pushing envelopes
James Waddick (Sat, 26 Jun 2004 11:57:59 PDT)
The main problem in these parts is that so few gardeners or
nurserymen know what the envelope is. ... Additionally, the "it
won't grow here" mentality is all too often found among members of
the horticultural profession. ... -- the list of
edge-of-the-envelope plants that should be grown here but are
virtually absent from nurseries and gardens goes on and on.
Dear Russell;
Good points and reason for returning the compliment to Tony
Avent who constantly "pushes the envelope". Panayoti Kelaidis too.
I blame part of this 'heritage of ignorance' to American
gardeners and nurserymen relying on English garden literature. The
very different English climate produces literature claiming a plant
is not hardy there(even though temps are milder). The same plant is
hardy here with harsher temps, but has the summer heat lacking in
England. This heat is needed to ripen bulbs, buds and wood. The
result is that some plants hardy here are constantly written as being
tender because of the English experience.
A good reason to support American garden writers more.
Of course I often feel the same way about east and west coast
garden writers who claim hardiness for plants much to tender for the
interior US. Inother words I wish garden writers would get more
experience about given plants or only claim 'authority' for growing a
plant in their own garden.
Meanwhile keep trying and look for micro-climates.
Best Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
E-fax 419-781-8594
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +