Plants in the News

[Robert_Parks]

I frequently pull off the growing centre of numerous plants, but have not checked if the fleshy roots reqrow. Am I fooling myself by not digging it up? As it grows in cracks and crevices it would be quite a job to remove all the roots.

Of course, it totally depends on the plant. Dandelions are the worst, being near geophytes, sprouting from anywhere on the taproot. My local native bulbs have adapted to incidental browsing by having a weak connection at the top of the bulb (bulb reserves are much larger than the needs of a year's growth).

Persistence can help, keep at it so the plant never gets to photosynthesize. In some situations, targeted use of chemicals (natural or otherwise) may be a better solution than digging up a rocky area.

[OrchardB]

I was specifically referring to previous posting on Shiny Cranesbill, which does not have a taproot. Apologies.

[Judy Glattstein]

A delightful, fun to use - and I think qualifies as organic or at least non-chemical method of weed destruction especially useful in killing weeds in pavement, gravel, etc - is the Flaming Dragon torch. It is an igniter wand that fits on a small workshop propane gas tank.

[Robin Hansen]

I have a Dragon but have not quite managed to develop the necessary techniques and in summer here it gets too dry to use in some areas.

However, one remedy for horsetail I do use (anti-chemical users - go hide) a brush killer undiluted in a small squeeze container, nitrile gloves on. I squirt a drop or two into the stem when I cut off the horsetail at ground level which I do immediately after cutting. So far, it's working well, but is incredibly time consuming so I only do it when I'm fed up with the things. Am trying this on cherry tree shoots this year but have doubts about effectiveness. We'll see.

But yes, thanks for the Dragon reminder which I can use in the driveway and the rock garden, very carefully.

[Robert_Parks]

However, one remedy for horsetail I do use (anti-chemical users - go hide) a brush killer undiluted in a small squeeze container, nitrile gloves on. I squirt a drop or two into the stem when I cut off the horsetail at ground level which I do immediately after cutting. So far, it's working well, but is incredibly time consuming so I only do it when I'm fed up with the things. Am trying this on cherry tree shoots this year but have doubts about effectiveness. We'll see.

This method of treatment for fresh cut hardwood works variously well. Rosaceae seems to be in the middle of the range of effectiveness...probably won't damage the root the sprout is coming off of. Heaths can be very sensitive. Poison oak/ivy is mildly sensitive. Oaks tend not to be very sensitive. Rhamnaceae...if you treat the new cut main stems it will usually kill the entire plant. Note that this is by practical application maintaining hiking trails, not garden practice.

[David Pilling]

Do Trees Really Support Each Other through a Network of Fungi?

Trees communicate and cooperate through a fungal web, according to a widespread idea. But not everyone is convinced

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-trees-support-each-other-through-a-network-of-fungi/

[Judy Glattstein]

For multiflora roses, Robert, here's a suitable, targeted method.

Get a number of those florist's tubes that look like a plastic test tube with a perforated rubber cap. Carefully add herbicide to tube and recap. Cut off a portion of the current season's growth, shove remaining flexible stem through cap into tube while making sure that the cut end is into the herbicide. Best to use a flexible branch and try to angle it so tube points down to ground rather than up in air. Herbicide will be absorbed into plant and down to roots.

Of course A) you need several (dare I say "multiple"?) units per shrub and B) you then have a dead shrub to dig and dispose of. Not so useful for thin stems such as Japanese honeysuck.

[Robin Hansen]

I did kill a rose that simply grew faster every time I tried to cut it back out of the way. What kind it was I have no idea but I cut it off at about three inches and painted every cut surface with undiluted Lily Miller Brush Killer. I so far have not had to repeat. It was not in the best location, afternoon shade and no water much of the year but it refused to quit blooming and was no deterrent to my dog who persists in barking at the pit bull he cannot see on the other side of the fence.

Next step, a row of Mahonia along that fence. I need to increase their fertilizer though or it may take longer than I'm on earth! Too bad cactus wouldn't grow there.

[David Pilling]

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, taking place from 23-27 May 2023.


"The Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2023 winner is Agapanthus Black Jack ('Dwaghyb02'), a deep purple perennial perfect for a bold planting scheme within borders or in a container – its compact size makes it a great choice for smaller gardens."


https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/chelsea-flower-show-rhs/

[David Pilling]

Alan Titchmarsh: The Chelsea Flower Show needs to stop pandering to trends and remember that it's a celebration of gardening

"To allow one garden predicated on no intervention from Man to be considered Best in Show is risky, but should it happen then the RHS could legitimately be accused of shooting itself in the foot. Why are we so frightened of promoting gardening?"

https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens/gardening-tips/alan-titchmarsh-the-chelsea-flower-show-needs-to-stop-pandering-to-trends-and-remember-that-its-a-celebration-of-gardening-255918

[David Pilling]

Kew Gardens: Endangered orchid species flowers in UK first


"A species of endangered orchid has flowered in the UK for the first time.

Dendrophylax lindenii, known as the Florida Ghost Orchid in the US and Cuba, has blossomed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, in Kew, south-west London.

It was flown into the UK from Chicago two weeks ago, with the bud displayed at Chelsea Flower Show.

Prof Mike Fay, senior research leader at RBG Kew, called the UK flowering a "positive conservation story".

While awaiting Thursday's bloom, he said: "This is a wonderful example of a successful collaborative conservation project, with several universities and botanic gardens in the USA working together for the greater good, highlighting the importance of orchid conservation around the world."

There are only about 1,500 ghost orchid plants left in south Florida and 500 in Cuba, Professor Fay said."


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-65767550

[David Pilling]

I have had a private communication about the ghost orchid

"
There is a wonderful quick read involving this orchid:  https://www.susanorlean.com/author/books/the-orchid-thief/

In early 1969, as an undergrad at the University of Miami, I went on a field trip to the Fakahatchee Strand in the western Everglades that was led by the well known tropical orchidologist Dr. Calaway Dodson. Ostensibly there to do water testing, several ghost orchids were found but we were chased away by gunshots from members of the local native tribe. The area is now part of: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park/history  Professor Dodson went on to become the first director of: https://selby.org/
"

[David Pilling]

Rare plants flowering for only time in Devon after 10 years

Three plants which have taken more than 10 years to flower are currently in bloom at a garden in Devon.

The furcraea longaeva are more than 5m (16ft) high and will only flower for a couple of weeks before the plant dies.

They were planted 10 years ago by gardener Sam Elliott at the National Trust's Overbeck's Garden, near Salcombe.

"It will leave tiny 'bulbils' that we will use to propagate future plants. They can take another 10 years to flower, but possibly up to 25 years in some cases."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-65929412

[David Pilling]

Venomous gympie-gympie plant locked up at Alnwick Garden

"One of the world's most venomous plants which causes pain like being "electrocuted and set on fire at the same time" has come to Northumberland.

The Dendrocnide moroides, known as gympie-gympie, has been introduced to Alnwick Garden's Poison Garden, where it will stay under lock and key.

The plant, housed in a glass case, has its own minder because even a slight brush with it can cause extreme pain."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66101616

[Diane Whitehead]

Are you going to visit it?