In this web space I'll let you know what is in bloom, seed that is
setting, and updates from the garden. I hope to write a new
newsletter each month, detailing what is happening here at Mainly
Amaryllid Garden.
This month in the garden.....
1. What's in Bloom?
2. Site updates.
3.
Plant of the month.
4. Specials this month.
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1. What's in Bloom?
It has been an excellent
season for the smaller Amaryllids. Hessea tenella and Hessea pulcherrima
both did quite well. This new sand/clay base collection bed works like a
beauty! As we have had plenty of rain this past month I can see that the
depth of the sand, (up to 2ft or 600 ml in places) has given me the
opportunity to observe excellent drainage using this cultivation method, and the
bulbs are flourishing!
 
Above, Hessea pulcherrima.
 
Above, Hessea tenella.
Above, Strumaria truncata in bloom.
Many of the winter growers are now entering 3/4 growth of
the foliage for the season. 
Most
of the summer growers like Crinum and Ammocharis have died down now with
the frost burning off their leaves. Boophone leaves, at least on the
younger ones, are still in full growth! I am busy getting the summer
garden ready now for Spring. This is when the Crinum start to bloom again.
Until then, it's all maintenance. The winter garden
is pretty care free except for weeding. I don't see these bulbs for most
of the year. Our region has around 220 days of growing season so the
summer growing bulbs predominate the garden for most of the year. Bulbs
such as Brunsvigia gregaria are really maintenance free bulbs. Pictured
below, this species of Brunsvigia is one of the toughest and earliest to
flower from seed. Interestingly, the leaves grow to form this beautiful
effect and eye catching look. 
Brunsvigia
gregaria, Cathcart form, growing at Mainly Amaryllids Garden 2004.

Above,
Brunsvigia gregaria growing in situ, Cathcart, East Cape, South Africa. Image
by Cameron McMaster. ------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Site updates. New additions to the site this month include.....
Tibet,
Our
Ancient Spiritual Jewel
On the plight of our
brothers and sisters in Tibet. A new Film Review...
Amaryllidaceae Habitat
Images and
Information about this wonderful place that is home to so many
incredible bulbous plants. This site introduces the Family Amaryllidaceae.
Wild
Bulbs of the Eastern Cape
Introducing the new
way to receive your latest copy of bulb information update about bulbs, and strictly for
the discerning bulb enthusiast!
Cameron McMaster's
'Wild Bulbs of the Eastern Cape' disk is a must for your plant library. It
has 100's of images, detailing the plants, their surroundings and informative notes that accompany these images. This is an excellent resource
disk. If you are into South African bulbs, you will want this one.
Cameron is a well respected and noted naturalist and
covers many genus on this disk including Agapanthaceae, Alliaceae,
Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Asphodelaceae, Brachystelmas, Colchicaceae,
Eriospermaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Iridaceae and Orchidaceae.
There is also an extensive collection of Landscape images, detailing the
extraordinary habitat in which these bulbs grow.
The disk comes complete, ready to view. The cost is
AU$75.00 this cost includes postage. Please contact
me should you require more information about this exciting new
information resource.
Order
'Wild Bulbs of the Eastern Cape'
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3.
Plant of the month. Nerine frithii
Mainly Amaryllids Garden is very pleased to announce the
availability of a rare species of Nerine.
Nerine frithii – This species is one of the most beautiful of all the
Nerines. The plants are
becoming rare throughout their distribution range owing to habitat
destruction and over-grazing. They
are now extinct in a large part of their former range in the North West
Province.
The flowers are white
with reflexed petals and the centre of the flower is rich wine red.
The flowers are borne in large congested umbels. These bulbs are
small seedlings and are available this month for $8.50 each +
postage.
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4.
Specials this month.
a) Rainlily Pack 10 Rainlilies - Your Choice - Any 10 for
$35.00 - Save up to $50.00 (Includes postage*)
b) Mixed Bulb Pack "your choice" to the value of
$85.00 - For the cost of $55.00 (Includes postage*)
c) Boophone disticha seedlings - normally $12.50 each - 5
for $40.00 ( you save $22.50) or 10 for $70.00 ( you save
$55.00) (Includes postage*)
d) Ammocharis coranica seedlings - normally $12.50 each -
5 for $40.00 ( you save $22.50) or 10 for $70.00 ( you save
$55.00) (Includes postage*)
e) Hippeastrum calyptratum - A Green
flowered Hippeastrum ( Pictured Below) - Seedlings - $9.50 each - Normally
$13.50.
Order
Form for printing
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Your membership at Mainly Amaryllids ~ A
Garden Swap Area for members
I have been thinking of an idea about helping Amaryllid
Enthusiasts expand their collections from others of a like mind, and
perhaps also have a place on the web where you can swap or sell any
excess bulbs and seeds (which all of us have eventually). Let me know
what you think about this idea. If you want to get involved and have
your information published online, send me the details and I will get it
done. Please Note: Only Members of Mainly Amaryllids Garden
information will be accepted.
This will be a completely free service and posted on the
web for every one to see.
Below are some examples of what your membership at
Mainly Amaryllids Garden can possibly .
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars Only.
Example 1.
I live in the Melbourne Area. I am interested in
contacting fellow enthusiasts in my area. My main interests in
bulbs are Hippies, Haemanthus, Brunsvigia and other bulbs like
this. Please contact me for a cuppa and chat at:
Contact; John Doe,
Address ; 14 Land Road, Land, Ground,
ICU 4572
EMAIL; johndoe@whoknowswhere.com
Phone: 03 5555 5554
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Example 2.
Mixed seeds of Lilium. Collected from my garden. I can
give you details about the parents. $5.00/packet. Great colours!
If you are interested in these seeds please contact;
Dohn Joe,
41 Road Lane,
UCME, 2754
EMAIL; dohnjoe@whoknowswhere.com |
Example 3.
Haemanthus coccineus , 12 bulbs for sale, $15.00
each or best offer for the lot. All are flowering size.

Contact; Jane Doe,
Address ; 12 Grove Avenue, Soil, Country,
FYI, 3456.
EMAIL; janedoe@whoknowswhere.com
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Example 4.
Clivia miniata seeds, yellow. I have 150 fresh
Clivia seeds ready to send. Cost is....
Contact; Dane Joe,
Address ; 12 Avenue Grove , Dert, Boundary,
IYF, 6543.
EMAIL; danejoe@whoknowswhere.com

Phone: 00 5555 4554
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Thanks for another great month!
Best wishes,
Dash.

"Friends stay, when your whole world crumbles
down around you and all others have left the building, friends
stay!"

*Overseas Orders not included.
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