h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hiya Nigel, fellow Brummie & garden man!

Could you give me some advice please? I am in S.W Ireland, which is damp & temperate climate much of the time. I planted lly bulbs (corms?) way back, they have come up, but the buds don't seem to be opening, i've noticed there are brown spots on leaves & buds, otherwise they seem healthy.

It's an organic farm, we don't use pesticides, any idea what's going on & how we migght fix it organically?



zdt

PS: What part of Brum? I'm originally from Moseley/Kings Heath area.

Hello Terri ,

for not writing sooner. I will have a think about your lily's and let you know what springs to mind.

I live just down the road from Websailor, I visit most days.

Take care. Will come back to you on the lily front .

Nigel

Hello Terri ,

I have had a think regarding your lily problems.

I am sure it is because of weather damage. I remember growing some lilies about a year ago and when the buds appeared we had some cold windy weather. This, with the combination of damp rainy days can cause the buds to die inside, resulting in the brown spots.

Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do. You probably will not get a display of flowers this year, but by storing them and replanting next season you should get a good show (weather permitting again ).

Many top lily experts cover their buds with special bags when they hear the weather is going to turn. I wouldn't recommend you go running out each time though, not unless you are going to exhibit them .

I hope that this helps.

Nigel

Thanks, Nigel!

I *did* suspect that the rainy Oirish weather might be the reason, but never having grown them before, was a bit worried it might be some kind of virus that might affect other plants.

In fact, today i noticed they seem to be slightly wider open, but as you say, this late in the year, i reckon are unlikely to bloom.

The petunias i planted outside haven't flowered either, though the ones under the shelter of a glass porch roof have, same with marigolds.

We had a bumper crop of blackcurrants though, few raspberries & gooseberries, not too many apples seem to be around either; ah well, each year is different eh!

Apart from ferns, moss & grass (!!!) what would you reccomend for damp Oirish climate?

zdt

PS: I bought two strawberry plants, which are producing runners madly, 20 at the last count, despite having their roots in water in soggy pots outside!

zdt