you didn't 
know.

I've got 31 plantlets :~), some more advanced than others, and they're all 
outdoors at the moment as it's still fairly mild here in SE London.  I've 
got a *tiny* amount of space in my mini greenhouse and perhaps a bit of 
space in my garden room (single brick construction), but that's half 
promised to several bulbine plants!  I've got quite a lot of cramming in to 
do before the frosts come, so it would helpful to know what your plans are.

The plants still look very green and healthy.  A few had one or two limp 
yellow leaves and I've removed these, so there's nothing left to linger and 
rot.  One or two plants have even put up a secondary mini-bulb, or at least 
the strap-like leaves which suggest an offset.  It seems much too early in 
their development for this, but unless a dormant seed stuck to the main root 
mass, I can't explain it any other way.  How are yours performing?  Indeed, 
how are all the co-growers getting on?

Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which has 
put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get the 
promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all hardy so 
I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the weather 
forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.

Spider

On 2009-11-03 17:11:29 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:

> Hi Sheila,
> 
> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring them
> under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't
> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you didn't
> know.
> 
> <snip>

> Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which has
> put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get the
> promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all hardy so
> I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the weather
> forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.
> 
> Spider

Our evergreen Ags looked appallingly limp, sad and mushy after last 
winter but all have survived and a couple actually flowered.  I hope 
you'll photograph yours and mark the date on the photo when it blooms.  
That would be a terrific record of a mild autumn - assuming it's still 
mild with you.  It's much colder here now.

-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

"Sacha"  wrote in message 
news:7lb8o5F3bhossU1@mid.individual.net...
> On 2009-11-03 17:11:29 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>
>> Hi Sheila,
>>
>> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring 
>> them
>> under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't
>> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you 
>> didn't
>> know.
>>
>> <snip>
>
>> Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which 
>> has
>> put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get 
>> the
>> promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all hardy 
>> so
>> I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the 
>> weather
>> forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.
>>
>> Spider
>
> Our evergreen Ags looked appallingly limp, sad and mushy after last winter 
> but all have survived and a couple actually flowered.  I hope you'll 
> photograph yours and mark the date on the photo when it blooms.  That 
> would be a terrific record of a mild autumn - assuming it's still mild 
> with you.  It's much colder here now.
>
> -- 
> Sacha
> www.hillhousenursery.com
> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
> South Devon
>

Yes, I remember how worried you were that yours wouldn't come back.  I'm 
glad they survived and reminded you how beautiful they are.

It's a good idea to take a photograph.  I'll do that when the flowers open. 
One day I'll even get around to posting some pics.  I'm still doing the 
learning curve.

Going back to the recording of this major event in the horticultural diary 
:~), do you know if there is a good gardening- and nature-related phenology 
site?

Spider

On 2009-11-03 18:06:46 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:

> 
> "Sacha"  wrote in message
> news:7lb8o5F3bhossU1@mid.individual.net...
>> On 2009-11-03 17:11:29 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>> 
>>> Hi Sheila,
>>> 
>>> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring
>>> them
>>> under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't
>>> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you
>>> didn't
>>> know.
>>> 
>>> <snip>
>> 
>>> Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which
>>> has
>>> put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get
>>> the
>>> promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all hardy
>>> so
>>> I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the
>>> weather
>>> forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.
>>> 
>>> Spider
>> 
>> Our evergreen Ags looked appallingly limp, sad and mushy after last winter
>> but all have survived and a couple actually flowered.  I hope you'll
>> photograph yours and mark the date on the photo when it blooms.  That
>> would be a terrific record of a mild autumn - assuming it's still mild
>> with you.  It's much colder here now.
>> 
>> --
>> Sacha
>> www.hillhousenursery.com
>> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
>> South Devon
>> 
> 
> Yes, I remember how worried you were that yours wouldn't come back.  I'm
> glad they survived and reminded you how beautiful they are.
> 
> It's a good idea to take a photograph.  I'll do that when the flowers open.
> One day I'll even get around to posting some pics.  I'm still doing the
> learning curve.
> 
> Going back to the recording of this major event in the horticultural diary
> :~), do you know if there is a good gardening- and nature-related phenology
> site?
> 
> Spider

I never remember such things from one year to the next and keep 
chastising myself for not keeping a proper garden diary but does this 
help?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/evidence/phenology.shtml
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

"Sacha"  wrote in message 
news:7lbq7rF3ccd7bU1@mid.individual.net...
> On 2009-11-03 18:06:46 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>
>>
>> "Sacha"  wrote in message
>> news:7lb8o5F3bhossU1@mid.individual.net...
>>> On 2009-11-03 17:11:29 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>>>
>>>> Hi Sheila,
>>>>
>>>> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring
>>>> them
>>>> under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't
>>>> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you
>>>> didn't
>>>> know.
>>>>
>>>> <snip>
>>>
>>>> Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which
>>>> has
>>>> put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get
>>>> the
>>>> promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all 
>>>> hardy
>>>> so
>>>> I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the
>>>> weather
>>>> forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.
>>>>
>>>> Spider
>>>
>>> Our evergreen Ags looked appallingly limp, sad and mushy after last 
>>> winter
>>> but all have survived and a couple actually flowered.  I hope you'll
>>> photograph yours and mark the date on the photo when it blooms.  That
>>> would be a terrific record of a mild autumn - assuming it's still mild
>>> with you.  It's much colder here now.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Sacha
>>> www.hillhousenursery.com
>>> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
>>> South Devon
>>>
>>
>> Yes, I remember how worried you were that yours wouldn't come back.  I'm
>> glad they survived and reminded you how beautiful they are.
>>
>> It's a good idea to take a photograph.  I'll do that when the flowers 
>> open.
>> One day I'll even get around to posting some pics.  I'm still doing the
>> learning curve.
>>
>> Going back to the recording of this major event in the horticultural 
>> diary
>> :~), do you know if there is a good gardening- and nature-related 
>> phenology
>> site?
>>
>> Spider
>
> I never remember such things from one year to the next and keep chastising 
> myself for not keeping a proper garden diary but does this help?
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/evidence/phenology.shtml
> -- 
> Sacha
> www.hillhousenursery.com
> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
> South Devon
>

Yes thanks, Sacha, that looks great!  I'll have a proper browse later but, 
just now, I'm off to rescue a few tender plants before the frosts come. 
Still clear and mild-ish here today, but the nights could soon be very 
different.  Brrr ...

Spider

"Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
news:7lb7l2F3ddphsU1@mid.individual.net...
> Hi Sheila,
>
> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring 
> them under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't 
> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you didn't 
> know.

The is hardy in the ground, I didnt mulch it specially. I am going to put 
the large pots in the shed this year, as the pot shattered last year, I am 
going to put the small pots in my unheated porch, and give them just a drop 
of water now and again.

I dont have as many babies as you, as I foolishly gave a lot to friends.... 
I am going to have to try to get the seed pods from this years plant for 
some more!


I will try to remember to take a picture of them tomorrow, last years plant, 
in the pot, also the plants in the ground, and the babies

On 2009-11-04 14:17:28 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:

> 
> "Sacha"  wrote in message
> news:7lbq7rF3ccd7bU1@mid.individual.net...
>> On 2009-11-03 18:06:46 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>> 
>>> 
>>> "Sacha"  wrote in message
>>> news:7lb8o5F3bhossU1@mid.individual.net...
>>>> On 2009-11-03 17:11:29 +0000, "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> said:
>>>> 
>>>>> Hi Sheila,
>>>>> 
>>>>> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring
>>>>> them
>>>>> under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't
>>>>> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you
>>>>> didn't
>>>>> know.
>>>>> 
>>>>> <snip>
>>>> 
>>>>> Incidentally, I've got an Agapanthus africanus in my front garden which
>>>>> has
>>>>> put up a new stem and blue flower bud.  It may open tomorrow if we get
>>>>> the
>>>>> promised good weather.  This species is not considered to be at all
>>>>> hardy
>>>>> so
>>>>> I certainly didn't expect flowers in November!  I'll be watching the
>>>>> weather
>>>>> forecasts in case I need to bring it inside.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Spider
>>>> 
>>>> Our evergreen Ags looked appallingly limp, sad and mushy after last
>>>> winter
>>>> but all have survived and a couple actually flowered.  I hope you'll
>>>> photograph yours and mark the date on the photo when it blooms.  That
>>>> would be a terrific record of a mild autumn - assuming it's still mild
>>>> with you.  It's much colder here now.
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Sacha
>>>> www.hillhousenursery.com
>>>> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
>>>> South Devon
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> Yes, I remember how worried you were that yours wouldn't come back.  I'm
>>> glad they survived and reminded you how beautiful they are.
>>> 
>>> It's a good idea to take a photograph.  I'll do that when the flowers
>>> open.
>>> One day I'll even get around to posting some pics.  I'm still doing the
>>> learning curve.
>>> 
>>> Going back to the recording of this major event in the horticultural
>>> diary
>>> :~), do you know if there is a good gardening- and nature-related
>>> phenology
>>> site?
>>> 
>>> Spider
>> 
>> I never remember such things from one year to the next and keep chastising
>> myself for not keeping a proper garden diary but does this help?
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/evidence/phenology.shtml
>> --
>> Sacha
>> www.hillhousenursery.com
>> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
>> South Devon
>> 
> 
> Yes thanks, Sacha, that looks great!  I'll have a proper browse later but,
> just now, I'm off to rescue a few tender plants before the frosts come.
> Still clear and mild-ish here today, but the nights could soon be very
> different.  Brrr ...
> 
> Spider

It's very chilly here at night but not quite ready for frosts, I hope.  
Having said that, I hope I don't regret it!  Ray's pet Lonicera 
hildebrandiana is still outside atm and looking great.  It's still 
putting out long tendrils and the tree ferns are looking very green.
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

"Sheila"  wrote in message 
news:5ejIm.1751$Ym4.1011@text.news.virginmedia.com...
>
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
> news:7lb7l2F3ddphsU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Hi Sheila,
>>
>> How are you intending to over-winter your agapanthus seedlings?  Bring 
>> them under cover or just keep them in a sheltered place outside?  I can't 
>> remember if you said the parent plant was hardy or not; perhaps you 
>> didn't know.
>
> The is hardy in the ground, I didnt mulch it specially. I am going to put 
> the large pots in the shed this year, as the pot shattered last year, I am 
> going to put the small pots in my unheated porch, and give them just a 
> drop of water now and again.


Thanks for that, Sheila.  I've put mine nearer the house for now, but will 
have to make more indoor space for them.  I've still got 3 big plants 
outside which are probably tender, so they need squeezing inside somewhere, 
too.
>

> I dont have as many babies as you, as I foolishly gave a lot to 
> friends.... I am going to have to try to get the seed pods from this years 
> plant for some more!


Like many things, generosity is wonderful in moderation :~).   I hope you've 
kept enough to allow for a few losses.  Having the parent plant helps, I 
know, but you will have lost a year's progress.  I have promised a friend 
some of mine (she is an agapanthus fanatic), but she has even less space to 
over-winter them than I, plus a still-being-trained rampaging lurcher.

> I will try to remember to take a picture of them tomorrow, last years 
> plant, in the pot, also the plants in the ground, and the babies
>
:~)  That will be interesting to see.  My camera has a new battery now (it 
died on me last week) so, if it's sunny tomorrow, I'll go out and snap a few 
things.

Spider

"Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
> :~)  That will be interesting to see.  My camera has a new battery now (it 
> died on me last week) so, if it's sunny tomorrow, I'll go out and snap a 
> few things.
>
> Spider
>

I had a look at my plants today, and glad I did so, the roots are coming out 
of the bottom! I don't know what to do about it to be honest, any advice 
would help!

If you check out my photobucket site, the pictures are the ones dated 5th of 
November. They are all very healthy looking, and I hope I don't lose any 
over winter!

http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd322/sheilaformby/

"Sheila"  wrote in message 
news:TDCIm.2049$Ym4.560@text.news.virginmedia.com...
>
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
> news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
>> :~)  That will be interesting to see.  My camera has a new battery now 
>> (it died on me last week) so, if it's sunny tomorrow, I'll go out and 
>> snap a few things.
>>
>> Spider
>>
>
> I had a look at my plants today, and glad I did so, the roots are coming 
> out of the bottom! I don't know what to do about it to be honest, any 
> advice would help!
>
> If you check out my photobucket site, the pictures are the ones dated 5th 
> of November. They are all very healthy looking, and I hope I don't lose 
> any over winter!
>
> http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd322/sheilaformby/
>

Mmm... yours are bigger than mine! (sulks)  :~).   I haven't even thought to 
turn mine upside down, so I'll check tomorrow.  Part of me hopes there'll be 
roots everywhere so I know they're growing well; the other part hopes 
they'll be comfy till spring .. I don't much fancy potting on 31 plants just 
now :~(.   I'll come back tomorrow and let you know.

Spider

On 2009-11-05 15:59:47 +0000, "Sheila"  said:

> 
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
>> :~)  That will be interesting to see.  My camera has a new battery now (it
>> died on me last week) so, if it's sunny tomorrow, I'll go out and snap a
>> few things.
>> 
>> Spider
>> 
> 
> I had a look at my plants today, and glad I did so, the roots are coming out
> of the bottom! I don't know what to do about it to be honest, any advice
> would help!
> 
> If you check out my photobucket site, the pictures are the ones dated 5th of
> November. They are all very healthy looking, and I hope I don't lose any
> over winter!
> 
> http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd322/sheilaformby/

They're thriving beauties!  Pot them on into larger pots and be sparing 
with the watering. Try grouping them together with some breathing space 
between them.  Stick some canes in the pots and cover the whole loosely 
with horticultural fleece, if you're worried about them.

-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

"Sacha"  wrote in message 
news:7lgj9uF3di9kmU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> They're thriving beauties!  Pot them on into larger pots and be sparing 
> with the watering. Try grouping them together with some breathing space 
> between them.  Stick some canes in the pots and cover the whole loosely 
> with horticultural fleece, if you're worried about them.


I am pleased with them!  Thanks for the advice, I will take it!

"Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
> Like many things, generosity is wonderful in moderation :~).

Now  I have to re-pot my remaining ones, I am glad I was generous.....!!! 
An excuse for another mini-greenhouse?

On 2009-11-06 07:57:02 +0000, "Sheila"  said:

> 
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Like many things, generosity is wonderful in moderation :~).
> 
> Now  I have to re-pot my remaining ones, I am glad I was generous.....!!!
> An excuse for another mini-greenhouse?

Forget the mini bit and go for it.  ;-)
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

"Sacha"  wrote in message 
news:7lievaF3ecqhsU2@mid.individual.net...
> On 2009-11-06 07:57:02 +0000, "Sheila"  said:
>
>>
>> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
>>> Like many things, generosity is wonderful in moderation :~).
>>
>> Now  I have to re-pot my remaining ones, I am glad I was generous.....!!!
>> An excuse for another mini-greenhouse?
>
> Forget the mini bit and go for it.  ;-)
> -- 
> Sacha
> www.hillhousenursery.com
> Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
> South Devon
>

I have tried and tried, but the only place apart from the middle of the lawn 
is under too much of the giant oak, or in full sun which I don't really 
want. I think he thought he'd lose me forever if I got a greenhouse!

"Sheila"  wrote in message 
news:iFQIm.2190$Ym4.660@text.news.virginmedia.com...
>
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
> news:7le2ehF3d9vtjU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Like many things, generosity is wonderful in moderation :~).
>
> Now  I have to re-pot my remaining ones, I am glad I was generous.....!!! 
> An excuse for another mini-greenhouse?
>
So am I! :~)
Sheila, I'm so sorry I didn't comment on your repotting question last time I 
replied:~(   I don't know what I was thinking of.  Thank goodness Sacha 
leapt in to the breach.  Given how much root was extending from the bottom 
of your pots, I would certainly have advised you to pot them on.  It looked 
like the roots were about the walk round the garden looking for a new home 
(can you tell I'm jealous? :~)) on their own.  I have looked at all my 
plants today and several of them are just starting to show roots at the 
bottom.  Not enough, though, that I feel the need to pot them on.  I shall 
give them all some protection over winter, then look at potting them on when 
day-length increases, probably after the clocks change again at the end of 
March.

As to another mini-greenhouse ... I don't know ... there are times I wish I 
had a 'proper' greenhouse, but the mini was expensive enough.  On top of 
that, I desperately need a shed for all the hundreds of things lurking 
around the garden which need a tidy home.  One day ...

Spider

"Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
news:7lj0gqF31sr8iU1@mid.individual.net...

> As to another mini-greenhouse ... I don't know ... there are times I wish 
> I had a 'proper' greenhouse, but the mini was expensive enough.
>
 Of course, if you didn't encourage the cats to sleep in your 
mini-greenhouse there would be more room in it for the plants :(

"RG"  wrote in message 
news:7ljdq3F3e8d72U1@mid.individual.net...
> "Spider" <Spider@nospam.invalid> wrote in message 
> news:7lj0gqF31sr8iU1@mid.individual.net...
>
>> As to another mini-greenhouse ... I don't know ... there are times I wish 
>> I had a 'proper' greenhouse, but the mini was expensive enough.
>>
> Of course, if you didn't encourage the cats to sleep in your 
> mini-greenhouse there would be more room in it for the plants :(
>

Felis domesticus is a growing cat and she needs shelter from the frosts ... 
especially since she keeps Mr. Squirrel off my bulbs :~).

[Pardon us, Posters all, while we have a quick 'domestic'! :~)]

Spider

"Sacha"  wrote in message 
news:7lgj9uF3di9kmU1@mid.individual.net...
> They're thriving beauties!  Pot them on into larger pots and be sparing 
> with the watering. Try grouping them together with some breathing space 
> between them.  Stick some canes in the pots and cover the whole loosely 
> with horticultural fleece, if you're worried about them.

Do you think pinning the fleece to the side of the shed, making a lean to 
effect with fleece would be ok? weighing it down with bricks?

On 2009-11-08 12:08:15 +0000, "Sheila"  said:

> 
> "Sacha"  wrote in message
> news:7lgj9uF3di9kmU1@mid.individual.net...
>> They're thriving beauties!  Pot them on into larger pots and be sparing
>> with the watering. Try grouping them together with some breathing space
>> between them.  Stick some canes in the pots and cover the whole loosely
>> with horticultural fleece, if you're worried about them.
> 
> Do you think pinning the fleece to the side of the shed, making a lean to
> effect with fleece would be ok? weighing it down with bricks?

The main thing is to make sure that frost can't penetrate.  If you can 
achieve that, they should be okay.  Otherwise, put them on an old table 
in a spare room that's kept above freezing (!) and place them near a 
window so they get as much light as possible.  But don't draw the 
curtain and keep them shut window side where the glass gets cold on the 
'wrong' side of the curtain.
If Ray's worried about something particularly tender in the garden, he 
either throws some fleece over it or even an old compost bag, turned 
inside out but he does take it off again next day!  Here, we rarely get 
long-lasting frosts but we do sometimes get a few nights on the trot 
when he has to do the plastic bag thing.   We have a small Rhododendron 
Lady Alice Fitzwilliam which has some shelter from trees but he covered 
that a few times last year.
Our evergreens turned to mush last year but came back again this year, 
much to our surprise.  They flowered poorly, though.  I think they'd 
probably been in that position about 2 years but they weren't seedlings 
when we were given them.
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon