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The secret to produce good blooms by December 25th is to keep the bowls in complete darkness and cold for 8 weeks or so. This allows the root system to develop, and the new growth to start; once the leaf cone is an inch high the bowl needs light but not heat. At first the growth is yellow in colour but soon turns green in daylight. At this point a little warmth will develop the leaves and flower stalk starts to show. Too much warmth and the foliage will beat the flower stem, and the flowers will open down in the base of the leaves; this is known as grassiness in the trade, and unfortunately this condition is well known to lots of folk who try to have flowers for Christmas. |
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Unprepared bulbs will not bloom in the dark days of December: they will however flower later, often in late January, and like the Christmas bulbs, once finished they are best planted direct into the open border to flower a year or two later. The green leaves will help to build up the fleshy bulb scales and flower bud initiation. Varieties to look for include Pink Pearl, Delft Blue, Jam Bos, a red and Carnegie, a white. These are usually on the market as pre-cooled bulbs for Christmas; the smell of hyacinths makes us think that spring cannot be far away, although I know of some who do not care for this particular fragrance. |
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The show season is drawing to an end but we still have the early and late chrysanthemum shows, Chelsea, Hampton Court, and Tatton Park are all now long gone, as are our own Open Gardens in July; a very good effort by all involved. Like lots of other villages, the numbers of those attending was down on previous years, but still a big thank you is needed, it is a big help to our parish church, which is still there after hundreds of years, for us all to support. The next open gardens is due in two year's time
Rudston is to have its own Festival of Flowers in our parish church, starting with a pre-view evening on Friday 10th of this month, to continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 am to 6pm in support of the church. On the Sunday we are having a Songs of Praise, so please come and sing among the flowers. Thanks to all those who have been involved in this floral weekend.
Dick Robinson |
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