Some pre-Spring blooms.

[aykhan]

Here's what's happening in my lawn. Despite the complete devastation everywhere due to a long winter I can safely say that probably the best fragrance in my garden was discovered yesterday (yes ...... better than Jasmine .... I think). This frgrance is from Osmanthus fragrans. I brought three plants last summer: Osmanthus fragrans and 2 of it's cultivars "auranticus" and "Fudingzhu". Only the original has survived and small tiny flowers opened at the tip which are so fragrant it almost knocked me over. Very tiny blooms so had to bring my nose close. I hope this can survive to become a tree one day....

[aykhan]

....

[aykhan]

Some bare root figs I've acquired are sprouting... in my greenhouse...

[aykhan]

So here's my African Gardenia, Mitriostigma axillare. Flowering in the greenhouse. Bought last summer and survived. I wonder if I should have posted this in the extensive Gardenia thread which is old now. Please advise and I can repost this there if people approve.

[Farhan Ahmed]

Lovely as ever.......and welcome back

[aykhan]

Thanks Farhan. I've been away for a while. ...but here I am all over again

[rafique]

Beautiful Dr Sb. Waiting to see the blooms of your gorgeous fragrant roses?

[aykhan]

Ahhhhh....yes roses. I'm hoping for better blooms this year since I learnt my lesson from last year and sprayed so didn't need any butchering this year to get rid of fungus.

[Munir]

Is it possible for Mr.AY Khan or someone else to mention the local common names if any, of Osmanthus fragrans & African Gardenia,since some of us may like to look for these plants. May I suggest that it may be made the normal practice to mention the local name if known,to help in procuring the item from the market.

[aykhan]

I agree local names are extremely helpful and I suffer similarly as you. Some plants I thought were rare and got from overseas happened to be sold here commonly with a local name eg Radermachera Kunming sold here as Kamini. However, I do not know of the local names for both these plants. I have not seen them in local nurseries in Lahore but a search in Pattoki if you know what you're looking for, may be worthwhile.