I noted the first of the forsythia cuttings has grown roots. As before, the roots are emerging from new growth rather than from the original stem.
I cut the bottoms of the other cuttings, so that the lowest new growth will be under water. Unfortunately, this one isn't as vigorous as the other variety. It's more compact, and the flowers are larger and a different shade of yellow. I'm happy with any that grow.
After planting the other Four O'Clock seeds, I looks for the ones I saved last year, and found them. I also looked back in my notes. Years ago, my best success was by soaking the seeds overnight, then incubated them on a wetted paper towel in a zipper lock bag. I tried that this time and noted several seeds had begun to germinate one day later. So I'll do that with these as well.
I've never grown carnations or statice here, so I don't know what works. Carnations seem kind of uncertain. The ones that I up-potted have survived but are not thriving.
I decided to plant out the first batch that I started in silicone six-packs. These are looking pretty good. They have spent a number of full days outdoors, so I'm not concerned about sunburn. Chill might be a problem. I kept the other sixpack for more TLC and for comparison.
I also planted the first six pack of statice seedlings. They are odd looking plants, sort of like dandelions with leprosy.
The Sarracenias were looking bedraggled. According to the experts, they should be pruned by now. Flower buds were starting to emerge so I was careful.
One before picture. What a mess. They were sitting in their basins at the edge of the vegetable garden.
After. There are lots of flower buds. I want to create a better place for them. This is easy to access for filling the basins with rainwater.
The Asian pears are full of blossoms. I wondered if last year's pruning was too extreme. I don't think so. If each cluster gives a pear (after thinning) thats enough for a few batches of canned pears. Almost done eating the ones I canned last year.
It's interesting that one tree has red-ish new foliage and the other is bring green. I had multigrafted both trees. Apparently, somehow the grafts matched the original trees. I forget the varieties now.
