Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Subversive_plot on June 29, 2020, 04:53
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While clearing and establishing raised beds on my plot this weekend, I came across some plants that I decided NOT to remove.
First, a Magnolia grandiflora sapling, spared during last year's tree removal. In a few years, we expect huge white, deeply fragrant flowers!
Second, leatherleaf Mahonia. These kind of come up like weeds in places, but I like the toothy, shiny leaves.
Third, a tall, leggy sapling that I think may be a wild elderberry. I don't use elderberries, but the birds do, and the garden is not just for the humans in our yard.
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They all seem to be growing strong and healthily :D
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Love the Mahonia!
Will it flower and berry later?
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Love the Mahonia!
Will it flower and berry later?
Thank you!
Yes, Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) has yellow flowers followed by bluish berries in the colder months. They have the nickname "Oregon grape", and while the fruit is considered edible, they are reported to be as sour as lemons (I will pass). The birds and other wildlife seem to eat them. I have others of this species in my little patch of woods, none of which I planted! :lol:
Out this morning, I also noted some plants of a kind of wild grape vine, common in this area, called a muscadine. No doubt from seed left in a "present" (ahem :ohmy: :blush:) by the deer. Think of a purple Concord grape gone wild, usually only a few grapes per cluster. We also have "Scuppernongs", a green grape with larger fruit but otherwise like a muscadine.
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They have the nickname "Oregon grape", and while the fruit is considered edible, they are reported to be as sour as lemons (I will pass).
I always say if something is really good to eat it’ll be found in the shops :lol: :lol: :lol:
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"Leatherleaf Mahonia"
This sounds gorgeous!
Years ago, when I worked on a stand at Chelsea Flower Show, (flogging hard landscaping, not plants, sadly), I picked up a Mahonia in the final-day-scramble, when everything gets sold off!
It lasted for years, and we bought a replica for 'The Turrets'. years ago, and I still love the way it changes through the seasons, and just does what it says on the label! I often chat with it, as it attacks me with several thorns and a chuckle!
Well done you, so keep it growing, and possibly name it 'Growster' after an old f*** you once posted...
;0)
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Growster, I will have to remember to take pictures of mine when they are in flower and/or fruiting.
My youngest son (23 years old) is already eyeing it to be taken out. . . I gently (ahem) reminded him of whose garden this was, and who left these plants in place (INTENTIONALLY).