Monday 30 November 2015

Dwarf Zonal Pelargonium "Mary Spink" and "The Potted Guide to Pelargoniums"

Mary Spink - Dwarf Gold leaf zonal pelargonium
This dwarf double zonal pelargonium with light gold foliage and beautiful ball shaped salmon coloured flowers, is named for Mary Spink.    Raised by Roberts c.1977


Mary is a well known nursery woman (now retired) and author of “The Potted Guide to Pelargoniums”.  This is a really informative booklet and well worth getting hold of if you can.  There is a wealth of information inside on growing all varieties of the pelargonium family, from Miniatures to Species.  There are sections on taking cuttings, hygiene, pests and disease and caring for your plants over winter. There is also an excellent chapter on how to grow a standard pelargonium.  My own book is now very well used and I never tire of reading it.  Mary also drew all the illustrations in her book– a talented lady indeed!

Sunday 8 November 2015

Regal Pelargonium "Georgia Peach"

"Georgia Peach" - Regal Pelargonium

 “Georgia Peach”.     Surely there is no one who cannot love the delicate colour of this Regal Pelargonium?    Introduced in the USA by Wm Schmidt in 1969.  There are seven pale peach petals, and is said to look particularly good under electric light for cut flower work.  Dark green leaves.


Here in the UK the weather has been damp and blustery, but still mild, so no need for heaters yet.   I open the greenhouse doors daily, but now we have moved the hour back, it gets darker earlier so the doors are closed mid-afternoon usually.  We had one very wet day with heavy rain and high winds, so the doors remained firmly shut for that day.