That's amazing Marcia!
Hopefully we'll have another mild winter ;)

Sharon

I've heard of them surviving when they're planted on the south of a house next to the foundation, but this is in that bed with the tall red lilies - totally out in the open. I think it's pretty amazing too!

That is amazing Marcia! Maybe you've found a new hardy strain of glad??

I was talking to my dad this weekend, and he's claiming we could be in for an early/severe winter. He's always looking at nature for clues, so apparently the birds are flocking early this year, and the gophers are already hauling in thistle fluff for their dens. I sure hope they're wrong!!

Maybe payback time for last year's super mild winter. I really haven't noticed a lot of birds flocking. My garden journal mentions blackbirds this week for the past two years but i haven't seen large flocks of them yet this year. Environment Canada says a mild fall - hope they're right!

I hope Environment Canada's right then! Yes, the blackbirds have been flocking for awhile, and I've noticed that the Canadian Geese are doing the same. I don't want winter to come!!!

Be positive gals, we are going to have a mild winter, we are going to have a mild winter, we are going to have a mild winter like we did last year ;)

So far the weather here is awesome, +31C yesterday, today +30C!

There is a hardy species called GLADIOLUS imbricatus, I bought seed from the last sale Gardens North had on.
Native from Europe to the Caucasus and Turkey. An absolutely hardy species of Gladiolus with lovely purplish-red flowers. Occurs naturally in fertile, wet meadows. For a sunny spot in rich, well drained soil, moist in spring.
Germination Instructions: Cold treatment required.

Sharon

Yes, maybe if we all concentrate hard enough on thinking of a mild winter, all that psychokinetic energy will reach mother nature and she'll comply. It could work, right?? :o)

Good idea, you two. I'm definitely sending out warm psychokinetic vibes into the atmosphere! :)

Sharon, i've heard of the hardy glads, though i think they're rated zone 5. Did you plant them yet? You'll have to let us know the results.

I've been watching the forecast. It isn't supposed to be hot here for the next two weeks, but temps are supposed to stay in the high teens, low 20s. The night temperatures this week are all predicted to be above 10°. Bonus! Of course we know how fast this changes so i'm not counting on it!

Boy, I would love to leave those 30 glads I have planted right where they are on the south side of the house. Trouble is, I'd hate like heck to lose them - such pretty colours.

I also bought the Gladiolus imbricatus seed and WS'd it, but didn't get any germination. My thought is to leave it outside for the winter and see if I get anything next spring. I sure hope I do!

Marcia, according to GN, they're hardy to zone 3, someone must of reported the hardiness to Kristl, will see.

Pudge, I was going to WS them, but now I'll most likely sow them right in the bed next month. Thanks for the tip.

Sharon

Well it was hot as heck here yesterday but the geese have been flocking all week. Also on our trip to Winnipeg last weekend I noticed some of the trees had started changing to yellow. Its coming wether we want it to or not...