You know, I had forgotten that I wanted to try China Town celosia this year. I haven't even looked for seeds. Next seed order maybe.

Karen

LOL - yeah, there's always the next one!

I've done well. Only 2 small seed orders so far this year. I'm going to use up some seeds that I've acquired over the years.

Karen

You and me both ... except for...

Tough and slug-proof:
- Siberian Wallflower
- Alyssum

I grew both while still amending my "clay" into "soil", and before I got ahead of the slugs.

They sprouted, grew, thrived and reseeded despite horrible soil, slugs and my ignorance.

Siberian Wallflower.... hmmm, haven't seen that one before.....

Rick, I hope you're not getting the big storms that were predicted for the PNW.

Those were only big by coastal WA standards - 3-4" of snow where I live, and the "big deal" was that it didn;t melt for several days. I think thaqt much of the country would call that a light snowfall if they noticed it at all.

But we don't plow many roads, and I think a lot of people don't bother with snow tires. Lots of sideways drivers and people fishtailing backwards down hills.

Luckily I could work from home until it melted enough that I could get up hills on unplowed back roads.

We are sissys, and I'm getting thqat way too. When I first moved here, I was relishing the brisk fall weather (all winter) and going out in short shirt sleeves while coastal natives were shivering about how "freezing" it was. Now I think 30s are "cold", too.

Probably, inland and up the mountains, other Washingtonians know what real winter weather is. But I live less than two miles from Possesion Sound / Puget Sound, so I might as well live in Tahiti

I suppose in Montana and Minnesota, MINUS 30 would be cold.

LOL - I understand. I'm originally from the Detroit area, but having lived in Phoenix for a few years and now being back in a place that has s-s-sn-n-ow.... it makes me feel like a real wuss.

Our norm has become cold and snowy, but it hasn't always been that way. But this mild winter has only given us two light dustings of snow (<1"), and one ice storm so far. I'll take this kind of winter any time. I'd rather have no snow and be a wuss than someone used to snow.

And we got our electric bill yesterday, which shows power usage going back 12 months. We used much less electricity this January than in January 2010. The temp is just much warmer. That's OK too!

I'll take credit for all these things. When I bought a 4-wheel drive car in August I assured everyone I know that it would be a mild winter.

Karen

It has been a weird winter, hasn't it?

I've used the auto four-wheel drive only twice so far this year, and the manual FWD not at all. Last year it seems that I had it set on at least auto from November to March, and used the heavy-duty manual settings a few times as well.


Another plant that is OSE, and tough, is hydrangea 'Pinky Winky'. It is the most water-wise hydrangea in my gardens and blooms perfectly no matter what the weather conditions. It never seems to get droopy and ask for the hose, and it's situated in nearly full sun. Add a bit of summer compost or mulch and it's good to go.

Weird indeed. My daffs are up ... way too early.

Chelle, you got me on that acronym - OSE?

But that's really good info, I have been investing in a few hydrangeas - a variegated NOID, a few Little Limes and a couple of Oak leafs. We tend to have wet early summers, but reeeaaaaallllly dry August/ Sept., and I'm not big on watering .

Do folks who have established hydrangeas, do you find that you have to water them during dry periods?

I only have Endless Summer- three of them. They do whine for a drink in hot, dry weather even though they are planted in mostly shade. If I ignore them, they usually perk up as soon as the sun sets and the temp drops a little. I try not to let them get too dry, but I generally don't water them more than once/week, either.

Karen

More good info. I've seen a few of them on-line, they're lovely.

Thanks, Karen!

Have Nikko Blues, Endless Summer and a few others, and they like regular watering to flower well.
Had them in Mass. as well and were watered daily by irrigation.

http://www.hydrangeashydrangea...

sandnsea2 said:Have Nikko Blues, Endless Summer and a few others, and they like regular watering to flower well.
Had them in Mass. as well and were watered daily by irrigation.

I have ones like these, too. When it's hot and dry they can look awful thirsty....especially when they're planted under trees. Usually though, I've found that just a bucketful of water will perk them right back up.

Sheryl,

I got lazy....OSE = Oh, so easy!

just so you know.............i am lurking on this thread.

Hi Barb! Glad to see you ! Lurk away!

*That's* why I felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck....

I know why you're here, and I know what you want.