Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Greenhouse Breather

Wednesday, March 28, 2012   Mark and Gaz   14 comments

Last weekend I decided to start bringing some of the plants from one of our greenhouses out into the open to start acclimatising them to outdoor conditions again. They have been crammed in there all winter, and now that its spring and and most of them are starting to show signs of new growth they could do with being repositioned or at least given more space.



The weather outside is warm enough that some of them should be fine to come out of the greenhouse. And that's exactly what I did, taking out some of the plants into the open and effectively also decongesting the greenhouse.


Winter weary Begonia luxurians. They had to come out so I could remove a few plants placed behind them.
Afterwards they went back in and will stay there for a few more weeks.
Some of these plants would have been fine outside anyway, and were meant to be planted this year but whilst they are in pots and we still had the space we thought that they might as well overwinter under glass to minimise blemishes come spring so they look nice already the moment they get planted out.


So impressed by this plant, Zantedeschia 'White Giant'. Looking forward to planting this one out soon!
Despite the warm spell, it's still early spring and the weather can be unpredictable so I can't take the majority out, they will have to stay there for a few more weeks. But by reducing the numbers slightly they get more space and room to lush out once they start their spring flushes. Plus it makes it much easier for me to tidy them up and do some watering!


That's better, a bit more space!
Anyone who loves plants wants a greenhouse, the bigger the better! Heck, if we had the space and resource then we'd want a glasshouse even! But for now an extra greenhouse would do, at least it will be a bit bigger than our existing ones which would mean more plants that can be accommodated.


Schefflera digitata with juvenile leaves
But before that we need to sort out the clay pile (see second photo) where that future greenhouse will go. Nothing is ever that straightforward eh!


Mark :-)

Posted in: exotic garden , Greenhouse , Spring

14 comments :

  1. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)28 March 2012 at 22:56

    I wish I had ANY kind of greenhouse. But as you said, if I did, I'd have even more plants :-).

    How old is your Begonia luxurians? Mine is only about 2 ft tall and I don't quite know what to expect in terms of annual growth.

    Gerhard
    :: Bamboo and More ::

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  2. Roslyn29 March 2012 at 00:19

    I know we're spoilt here but I don't know how I'd go if I had to put plants away each winter. I suppose we miss the thrill of Spring and rediscovering plants because the seasons all just merge.

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  3. Mark and Gaz29 March 2012 at 09:17

    Hi Gerhard, I'm sure you'll manage to squeeze one in your garden soon :) The growth rate of Begonia luxurians is quick given water and heat and would do great in your garden. Could potentially reach 5-6' in your garden in just one season :)

    Hi Missy, you get used to the routine of putting plants away for winter, just part and parcel of gardening here. I do appreciate the changes that happen each season but wouldn't having mild winters though. Mind you last winter here was mild which was great! Hope that sort of winter continues here :)

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  4. Sunray Gardens29 March 2012 at 10:27

    It's time here to get everything together also. I love that White Giant. Will be loveCher Sunray Gardens
    ly planted out.

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  5. Andy29 March 2012 at 13:00

    Careful now, its still March...

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  6. HolleyGarden29 March 2012 at 22:30

    I don't have a greenhouse, so I'm quite envious! Those schefflera leaves are so cute. And that White Giant is really pretty!

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  7. Helen/patientgardener29 March 2012 at 23:13

    So is the new greenhouse to replace the existing ones or in addition to - or is that a silly question!

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  8. David Marsden30 March 2012 at 06:30

    I don't have a greenhouse at my new house and really miss it - though I just keep all my tender stuff at the Priory one! Bet you can't wait! Dave

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  9. KL30 March 2012 at 11:49

    That White Giant plant is beautiful. Will it survive the snow and winter of the UK? Ah! if I were in the UK, I think I was going to start a business - renting greenhouse :-). They will be in demand there, not here in the US :-(.

    I thought the weather was good and summer has come. Took out all plants from inside to outside. One evening I was very sick and that day only temperature dropped below 30 and so many of my plants died :-(. I hope you guys will be careful.

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  10. Mark and Gaz30 March 2012 at 15:08

    Thanks Cher! The White Giant will do even better planted out :)

    Hi Andy, I only took out four plants, they should be fine outside now even with light frosts.

    Glad you like them Holley!

    Hi Helen, the new greenhouse will be an addition :) Can't help acquiring more plants!

    Indeed David! Mind you it's probably best to herd everything under one site which is at the Priory, it will be easy enough to keep an eye on them in between gardening jobs.

    Hi KL, the White Giant is a lovely plant :) It seems to be a bit tougher than the plain green one and on most winters should sail through fine and sprout back in the spring. March and April are tricky months, can be changeable so still keeping an eye.

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  11. Alistair31 March 2012 at 14:35

    I have also been doing a greenhouse clear out Mark,temp has dropped to 9c today, brr. A six foot tall Begonia, that's a little different.

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  12. organicgardendreams31 March 2012 at 21:28

    Mark, looks like you were overwintering quite some treasures in your greenhouse :-)! You go through so much work to have all these tropical plants, I am thoroughly impressed. Moving plants in and out of a greenhouse twice a year would certainly be not my favorite pastime, but you guys seem to be enjoying it. Looking forward to see how all your tropical gems fare once they are returned back to their designated spots in you garden!
    Christina

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  13. Mark and Gaz2 April 2012 at 09:32

    Hi Alistair, temps are going down this week but still reasonably warm during the day for the time of the year. Will have to keep an eye on the few I took out although they should be fine :)

    Thanks Christina! Around mid May it should be fine to bring most of our half hardy exotics out :)

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    ReplyDelete

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