In a Vase on Monday - 28 February 2022

 A tiny small offering of a vase filled with Cyclamen coum.  A couple of sprigs of Hebe Topiaria accompanies flowers from different cyclamen plants which again have different leaves: some pewter, some patterned.  The colouring of the cyclamen varies too mainly around the auricle. 

There is plain white one , and pale pink ones.  Yesterday afternoon I was gardening and I was drawn to one of the silver leaved forms in which the colour varied across the petal: pale pink with a darker shading around the edges.

The light was failing, so I had to use flash, but the flowers show up well against the black background.  Today I shall be scrabbling around in two quarries looking at the complex stone structures but will be back later and hope to read everyone else's posts as they link into Cathy's anchoring post.  

Will any of you be at tonight's Zoom webinar hosted by the HPS Galanthus Group when Brian Ellis will be talking?  See you there.

Six on Saturday - 26 February 2022

We have remnants of storms, rain and pea sized hailstones, but yes: Friday was calm and sunny.  I was able to have a little time in the garden. For 'ruminations' numbering around Six, do go to The Props page where he starts us off and links us all together around his Shed post for a gossip.

1 Gunnera magellanica is not quite up yet, but it will look like this in a couple of months time.  Its a Lilliputian form of Gunnera.  I only learnt on Wednesday just gone that it is found in the southern parts of South America in the Falklands, and is native to Chile and Argentina. So why am I posting this?  I had planted up three pots a little while ago, and was holding them back for the HPS Sale.  However on Wednesday evening I went to my first live meeting at the Somerset Alpine Garden Society, and had taken two different plants which went onto the raffle table.  The talk was by Hilary and Austin Little on the plants of South America right down along the Eastern side of the Andes, it was thanks to Hilary and Austin who live nearby and gave me a lift that I was able to go.  I was delighted that a Member selected this plant and came to tell me how they had been on an expedition botanising with Hillary and had seen this growing in the wild.  I have promised  to take some for Hilary also in a week or so.

2 Lucky or What? Donated to the raffle by Paul Cumbleton and won by me. I've never grown a garden orchid before!

3. Is it bad, or is it ugly, it certainly ain't garden worthy!  Each spring the earliest Daff to come up must be some self seeded thing which was in the garden before we arrived.  It grows tall, but the head is so heavy it falls over, and is normally consumed by slugs before I have time to look at it.  There are only a couple of bulbs. When I cut it and brought it inside I could see that it was very heavy with 'growths' in the middle.

4.  It may just be two bulbs but they are MY two bulbs of Galanthus Melanie Broughton photographed in the sunshine yesterday close by Plum Mirabelle de Nancy.  It will take a few years to form a clump.

5. There's always a smart Alec that somehow gets off the starting blocks early:

6. I think I now have as much as I can cram into the Conservatory Border having planted four pots of Narcissi on Friday: Oxford Gold, More and More, Hawera, and Spoirot,. I have to keep things in pots so that they can be planted when surrounding plants are up, or else I may plant one on top of the over!

At the front of the border low sunshine catches Crocus minimus Spring beauty.  My favourite crocus in the garden.

That all this week friends, going gardening....

Morning out to East Lambrook Manor

 Our little group of friends from the WI enjoyed our day out at East Lambrook Manor yesterday, and in the lull between days of storms and as today wintery showers with hail, we had the best of the weather for our visit which lasted around an hour.

Whilst waiting for other friends to arrive I popped over to the nursey shop to see what was available.  I photographed some of the snowdrops which appealed to me the most.  Coming back home I found that I had only recently bought a number of them, but I know there are two which they had previously for sale, as a friend had bought one early February it was Heffalump. I'll be back early February next year!

Having helped out at a HPS plant sale there previously I had visited before but several weeks later.

One of those snowdrops that stood out on the display was Marjorie Brown. The curved tiered snowdrop display was well set out with good labels, but I wonder how they managed to hold back some of the earlier flowering snowdrops so that they were flowering alongside later ones.  I guess there is a 'trick of the trade' going on here. Until recently most of my friends were not aware that there were different species or named cultivars, and this arrangement was a great way of helping them to 'get their eye in'.

Here Galanthus Marojorie Brown is shown at her best in the garden. Also in the garden the stems of the cornus both Midwinter Fire and the green stemmed varieties formed a nice high point whilst their feet were carpeted with snowdrops and newly emerging Hellebores.  What I did notice and which Kate also appreciated was how pale lemon colours showed up well in the light.

Again with an acid yellow colour of  this little clump of early daffodils caught our attention. I think there may well be orders put in for yellow hellebores for at least a couple of gardens!

Coming through the Manor central door giving onto the back garden, the stems of a Fuchsia with its pale peeling bark was particularly attractive, and it made me regret cutting down the tall stems of Fuchsia Hawkshead only a few days ago.  I shall try growing it taller next year. It is always fun having others interested in gardening around as we point out and share ideas. 

It was easy to get the gang to stand here, as there was this lovely bush of Daphne.  I thought it was Margaret Postille but with its rounded form and slight cream margins, it does not match Margaret Postill's form.  I have emailed the gardens for identification.  

Mike Werkmeister replied and said "It was Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ - see article in March The English Garden for more info on Daphne.

As for initially thinking these were trimmed yew, it shows how one can be deceived: " In case you are interested, the yew is Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Fletcheri’, so not yew at all! I wish it was yew, much easier to control." Margaret Fish used to call these the Pudding Trees. " They are difficult because, unlike yew, if you cut into old wood they don’t regrow." I've enjoyed my conversation with Mike and learnt a thing or two.

Several boxes of plants were purchased from the shop as well as birthday presents in the form of  tall metal snowdrops. A very agreeable stop for lunch closed the day for many of us: a shame though that the nearby pub is currently closed!

Galanthus hybrid 'Fanny'

  "Long slender outer segments, with green markings towards the tips and a diffuse green ‘X’ inner segment marking. Long pedicals. One of the few snowdrops that will produce three scapes from a mature bulb. (Virescent)" Harvey Garden Plants.

Judy's Snowdrops show a clear picture with the pale green markings at the apex of the petals.

Chloris from The Blooming Garden and also a fellow IAVOM contributor wrote a nice piece on this Galanthus and well worth visiting her post to be entertained. 

I bought this plant at the sale during the HPS Galanthus Group study day, and it had two bulbs both of which had two scrapes.  It stood out on the stand for me, with its long outer segments.

 

Galanthus hybrid 'Fanny'

"Galanthus 'Fanny' is a snowdrop that has been cultivated for quite some time. It was named in 1971 after the daughter of Joy Bulford of Ealing Wharf, Southampton in England.

The flowers are characterized by their green tips on the outer petals. The inner marking consists of an upper and a lower spot. Sometimes these spots are clearly separated, or they flow into each other.

Galanthus 'Fanny' can produce up to three flowers per bulb when the plant is fully grown." Swiss Drops

In a Vase on Monday - Spring Delights

I write this as Storm Franklin batters the garden with strong gusts of wind.  Outside the sound of the large oak trees in leaf as they are not deciduous reminds me of the sound of waves crashing on a coral reef.

No tropical flowers in my vases today, but a little collection of spring beauties. Having such pretty things in the garden during these darker shorter days has certainly helped me bear up to the winter blues.

The blue iris are Iris Blue Note which continue to expand in the garden each year, and last a few days indoors.  I find the structure, colour and patterning on the iris of real interest and the yellow is a good contrast.

The little yellow tete a tete Narcissi are joined by the delicate shoots of   Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem'

Not the full pack of special snowdrops but with two Trumps I think the snowdrop vase wins every time!  Cathy gifted me the Trump last year, and this year I have two flowering bulbs.  This is such a pretty snowdrop and very distinctive. Joined with Golden Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold'.

I shall be dividing my clump of Galanthus Lady Beatrix Stanley within the next week or so and would be able to send three bulbs to someone.  She is the double at the front just below Trumps in the picture above.  If any of the UK based IAVOM contributors would like me to post these to you, do leave a message with your email address for me to get in touch with you.  I will not post the address here but reply to you privately.  Of course it comes to you simply as a pass along which was first kindly sent to me by Anna who also contributes to this weekly meme.  

This weekly gathering is hosted by Cathy so do go and see what others are posting from their gardens. If you need Inspiration and Anticipation, then you are in for many treats!

Galanthus Curly - First two flowers

 "Heavily textured, highly fragrant, large flowers have green markings on the outer segments and a particularly fine diffused more‑or‑less x-shaped marking on the inners." Harveys Garden Plants

"A Small hybrid with relatively big flowers Green on inner segments, some veining on outer. Fragrant. Leaves applanate, narrow, distinctively re curved .blue green glaucescent . Herbert Ransom and Richard Nutt. Hyde lodge Garden  1960 Distinctively curled leave ." Field of Blooms

"A later flowering, short snowdrop, which has leaves that are curved backwards. The large flowers have long, tapering outer segments with tiny green lines at the tips. The inner mark is a dramatic X shape, where the upper part is blurred." Judy's Snowdrops

I bought this little Galanthus in January from Jackie Williams owner of Triffids Nursery.  This has only just opened up, and as the weather is so bad at the moment, decided to cut the two blooms and bring it indoors to admire.  I have yet to observe the 'heavily' textured aspect: looking very closely I can see some feint creasing along the outer petals, but of course these may become accentuated as the blossom matures . At the very tip of the three outer petals there are three small green markings A very distinctive deep sinus or notch at the apex of the inner three segments together with the strong green at the apex fading upwards in an x shape. The three inner petals made a narrow tube which splay out at the tips.

A delightful new addition to my snowdrop collection planted close to the edge of the Conservatory border where it can be easily admired.  I hope it bulks up well.

Galanthus Bertram Anderson in a Vase

 Three blooms of Galanthus Bertram Anderson in a Vase I bought a small pot of these but they were mixed in when I looked very closely with Galanthus J Haydn, which has fine pointed hearts on the outer of the inner petals. 

This snowdrop is a good grower and  should clump up nicely given a year or two. I separated them whilst I could still recognise the two different varieties. I happened to also get of pot of Galanthus J Hyden, I ought to have got a different one again. Galanthus Bertram Anderson is a very large flowered snowdrop described as 'a beauty rarely surpassed. It was selected from the famous horticulturalist 's garden after his death in 1971 and named for him.  E. B. Anderson lived in Somerset. 

Six on Saturday - After Storm Eunice

 This is the most ferocious storm I have lived through in the UK, with  strong winds which brought down the top of the steeple of nearby St Thomas's Church in Wells.  Having lived through cyclones, I remembered that my father went out and secured everything that could be moved, and very often it was a major pruning of shrubs and trees afterwards. Luckily the wind was from the South West blowing the tall thick evergreen Holm Oaks away from the house and the garden.  Otherwise we would have ended up with loads of green leaves splattered across the house and garden. As it is everything will need washing down.

1. When room was used up in the shed, I placed the cyclamen from the shelves right against the house, under a bench.  Today I shall be restoring all the plants to their proper places.

2. It was bad enough when I attended the HPS Galanthus Study Day near Salisbury.  It was impossible to take pictures due to the heavy rain and winds last Sunday, so this week knowing the winds were coming again, I tried to take some even though it was windy on Thursday.  Just how battered they are I am yet to find out.  I took one such clump and planted them out over a wider area last autumn.  The newly replanted ones are just emerging so will be undamaged and give me a later blooming. I have four such clumps all from the original 25 corms this is their 4th season in the garden.

Crocus Barr's Purple in the garden are up and doing very well, these were clumps established with just five corms each in October 2018. I find separating and replanting the corms every three or four years allows improved flowering, vigorous bulbs, and of course more! 

3.  Inside away from the winds the succulents continue to give joy, and Echeveria purple pearl is now in flower.

4. I had a treat on my return from a few days away:  this little Daff: Narcissus cyclamineus was in flower in the conservatory bed.

Narcissus cyclamineus

I have some others growing in a pot which has been nicely tucked up in the shed,  popped on top of inverted pot so that we can see it from the conservatory,  Here it was out of the bench on Thursday. I shall be giving these my full attention through the season with a view to establishing clumps in the conservatory bed alongside the one above.

5. Primula Port and Lemon is starting its spring flowering. 

6.  A pink pussy willow:  Salix Mount Aso is the centrepiece of the conservatory border.  The later pruning last year was pretty effective with smaller more numerous stems. I added a couple to a little posy I took to a friend, and as she loved them and saw the sprigs as potential cuttings too!

From small gardens like mine, to average size, medium and large, Six on Saturday bloggers will be comparing notes pinned to Jon The Propagator's post.  Anyone can join if you are inspired. 

Six on Saturday - 12 February 2022

 I've just found time to squeeze in Six on Saturday.  After all at this time of the year when one can see changes in the garden each and every day, it wouldn't do to miss a few spring beauties. I am linking in with The Propagator, and I am sure he and others will manage to find a few gardening themed sixes to share.

1. Crocus chrysanthus 'Fuscotinctus' is flowering in its fourth season.  This little species yellow crocus with its outer petals netted with a deep purple has been slower to increase than other types I have planted.  I thought I had moved some corms to the side, and maybe those little green tips will arrive a couple of weeks after the original ones.  Waiting to see what comes up where is one of the treats that awaits gardeners this time of the year.

 2.  When I was planting something in the border in the autumn, I came across some other crocuses, and decided to plant them up in a half pan.  These are now on the shelf and have already been visited by bees.

Crocus tommasianus Barr's Purple

3. This is the first year I have grown 'daisies'.  Just a pack of six bought last year mainly to plant on top of the tulip bulbs.  I hadn't any idea of the colours.  This one was surplus and got planted in a spare pot.  It is quite charming with its pink petals and pale pink outer ruff.

4. Iris reticulata Blue Note are a little bit behind Harmony, and a deeper blue.  They look great in the sunshine this morning. Again coming up well and in the third season.

Iris reticulata Blue Note 

5.  I planted out some new snowdrops.  We are quite close to Shepton Mallett, where the great Galanthophile James Allen used to live.  I've chosen to group three of his snowdrops in a triangle, with the taller Merlin at the back, and Magnet and Robin Hood nearer the front of the bed.

6.  I took a large pan of my special Cyclamen hederifolium seedlings to the snowdrop grower, and at the end of my order of snowdrops, had a little bonus added!  Now I can find gaps in the garden to place a few daffodils, over on the other side of the seating circle. Labels are being prepared!

I had bought a small pot of Narcissus Rip van Winkle four years ago from Jackie at Triffids Nursery, and they have grown very well.  Their tips are just breaking the soil now.  I shall wait till the new pots of Narcissi are nearly in flower and then place them so that I can better judge the best place for them dependent on their form, colour and size.  It is not so easy to judge this from bulb descriptions!

Syrens -Way markers between Wells and Glastonbury

 This is a work in progress and I am hoping to complete it by the Summer.  If you have any more information about the Syrens Trail or the Sculptures by Mark Merer which is the concrete seat, or the Sculpture under the bridge of figures by Lucy Glendinning I would be very grateful.

Here is a link to an up to date leaflet showing the Walk/Cycle Route.

https://bishopspalace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Syrens-Walk-Leaflet.pdf

During 2021, my interest in 'The Stones' was further fuelled following a walking tour of Wells with our WI group.  Our guide was  Siobhan of Wells Walking Tours, and one of our members asked about the Stone which was at the southern corner of the moat of the Bishops's Palace. Unfortunately she had very few details, which peaked my interest further.

I mentioned that I had seen a few of the stones on a cycle ride that my husband and I explored further along the route the previous year, ending up with refreshments at Middlewick Farm Shop.

On the basis of exploring the Stones, I started up the Wells WI Cycling group. We have enjoyed increasing our stamina, and have been out for circular rides from the city, with several starting from Marker 1. Hopefully the Wells WI cycling group will manage the full ride to explore all the stones.

The Waymarkers between Wells and Glastonbury mark a popular route used by walkers and Cyclists.  There are 9 stones along the 8 mile route, with 3 large, 3 medium and three small, and together form an 8 mile long musical instrument. They are roughhewn carboniferous limestone from the Mendip Hills. Each is carved with an indication of mileage to or from Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Tor, along with an image that  reflects a mystical aspect of the journey, or alludes to the history and experience of pilgrimage.

Mounted within a carved niche in each stone is a metal element that combines the scissor arch with a visual interpretation of Milton's Syrens that owes much to archaic Greek sculptures of The Griffin and to the Wyvern, emblem of Somerset.

Marker 1

The first Stone or Marker is close by the southern corner of the Bishop's Palace Moat in Wells, Somerset.  I found some hand written notes from Barry Cooper, and I hope he won't mind that I include under each tone a description of the incised image and his ideas behind each image. I have also used his words elsewhere in this post.  I tried to contact Barry to ask for his permission and help in bringing renewed awareness of this local series of sculptures, but I have unfortunately not have any reply yet.

The bronze sculpture has a fixed bell, each one ringing a different note when struck with a stone, was a inspired by the Triple Scissor Arch supporting the Central Tower of Wells Cathedral, and the bells of Wells Cathedral.

"The incised image is that of The Chalice, or grail, atop a labyrinth in the form of Glastonbuty Tor.  The Grail is the symbol of God's Grace -perhaps the dish used at the last supper, perhaps the chalice from

which Christ shared the wine, perhaps the vessel which received his blood - perhaps all three.  A vessel can also symbolise the reconciliation of inner and outer, life and death, indeed, any opposites.

The Tor as a giant, classical labyrinth is an idea **** more recently, but with an equally ancient background." Barry Cooper

Where I am unable to read his script, I have inserted ****

On a smoothed surface is inscribed I The Tor -Eight Miles

Note the fossils which are probably crinoids in the smooth stone at about 2 o'clock.

To mark the start of our ride we all clinked the bell with stones.

Marker 2

We then made our way to the second marker, which is approximately half way along the stretch of the Strawberry Way walking and cycling path, between Morrisons and the road from Dulcote. 

 

'The motif on Marker 2 is a stylised dragon based on a spiral motif.  A many layered beast; its death at the hands of a holy champion (St Michael, St George, even in one story Bishop Jocelyn of Wells), represents the victory of good over evil.  Long before, however, the dragon symbolised the life-force, the essence of nature, or the unconscious mind.  In Greek myth the healer Asclepius is aided in his work by the coiled serpent he carries.'  Barry Cooper

The two curved sculptures forming the seats is by Artist Mark Merer, were dated 1998 and commissioned by Sustrans

Just past Marker 2 and still along the sunken trackbed under the bridge you will find a Sculpture called Flying Figures by reknown artist Lucy Glendinning. https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/flying-figures-281134?fbclid=IwAR3Ub3v4b1ikbSC9Te3m3Bj0y8ZK7EqHsJPKstFylJBEl4QQ41mHySuejCs

Marker 3

'The Number 3 is at the Heart of all these images.  It stand for the Trinity; God transcendent, God immanent (of the world) reconciled by God incarnate.  The triangle is a universal symbol for the reconciliation of any two opposites by a third factor.  Here is a visual reference to several ancient rock carvings, including the Neolithic cup and ring markings, often thought to denote "Life in Death".'

We thought it looked like three people in a circle holding hands!

Marker 4 

This marker is close to a road turning down the hill to Wellesley Farm, and affords a pleasing view towards Wells. The inset bronze on this marker is missing.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The fourth stone, rather than the Black Rock Limestone looks  like the a Dolomitic Conglomerate, which is a very hard local stone, that I have been studying with  my geology group.  The inscription reads:  IV THE TOR 6M. The written leaflet explains the motif of 'the Triple Spiral or Triskel as a spiral that combines the idea of wholeness inherent in a circle, with the idea of motion, time and change.  The triple spiral, familiar from Newgrange, Co. Meath, connects these concepts with the powerful number three in one.'

Update: The good news is that there is the likelihood of replacement of the arches and bells,  see Lou Bailey's comment below

Marker 5

'This unusual image represents Mark Mere's Design for a contemporary earthwork - a viewing flatform which would guide the eye for each of the route's 3 major landmarks: The Cathedral, Dulcote Quarry and Glastonbury Tor.  The relative distances to each point have led us to the notes sounded by each of the bells.'

Mark Mere's sculpture cement forms for a seat can be found on the Strawberry way.  I am not sure whether the earthwork was ever built.

Marker 6

This marker is on the junction of Long Drove and Bourtonbridge Drove.  

'The Willow needs little introduction or explanation - here on the Somerset Levels it dominates the landscape.  Long cultivated for the making of baskets and hurdles, willow has more recently found favour with many local artists as a natural medium.  Between here and Stone VII, and on the cycle route beyond Glastonbury, look out for Katy Hallett's living willow sculpture.  Orpheus, who later overcame the sirens, is said to have carried a willow-branch talisman into Hades.'

The Bronze inset is missing.  I have not noticed any of the willow sculptures, maybe the marshes have reclaimed them!

One of my favourite views is of Harter's Hill, which I first came across in the depths of winter, with grazing still lush and green, when I took this picture with the willows in the foreground.

Harter's Hill Somerset

Marker 7

Marker 8

Marker 9

'This is an 8 mile long Musical Instrument commissioned by Sustrans for the Inverness to Santiago Pilgrimage Route for Cyclists and Walkers. It was conceived designed and constructed by Sculptor Barry Cooper and Musician/Artist Laurence Parnell.

The instrument consists of 9 stone Waymarkers on the Wells to Glastonbury section in Somerset. Inside carved niches in each stone is a bronze bell supported on a bronze scissor arch tuned to individual notes to make a complete musical instrument over the 8 mile journey from the mote around the Bishops Palace in Wells to the base of Glastonbury Tor.

Each bell can be made to ring by a small pebble'.

Extract from WLC. Home of walking videomakers.

Sometimes these stones are described as Millennium Stones as in the description of the Sixth Stone at the foot of Glastonbury Tor.  

'This Millennium Standing Stone can be located at the entrance to Glastonbury Tor in Money Box Field. The stone stands at about 6ft high and has a decorative place for flowers and a bell. The stone tells us that Wells is 8 miles away.
THIS STONE IS NOT ON THE ROADSIDE AND CANNOT BE SEEN FROM THE ROAD.'

Syrens

During 1998 and 1999 I collaborated with Laurence Parnell on 9 Waymarkers for the Wells/Glastonbury route for cyclists and walkers, sponsored by Sustrans and the National Lottery in partnership with Foster Yeoman Limited. Each standing stone contains a bronze arch supporting a bell. Each bell is a different note creating an 8-mile long musical instrument. In July 1999, 300 school children led by Adam Hart-Davis, a television science and cycling enthusiast, made a one-day pilgrimage from Wells to Glastonbury. From Barry Cooper.org.uk

Six on Saturday - 5 February 2022

I find the weather patterns over this area interesting, and whereas January was deemed the third sunniest since 1919, I don't think that could be said for my neck of the woods.  Yes it was probably quite dry but we did have days of intense gloom with extensive cloud cover, but this morning there was a magnificent sun rise.  I'm linking in as usual with the Prop.

1. My penchant for dividing and multiplying kicked off early this year.  I was looking for a spot to plant a recent snowdrop acquisition, but close to the one I had in mind had an ever expanding clump of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Little Tabby'.  I am helping out at the HPS Plant Sale this March which will be held at the lovely Yeo Organic Gardens on 26 March.  A few pots are now ready and will be closely nurtured.  This should see enough time to have some good pots to take to the sale for the group table.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Little Tabby' divisions

2. As I had some good potting compost mixed, next was Chrysanthemum Picasso's turn.  I am caring for this plant under the HPS Conservation Scheme. I think it was probably caught between a rock and hard place, languishing in its pot over the last couple of years, and it needs to be brought on well this coming season.  Should the weather turn much cooler, the pots will need some protection. I ended with six plants from the one.

3. Not to be outdone Chrysanthemum Hillside Apricot was divided into three.  At this stage Chrysanthemums can look very similar and get mixed up, so I selected different shaped pots. 

4. Cyclamen confusum seeds are geminating, and Cyclamen Maritimum germinated a couple of weeks ago, the first leaves are yet to emerge from Cyclamen purpureascens and Cyclamen intaminatum.

5. Galanthus Wasp is a delight, with its long flowers easy recognisable from a distance.  With a slight breeze the blooms wave around adding to their attractiveness.

6. The Crocuses seem to be coming up on a different schedule compared to last year. Comparing with 2020 we are perhaps two weeks behind. The first and only one crocus currently flowering now is  

Crocus sieberi Firefly: Firefly is easy to spot  with its flash of yellow at its throat.

"The Crocus sieberi 'Firefly', like its name suggests, has a glow of light in its tail, or rather the tubular base of its multi-coloured lilac, orange and white flower. A fairly robust Crocus sieberi, it has been known to survive encounters with frost when its kinsmen have failed. It’s a good naturalizer and will multiply well as the years go by." 

I like this description from Farmer Gracy.  I'll remember its name thinking of the light given off by Fireflies, which I have yet to personally see, though I understand from the Somerset Wildlife whose magazines drop regularly on our mat, that there are local colonies.  

That's it for this week friends.