Trading weeds

James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com
Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:32:29 PST
Dear PBSers,

	I expect abuse about this topic. 

	I had avoided growing ANY Oxalis, because of my local weeds and especially the greenhouse pot weed with pink flowers 9 A sorrel) that comes up every where, forms bulbs deep in the pot and are a devil to pull up. Seems to pop up everywhere.

	A few years ago I broke down and a few kind PBS ers and others sent me a few large flowered species and cvs to try. I had maybe a dozen total in a range of leaf and flower forms and colors. I gave them good conditions and space in my limited greenhouse for a couple of years. Eventually I decided there just wasn't enough 'bang' for the space and I gave the lot away to other friends and back to a PBS BX. A couple where quite cute, but in my cold climate they are strictly greenhouse subjects and not worth it to me.

	Since I tend to reuse some potting soil, after sifting and cleaning I wasn't quite prepared to find a whole variety of Oxalis popping up in way too many pots. O. luteola, O 'Garnet' and others. I still have my weedy pink oxalis /sorrel, but now I have three or four (5 or 6) equally weedy oxalis. 

	The good thing is that these are easier to pull out and compost and they should not be hardy here. 

	I am some what dismayed to have this turn of events and any good thoughts I had about these as potential greenhouse charmers is fading fast. 

	I am sure they are more refined and controllable in milder climates especially where they do not demand winter care like mine do, but I just would never recommend them to a mid western garden greenhouse.  I'll admire pix from afar. 

			Best   Jim W. 		(cleaning up greenhouse pots in preparation for spring planting of seeds and such)
	



More information about the pbs mailing list