Joining the Propagator (https://www.thepropagatorblog@wordpress.com) and other gardeners around the world for another Six on Saturday.
1. Honeysuckle buds. I assume there’s nothing remarkable about honeysuckle budding this time of year, but the magnitude of my delight would suggest otherwise. Was it the first fluttering of spring? The survival of anything in the face of the countless fires and floods and blights that plague us? I was surprised, yes, and relieved. The first stirrings of life in what could be so easily mistaken for dead wood never fail to feel miraculous.

2. Dragonfruit. Bought a couple of rooted cuttings online, which arrived in due course, larger and more mature than I could have hoped. They are duly planted and leaning against the fireplace. I hope the warmth will induce them to put forth more expansive root systems. When “all danger of frost has passed,” I will likely move them outside to clambor (one hopes) a little monstrously over the porch.

3. Hardy kiwis. If the dragonfruit were “larger and more mature” than hoped, the hardy kiwis were less so. However, arrive they did, and they are nestled in their small ceramic pots, being kept indoors and out of direct light and somewhat moist and generally coddled until they impress me as ready to pedal down the street on their own and without training wheels. These I am thinking of growing up trellises in front of the West-facing bedroom where they will be protected from the harshest sun and frost (though being hardy, the latter might not bother them).

4. Mini greenhouse. All stuffed with plants for spring and getting close to running out of room. Yes, thank you for asking, there is need for a larger greenhouse.

5. Raised bed for root vegetables. Located in partial shade, as my research suggests that the Andean root vegetables I have brought into my life are adversely affected by excessive heat.

6. Recent arrivals. Mostly perennial vegetables, which I am trying for the first time, including Egyptian walking onions, oca, sunchokes, Chinese artichokes, tuberous nasturtium, tree collards. These purchases motivated by the realization that my lack of enthusiasm for growing annual vegetables derives from a deeper seated distaste for annuals (at least those that don’t reliably self-seed) generally.

A final note of appreciation for Fred (http://www.fredgardener2@wordpress.com), who gave me some much needed help with pruning my fig tree.



Love both the photo and description of the emerging honeysuckle buds, yes it’s always amazing. You have some interesting new arrivals. I recently oven-roasted some tuberous nasturtium, they are rather tasty, and are sold here in the local markets (to eat rather than to grow – but I also tried growing some, not very successfully). I had the overcrowded mini greenhouse problem – easily solved by buying another one, instantly doubling the growing space! But of course a proper greenhouse would be better….sigh.
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I am encouraged by your review of the tuberous nasturtiums. Honestly, I will be pleased if they grow at all, much less deliver an edible crop. I’m also hoping to try the nasturtium “capers” I’ve been hearing about.
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I think the nasturtium capers are not produced by the tuberous plant but by the annual Nasturtium…at least I think so. I made some capers from those last summer, really tasty.
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Interesting. Thank you for letting me know. I may be hitting you up for a recipe before too long.
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The fig tree is looking good. Fred’s pruning advice is useful. I intend to go back and find his post on pruning a hibiscus when the time comes. Emerging buds is always uplifting at the time of year. I’m going to have to look up edible nasturtium again later.
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Yes, his instructions were very clear. I will have to take a look at Fred’s hibiscus pruning guidance as well, now that you’ve pointed it out.
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It’s a good time Graeme! Mine have been done for 3 weeks. I cut 2/3 of each stem, leaving about 3 buds and choosing an outward pointing bud + removing the old stems and the ones in the middle of the hibiscus to let the light in.
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Like the mini greenhouse. Oca – known as yams in New Zealand – are a lovely addition to the inter table.
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I look forward to trying them! I have heard that they are a favorite root vegetable in New Zealand.
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Good luck with the Dragonfruit, I don’t have any but I don’t think the climate is warm enough in the summer… Regarding the hardy kiwi, mine went into the greenhouse in November and around 5° minimum. I’m starting to have new buds even if all the leaves have already fallen. Thank you for the mention and congrats for the sunny photos and the result obtained… fingers crossed that it works now!
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Thank you again for your help. Yes, I am optimistic about the fig’s future. The dragonfruit is an experiment. I am not certain that it will grow well outside here, much less produce fruit. That said, our summers are long and hot. My hardy kiwis look so delicate at the moment that it’s difficult to imagine them withstanding the out of doors.
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Mine has lignified stems now. It’s in a 30 cm diameter pot but it needs to be watered quite often in my summer. It climbs 3m every summer and I have to cut all the vines back in winter
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We always need more space for the seeds, don´t we? I would also like a green house, plans have started, but are not going to happen this year.
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Buds are the best! Loving the sound of all your perennial veg, looking forward to seeing them grow. Great fig pruning, well done Fred!
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I love reading about all the gardens around the world. And it is great how much information you can get from gardening pals.
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Yes, that is the best part!
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The dragonfruit looks wonderful, I have one suffering in my back garden and am wishing for a yellow fruited one. Looking forward to your perennial veg posts. I rejoice in buds, too.
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