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Cathy Lyon-Green's avatar

Good to read that your garden is providing you with an increasing number of blooms - they must bring so much pleasure

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A. Christine Myers's avatar

They certainly do, Cathy. And just yesterday I watched a hummingbird going from plant to plant tasting the nectar, which somehow helps me see my small, raw plantings as a real garden... albeit a very new one!

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Annette's avatar

Isn't i always magical when nature wakes up from hibernation, it's so uplifting and cheerful, something we all need more than ever. I've not dianthus although I'm sometimes tempted when I see one. Love them in the wild and the scented ones are fab. I think one of my Lavandula dentata cuttings died this winter. Happy start into spring, Amy :)

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A. Christine Myers's avatar

It is indeed a magical time of year. Perhaps we are extra-fortunate here in the desert because we have not one but two such times each year. One is the end of winter and beginning of spring, and the other is the end of summer heat and beginning of cooler weather! But this spring it is especially meaningful.

I didn't grow dianthus for a long time, but I'm so glad I've begun using it more, as I find it's a lovely way to bring more colour and fragrance into the garden.

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Hoover Boo's avatar

Pretty photos--enjoyed them. My Mom used to grow Carnations (Dianthus carophyllus). You inspire me to think about trying some myself.

Happy Gardening!

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A. Christine Myers's avatar

Thank you, HB! The carnations have been far more successful than I expected; it looks like they'll become winter staples for me. I think maybe they've been underrated for a while!

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Cathy's avatar

Your dianthus are really pretty Amy. Mine are still blackened by frosts, but will be sprouting out again soon I expect!

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A. Christine Myers's avatar

Thank you, Cathy! I love how relaxed they are with the weather. At least as long as they have good drainage... I hope yours are able to welcome in the spring soon!

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Kris P's avatar

I've never had much luck with Dianthus/carnations but, based on your success, maybe I should try it again. I do love their scent.

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A. Christine Myers's avatar

I wasn't expecting much from the carnation, but it's been going strong since I bought it. I've kept it potted, so it's not having to deal with the still-rugged garden conditions. No doubt it will die off once the heat gets bad, but now I'm thinking about growing them regularly as winter annuals for cutting. The scent alone is worth it.

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