From the Chair 8/4/2024

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Do you know Ruellia humilis, the wild and hardy petunia? It grew in my Watertown garden many years ago. Sweet and bountiful bloom for a good month plus, wow. And now that I have found seed again (from the seed exchange), it grows here in Goshen. I let it sow wherever suits it. Yes I will edit those who sow themselves into the paths, and then pot them for the chapter sales table. And yes flowering now in August when all else is going by or gone! Look for it on the sale table.

Well, that is to say most flowers are gone by. But I also noticed Daphne domini has a heavy rebloom. Turns out it is makes a good small hedge for sharply drained areas. It can take a rocky sunny exposure too. It hails from the Pirin Mts of Bulgaria. I personally can verify it’s hardy down to -32° F. The flowers are cleistogamous (non opening, self pollinating). I suppose that only matters to the bees, who don’t seem to mind anyway as the plant provides shelter from the rain. There are lots of other things for them to pollinate. The flowers on D. domini look like little stars to me. And there are always a few seedlings in the spring.

Our next meeting at the BBG on August 24th will feature Mark Akimoff , from Illahe Rare Plants, as speaker for two programs, am and pm. Note he will be bringing bulbs to sell! His nursery is located in Salem, Oregon. Very concerned about our changing climate conditions, he uses harvested rainwater, solar energy and biodynamic production principles. Check out his nursery, which ships. As our nursery resources for alpine plants diminishes I encourage everyone to support these small independent growers who will still ship mail order.

And after that we will have our BIG Plant Sale. I have been potting up all kinds of cuties for the sale. How about you? Try to bring a good selection to share. Bring your wallets! Remember, members who bring alpine plants get first choice. See you then.

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