On Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:10:13 +0100, Michael Uplawski wrote:

On 24 Nov 2014 18:41:10 GMT,
Emery Davis wrote:
Hi Michael,

[]
Although the “micro-climates” appear to be very pronounced in our region
( « this or that side of the forest ? » ), the mosquitoes surprise me.
I cannot say that we have had many during summer, but also anything
else, especially beetles and spiders have more or less disappeared.


I think it is exactly that, to the west of the forest (we're actually
near the eastern edge but still well into it) it gets markedly colder in
winter. I actually think the micro climates are on a much finer scale;
since we're quite high (437m) you might expect it colder, but in fact it
is the lower hollows that get much colder, by as much as 5C compared to
us.


You're up on me, I haven't started the planting yet. Did you get the
medlar in?

I may have put that wrong. What I try is grow medlars from seeds, as our
« arboriculteur » tells me that there is virtually no hope that their
scions will develop into trees. And he, himself, does not have any
medlars to sell. Last year, my wife planted medlar seeds in arbitrary
places. Myself, I prepared about a dozen small pots with 1 or 2 seeds in
each. More are currently drying at a distance from our stove.


I think you'll wait for a long time for fruit... I did just notice medlar
for sale at the Point Vert, so I know they are available. Don't know how
important cultivar is with medlar. I just came across this lovely quote
from R&J:

Now will he sit under a medlar tree,
And wish his mistress were that kind of fruit
As maids call medlars, when they laugh alone.
O Romeo, that she were, O that she were
An open-arse and thou a poperin pear!

All the spots, where we have planned to put in new bushes and trees are
currently occupied. ;-) There will be losses, but that is now one
“project” less to worry about. The greenhouse next.


Bravo! Greenhouse indeed!

-E



--
Gardening in Lower Normandy