DFB's Greenthumb Project - Page 23

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-08-2022, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

DFB, you’ve worked outdoors forever. What’s your gut feeling on the upcoming Spring-Summer rainfall and temperatures?

Not sure to be honest.

I expected last summer to be a scorcher due to the heatwaves experienced in America and Europe, but it didn't seem to pan out like that..............thankfully.

I hate summer, I can deal with a cold winter but hate the heat.

**GasoLane** · 13-08-2022, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

DFB, you’ve worked outdoors forever. What’s your gut feeling on the upcoming Spring-Summer rainfall and temperatures?

Is that a trick question? I believe that DFB lives in a part of Vic that's not to far from Franco and gets totally different (ie: colder and wetter) weather compared to the rest of state.

Tonz · 14-08-2022, 08:27 AM

doesn't Melbourne have 4 seasons in 1 day

**anobserver** · 14-08-2022, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonz

doesn't Melbourne have 4 seasons in 1 day

Every 20 minutes, apparently.

**DFB FGXR6** · 15-08-2022, 04:36 PM

First oil change on the Mustang 750is today -

This mower has just about paid for itself, I have been using the most lately. I like to change the oil very early on mowers, running them for a few weeks, dump the oil and then consider it "ran in".

I am completely ignoring Briggs and Stratton's recommendation of "No-Oil-Change-Required". These engines are at the cheaper end of the Briggs lineup and don't have cast iron bores like the bigger 850 or DOV series, or the Honda GXV160, so fresh oil is important. The oil that came out of it was already discolored, so getting it out along with any possible metal fragments makes sense to me.

I'm also really appreciating the quietness of this engine; it would have to be the quietest lawn mower I have ever had.

And yes, I have already given the governor a slight tweak for a few more revs. Not a lot, I like to think I'm mechanically sympathetic, but enough to make it sound like its actually achieving something. It's also nicely responsive to the throttle, something the later side-valve engines lost towards the end of their run.

**DFB FGXR6** · 15-08-2022, 04:49 PM

A little surprise for me when attending to my own garden this afternoon, the two Camellia's I planted last year are in flower.

One of my favorites, and one I remember from my grandmother's garden, Betty Sheffield Supreme. I absolutely adore the variegation in the flowers -

And Guilio Nuccio produces large, sometimes semi-double flowers.

If I had sufficient shelter in this garden, I would have many more Camellia Japonica's. Varieties including Helenor, Emperor of Russia Variegated, Margaret Davis, C.M Wilson and Carter's Sunburst would be at the top of my wish list.

**GasoLane** · 18-08-2022, 05:44 PM

What are your thoughts on these DFB. The ECO friendly weed killer. Much, much slower than a weed wand or Weed 'n' Feed but a whole lot more fun

Citroënbender · 18-08-2022, 05:51 PM

Blowtorch is a cert for onion weed, if you loosen/turn over the soil first.

prydey · 18-08-2022, 07:58 PM

The temptation to misuse that would be quite high I'd imagine

**GasoLane** · 18-08-2022, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

The temptation to misuse that would be quite high I'd imagine

You could use for something I will never ever do....... starting your campfire

Tonz · 18-08-2022, 08:26 PM

controlling future son in laws

roKWiz · 19-08-2022, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Is that a trick question? I believe that DFB lives in a part of Vic that's not to far from Franco and gets totally different (ie: colder and wetter) weather compared to the rest of state.

You reckon ?

**FTE217** · 22-08-2022, 10:34 PM

As has been mentioned spring is a coming !
I’m no winter type person can’t wait for nice temps daylight savings etc but I do enjoy seeing new life coming out to show off plant wise……
Just a few specimens round home starting to come out see the light….
Waggles armt a great tree per say but when they colour up look great !

I love natives and we are planting more and more due to being hardy and hassle free.

Weird no leaves yet but what magnolia colour

DFB not sure what this one below is called ?

The below isn’t mine but in my street - what flower just a great specimen in all its glory

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**DFB FGXR6** · 22-08-2022, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

As has been mentioned spring is a coming !
I’m no winter type person can’t wait for nice temps daylight savings etc but I do enjoy seeing new life coming out to show off plant wise……
Just a few specimens round home starting to come out see the light….
Waggles armt a great tree per say but when they colour up look great !
image

I love natives and we are planting more and more due to being hardy and hassle free.
image

Weird no leaves yet but what magnolia colour
image
DFB not sure what this one below is called ?
image
The below isn’t mine but in my street - what flower just a great specimen in all its glory
image

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The last picture is Magnolia Soulangeana, my favorite Magnolia that is often sighted in older established gardens. Deciduous Magnolia's flower before bursting into leaf.

The second last picture with the bright pink frilly flowers is a variety of Loropetalum, most likely China Pink or Blush. I have a combination of China Pink and the newer Plum Gorgeous in my gardens.

China Pink -

Plum Gorgeous -

**FTE217** · 22-08-2022, 11:28 PM

Thanks, china pink looks about right but mine is a tree ?
I’ll take a overall pick of it and post.

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**DFB FGXR6** · 23-08-2022, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Thanks, china pink looks about right but mine is a tree ?
I’ll take a overall pick of it and post.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting. I have witnessed them grow fairly large and therefore could be considered a tree if pruned a certain way. Look forward to seeing the pic.

**Rallye Sport** · 27-08-2022, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

image

I'll think of that one next time I'm weeding

Anything planned for your spring garden DFB?

I've finally been finding some motorvation at home.
Giant sunflowers will be going in on Bathurst day, I grow them most years they're an amazing thing growing to 7 feet with flowers bigger than dinner plates all in a 3 month period. I can share some hints if anyones interested.

I'm also trying my hand at growing hops this year, the Mrs being a chef has been having a go at homebrewing beer so I'll do my part and grow some fresh ingredients for her.

The underwater bonsai is coming along too, its just about where I want it so I'll turn of the co2 soon to slow growth right down.

**DFB FGXR6** · 28-08-2022, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

I'll think of that one next time I'm weeding

Anything planned for your spring garden DFB?

I've finally been finding some motorvation at home.
Giant sunflowers will be going in on Bathurst day, I grow them most years they're an amazing thing growing to 7 feet with flowers bigger than dinner plates all in a 3 month period. I can share some hints if anyones interested.

I'm also trying my hand at growing hops this year, the Mrs being a chef has been having a go at homebrewing beer so I'll do my part and grow some fresh ingredients for her.

The underwater bonsai is coming along too, its just about where I want it so I'll turn of the co2 soon to slow growth right down.

image

I have not grown sunflowers for a long time, would be interested in reading your tips.

As for my own garden, nothing major at this stage other than cutting the grass and pulling a few weeds...........as little as possible then!

Actually, I have a couple of gaps I would like to fill with another camellia or two, can never have too many in my book.

roKWiz · 29-08-2022, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

I'll think of that one next time I'm weeding

Anything planned for your spring garden DFB?

I've finally been finding some motorvation at home.
Giant sunflowers will be going in on Bathurst day, I grow them most years they're an amazing thing growing to 7 feet with flowers bigger than dinner plates all in a 3 month period. I can share some hints if anyones interested.

Thought you might like these ones the farmers wife grows every year before harvest. The flowers look amazing against a backdrop of bright yellow Canola fields.
She loves the Heirloom variety and is a Diggers Club of Vic. member.

**FTE217** · 29-08-2022, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Interesting. I have witnessed them grow fairly large and therefore could be considered a tree if pruned a certain way. Look forward to seeing the pic.

Ok bud here’s a quick pic from this morn…..
Is it the same ?

Whilst at it thought to take the new buds coming to light from the Azalias - there is 2 large ones behind the young ones that have opened - love it when the oldies Chet out out in full bloom so much colour.

Then it’s not like rallye fairway rejuvenation but it was time for the first light trim and Shirley’s No17 feed……
Grass has copped a pounding this winter with all the rain, so much moisture at times you couldn’t walk on it.
We’re starting to dry out a little of late thankfully and I plucked out a lot of winter grass weeds and even miss has been growing well on the brick edging and sandstone retaining walls.
Mr Gernie will be out soon as well.

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Citroënbender · 29-08-2022, 07:16 PM

That doesn’t look like a Loropetalum. Leaf shape is different.

BTW mine is 5m at the crown, but it’s a cream variety.

**DFB FGXR6** · 29-08-2022, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Ok bud here’s a quick pic from this morn…..
Is it the same ?
image

Whilst at it thought to take the new buds coming to light from the Azalias - there is 2 large ones behind the young ones that have opened - love it when the oldies Chet out out in full bloom so much colour.
image

Then it’s not like rallye fairway rejuvenation but it was time for the first light trim and Shirley’s No17 feed……
Grass has copped a pounding this winter with all the rain, so much moisture at times you couldn’t walk on it.
We’re starting to dry out a little of late thankfully and I plucked out a lot of winter grass weeds and even miss has been growing well on the brick edging and sandstone retaining walls.
Mr Gernie will be out soon as well.
image

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking good!

I will need a close up pic of the flowers and foliage to make a call on that one.

**FTE217** · 29-08-2022, 08:37 PM

Shall get pic hopefully light before I leave in the morn otherwise later in the arvo.

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**FTE217** · 30-08-2022, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Shall get pic hopefully light before I leave in the morn otherwise later in the arvo.

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Here you go

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roKWiz · 30-08-2022, 09:18 AM

Shows what I know about plants, I thought it was a Crepe Myrtle.

**FTE217** · 30-08-2022, 12:22 PM

yer CB not, similar with not much growth down low but very diff flower and leaves.
I would think if the previous owners of the property pruned it more often its overall shape would be alot fuller.

Citroënbender · 30-08-2022, 12:48 PM

Seeing close-ups I’ll contradict myself and say yes, Loropetalum.

**DFB FGXR6** · 30-08-2022, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Here you go

image

image

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100% a Loropetalum.

In most cases, these are bushy shrubs ranging from 1 to 2 meters depending on variety. In this case, I have seen them do this before. I'm guessing the position for this example is protected or low/lower in light. I have one doing something similar in a low light position, this encourages the plant to reach for the light.

What you have in your example is very unique and well worth preserving.

**FTE217** · 31-08-2022, 02:21 PM

Nice to hear DFB it’s unique and rare.
Got to say the original owners of our place were very good planners of our garden beds sandstone retaining walls etc for when we bought the house it was rental and the garden had been let go so it’s been our outlet over the last 5yrs getting it in kept order, like looking after my rides it’s great therapy and satisfaction.
Well here’s another surprise - the pink one has a brother right next to it and it’s a white flower !
I have not wanted to trim them down since we’ve been here barring dead branch’s and taken off shoots down low but I think from here on I’ll let the new shoots low grow.

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**DFB FGXR6** · 01-09-2022, 05:09 PM

First day of Spring!

These Viola are looking nice in pots on my front door step at the moment -

The mauve ones are called "Blue Porcelain", contrasting with "Orange Duet".

And it's peak Loropetalum season now. I have two varieties in my garden, China Pink and Plum Gorgeous.

China Pink -

Plum Gorgeous -

Between the two, Plum Gorgeous has the darker flowers and foliage when compared to China Pink.