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

I know it's been a strange year in terms of gardening. A dry winter followed by a dry summer has confused alot of plants. So much so, that i have a daffodil in bud! That is just the strangest thing.

*the totally facetious question ...*

Are you sure it's a daffodil?

It may be some warped, space-rayed hybrid thingie. You know, a Canuck thing.

It has been strange - a large chunk of our garden has disappeared and been replaced by a big sheet of plastic and a small puddle!

Everything looks 'normal' here

Growths, spasms and early fadings of everything seem to be becoming the norm. But hey, it DOES mean less grass cutting. For me anyway.

Yep, it's definately a daffodil

Hey Rich
I here puddles are the 'in thing' what with water shortages an all

I remember last year I had some flowering in December. Also, this years forget-me-nots which were pulled up when they started looking bad, have seeded, and next year's ones are flowering now.

Hey KB.
I'm not sure i like plants flowering when the should'nt, as it most likely means then on't flower again next year

It's interesting though - to see what way it all evens out over time.

Yes, thats true. I wonder how long it will take a plant that only flowers once a year, to adjust back to normal flowering.

Hi there Venus .

How are you doing?

I would have to ask as to what the definition of 'normal flowering' is? Where is the bench-mark?
Reading Gilbert White seems to indicate there is no defining timeline to base the study on, although his recordings do give a start position from that period, and so give a moveable bassline.

The Camellias in Kew gardens are in perpetual flower now, and many plants are flowering earlier, and lasting longer. Thios is why there has been a dearth of aphids, which will affect the Ladybirds and Lacewings next year, so in 2008 expect a plague of aphids as there will be few predators.

BTW, I am considering the start of the Northerly migration. Anyone want to tag along?

Hi Neal.
I replied to our other thread, but you may not have seen it. I'm doing ok thanks

I guess there is no bass line as such, however, i don't think its normal for daffodils to flower in September I've never heard or seen it happen in my neck of the woods. Some shrubs often have a second flush of flowers in particularly mild years. Sometimes though, its because they are struggling to survive and flower before dying It could certainly affect the balance if things continue to flower this way. Early bees might find there is no food for them and a sudden harsh winter, could affect plants that have used their energy to produce flowers out of season.

I think i'll pass on the migration, its too cold up north.

When is a daffodil not a daffodil?
When it opens up to reveal a yellow Auntunm crocus I forgot i had those

*glances up at post #2*

I suppose that explains that one then!

Yeah i know, i got it wrong. Still, at least everything is how it should be in the garden And the bright yellow crocus is very pretty

Sadly, it appears that you've associated with me for far too long, Lady Goddess. And are aquiring some of my great skills with plants.

Nearly the same Genus.

Long stems, Trumpet-shaped flowers in various colours, green leaves, bright saffron-yellow stamens.

I can see the reason for the confusion though

Hey! I don't think i'll ever ba that bad Nick

Neal.
I should have remembered i planted them, but i plant so much stuff its always a surprise when something suddenly appears

If I had planted them, they'd be appearing in the Falkland Islands by now, if anywhere.

Don't forget, I can kill spider plants.