We are still enjoying some of these camellias as they bloom. The camellia above is Jean Clere! This is a japonica camellia that originated in New Zealand and is named for the wife of its propagator Richard Clere. It has a beautiful full peony form and blooms mid-season.
Above is pictured Emperor of Russia. This one is a japonica that also blooms mid-season. Another beauty that performs well in this climate.
Philip has decided to try his hand at grafting. We have a few of these "mini-greenhouses" around the yard. The grafting procedure is akin to surgery, requiring great care for clean cutting instruments and following tried and true procedures. The new graft is housed in this cylinder and covered with a piece of plexiglass, moss, and a brick! This will stay on for at least 2 months before uncovering to be sure the graft has "taken".
As I understand this, one reason for grafting is to propagate the growth of a beautiful (but perhaps slow-growing) variety on "root stock" from a plant that is more hearty, rapid-growing, and has better tolerance for the growing conditions of the area. Another reason for grafting is to propagate a plant that is not commercially available. A cutting may be taken from a desired species and grafted to produce a new plant.
Update on knitting projects:
The Baby Surprise Jacket and the Christmas Stocking knitting projects are progressing. I am waiting for a little pink cotton cashmere to arive in the mail to add in for stripes in the BSJ. The size is going to be larger than I expected and will require more yarn than I had on hand. I think the pink will be perfect to add a little interest. Will post a picture as soon as we get a little pink going .
1 comment:
I hope Dad will help me plant some camellias in my new yard! It needs all the help it can get. Look forward to seeing yall Thursday night.
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