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Plants from
Foreign Holidays
1st
July 2004
 There
is really no need to go abroad to obtain unusual
plants. Most of them are available in your local
garden centre. It is not the same though. The
seeds or small plants brought back carry with
them memories that will, in many cases, last
longer than the plants.
It is usually the exotic and unusual that are
most in demand and 'Bird of Paradise' plants
leave Madiera and the Canary Isles by the thousand.
 On
Gardeners' Corner we are frequently asked to
identitfy seedlings from all over the world.
Recently a gardener was in trouble with his
'Kangaroo paw' plants grown from seed brought
back from Australia. I think the young plants
shivered to death as he was attempting to grow
them outside in winter. Quite often the easiest
part is germination. After that the plants may
require high temperatures and strong natural
daylight.
Plants from the cooler regions of South Africa,
Australia and South America can be successful
and include some of the eucalyptus, grevillia,
agapanthus, desfontiana and acacia. Shrubs and
trees that require frost free conditions are
going to struggle in Northern Ireland. They
many succeed for a few years but finally suffer
from a harsh winter. Others, once they have
managed for a few seasons, appear to become
hardy and continue to enjoy life as exiles.
My principle is to try anything that is in with
a chance. Providing you don't go into decline
when some gem dies it is great fun and an education.
On top of that if a risky plant does succeed
you have one up on the Jones's.
 A
cold greenhouse lined with clear polythene in
winter to form a "double glazed" effect
will house many less than hardy plants from
warmer climes. A cold frame is useful for starting
off and overwintering seedlings and young plants.
Undoubtedly most tropical plants will require
a heated conservatory only venturing outside
for a few hours on hot, sunny days. Always bring
them back into the warmth before sunset.
 While
rooted cuttings are easily transported never,
never take them without the owner's permission.
Some are impossible to root but those that do
grow make the holiday worthwhile.
Happy Holiday.
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