----- Original Message -----
From:
d*@attglobal.net
To: m*@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 6:56
AM
Subject: Hardy 'pretty' flowers/Kangaroo
Paw?
Hi
My indigenous garden is 4 years old and thriving. However, I am
being badgered by the government (my wife) to introduce 'pretty'
flowers, and some colour (other than blue and grey) into the
garden.
Can anyone recommend long-flowering or colourfully
foliaged plants for a garden that is subject to salt-laden,
high-speed winds (although there are barrier plants in place) and a
Mediterranean type climate. In this case the 'soil' is hydrophobic sand
that proteas and restoids, for instance, thrive in. The
plants will be mulched and watered as water restrictions permit.
The plant would thus have to cope with acidic sand, be salt and
wind tolerant and be able to endure long, hot dry spells with
intermittent watering. Also, it needs to withstand some root
disturbance as I co-exist with some 'creeping' moles (at the cost of
the odd protea).
Would the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos flavidus) be suitable and can
one grow it from seed as I have not come across it in local (Western
Cape) nurseries?
Your advice would be appreciated
Regards
Charl
PS Reading the above, it seems that I might have to engage in some
genetic engineering
How about wallflowers or
Candytuff? Like Iberis sp., or Eyrisimums. Iberis gibraltarica is said
to grow on the rock of Gibraltar, and it has naturalized in my
garden. We have native Eyrisimums here in coastal California that are
quite easy in cultivation. European Eyrisimums do very well here as
well. Eyrisimum 'Bowles Mauve' is popular here.
Tim Kalman in El Cerrito,
California.
