Sarah65's Outbox

I am sorry I don't know what variety they are, I think I got a mixed bag from a catalogue several years ago and the details are long lost.

Sadly, the Sappho in this picture got a fungus last summer and is no more. Very sad as it was huge and gorgeous in bloom. Our spring is delayed this year but the rhododendrons have started slowly. The second earliest is in bloom right now.

It was lovely last year, I hope this year it does as well but I have my doubts. We got unually cold and snowy weather this winter. I think I will see the complete toll as things begin to bloom.

It is just starting to leaf out so it survived our unusually heavy winter.

The berries are quite yummy, if a bit seedy. These plants are called nature's toilet paper, the leaves are fuzzy and soft.

I don't think so, at least I have never detected a scent.

But, unfortunately fairly invasive here in the Pacific Northwest. Someone planted them in our community garden and now we all are battling to stop them crowding out our vegetables.

I expect so but I am not sure I have noticed when I visit my sister later in the year.

Hi Jacque, sorry to hear about your aches and pains. I have just recovered from the hand surgery I had in July. (Today, I got my graduation papers from the therapist!) I plan on getting back into the garden today. I recommend avoiding the surgeon's knife if at all possible. Take care of yourself :-)

I just planted my last fall and so far not a sign of being tempermental. They seem to grow well here in the PNW.

Have a look at ligularia desdemona, it looks quite a bit like it.

Yikes, Spritz don't even think about Mt. Rainier erupting, it's way too close to us! As to the flowers, I think it is Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax). I have a wonderful book called Wildflowers of the PNW by Mark Turner. The index isn't great but the pictures and write ups are fabulous. Sarah

I guess I need to check for typos before I hit submit.

There is an article on milkweeks in the Aug/Sep 2008 edition of Horticulture magazine (hortmag.com) and one called asclepias latifolia has leaves just like what is pictured there. The picture in the magazine didn't show it in flower. It is a good article, well worth reading and the author is clearly a fan of milkweeds.

I got a new bug book last week and thankfully you are in North America so I can look up your gorgeous fellow. I think it is a ichneumon wasp. It is a female and the book says they search out trees or logs of hardwoods.

It kind of looks like its from the milkweed family (Asclepias).

Absolutely gorgeous!

Yum, I didn't plant any this year as I am the only one in my house who likes them. I hope you enjoy eating them!

Beautiful combination.

That is a great looking plant, does it clump are do you have to worry about spreading?

It is a japanese anemone, they are great and spread easily.

I get these fellows in my garden. I love them. They have a very distinctive call.

F5 worked a dream, thanks Peter.

The seed package says 4 feet, this is about 18 inches. My soil there isn't very good plus our weather has been very unusual (cool late spring and very dry summer until a couple days ago) so I am guessing it is not living up to its potential.

Good point Spritz apparently multitasking doesn't always pay off!

I know the feeling, it isn't my back but I have a hand in a splint (thumb actually) that is hold me back.

You are most welcome! I am glad I could help. I have way too many unknowns in my garden from the prior owners and when I just bought what I liked and didn't keep track. Now I am frustrated by those gaps too.

Thanks Sid

I noticed one of my favourite nurseries has added a couple of new lavenders which look hopeful despite the corny names: Ooh la lavender burgandy and Ooh la lavender pink. Check out this link for pictures: http://www.bigdipperfarm.com/cgi-bin/searchstuff.pl?Botanical=Lavandula This is a really good website for plant idenitification as the photos are great and the homepage lists everything by its botanical name.

I would love one but you won't be able send it to me, the wrong side of the pond I am afraid. Will try to track down one over here. Thanks anyway, it is gorgeous!