Re: Summer-Sun - And a Sunshine-Climate Plant Which Doesn't Like Sun
- To: t*@eddy.u-net.com
- Subject: Re: Summer-Sun - And a Sunshine-Climate Plant Which Doesn't Like Sun
- From: P* E* L* <p*@cwcom.net>
- Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 17:36:39 +0100
- References: <3792df3f.19063093@mail.u-net.com>
Tim
We are not so far apart, but the opposite side of the UK. Not everyone
realises the variety of climates and subclimates tha occur. We have
mediterranean rainfall here - 52 cm./ 20 in. average per annum over the
last 50 years, with a number of years less than 40.
We have learned to "create" microclimates in our patch, so that we can
grow almost anything, with suitable winter precautions. Our main problem
in practice is the dry atmosphere in summer - no blue poppies! In practice
most of the foxgloves seem to prefer shade or partial shade, and even a
slightly acid substrate. On our heavy clay we have tried to create a small
woodland - mostly fruit trees, apples, plums, cherries - so it is not deep
shade; all of the foxgloves love it. In addition the trees seem to give
protection in Winter against frost, and, above all, the wicked easterly
winds. We use lots of mulch, but avoid anything limey if possible. I have
documentation of Musschia wollastonii, from Madeira, which was at first
mistaken for an Isoplexis in the deepish shade of the woodland where they
both occur. Interestingly the other Musschia - M. aurea grows on sunny
cliffs, and needs quite different treatment. Unfortunately we discovered
this too late, and have lost the M. wollastonii.
The punch line of all this is: - Anyone know a source of it, probably seed
if it is not available in EU area?
Finally, and please excuse this natter, but Moira was in Cambridge. No
further comment.
Peter Lewis, Hot and sunny Cambs.
Tim Longville wrote: Surely you remember the Brit. climate better than
that?!
