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| Ornithogalum magnum |
Ornithogalum magnum belongs to the 'Star of Bethlehem' family and is native to the Caucasus. It has a candle of white blooms, which are spectacular. Its strappy foliage, much like an Allium, is not a vision of beauty, but it is not as yellowed by bloom time as an Allium's foliage either. In this pot, I have paired with with a white-edged bedding geranium (Pelargonium), and purple lobelia and a purple leaved hibiscus.
In other news, I am a week away from taking a test for the Royal Horticultural Society test on plant classification, structure and function. This test will lead to a few others that add up to a RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. They are offering offering overseas testing for the next two years, so I am taking advantage of it! :) It has been a great opprotunity to read and understand many fundamentals of the plants that I love so much. As I grasp the processes and inner workings of plants, I have been surprised at the very practical implications. I am glad that it has enriched my understanding, not just bored me.
I would highly recommend one of the books I am studying from for all gardeners who are interested in knowing more about plant growth. It is Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. He tells about plant anatomy in a conversational style that is engaging and highly practical. It also has wonderful illustrations to explain all of the important concepts.
And, on the gardening front, I have more news coming soon... here is a peek :)
A Master Gardener friend recommended this book as well. I will be ordering it! That is great that you are doing the RHS certificate! I wasn't aware that they did this out of country.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karin! You will love the book. They have been changing the regulations at the RHS lately, and it is only going to be available for testing out of the UK time zone for the next two years, and only in June. I am really excited about getting to do it this year.
Delete~Julie
Good luck with the test Julie; knowing how knowedgable you are I'm sure you'll pass with flying colours. Christina PS I always knew you would be a great garden designer too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christina! I do hope so :) And thanks for the design encouragement too! Thank you for being an encouraging voice about my gardening for the past two years. You & other kind bloggers have really helped me be brave enough to move into boldly in the realm of horticulture! :)
Delete~Julie
Good for you, I wish you every success in your exams, but your garden is wonderful already, I can't see that there is anything to improve! It will be very interesting to see your garden design taking shape, will wait for the photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pauline!! Here is for upwards and onwards, yes? :) I will share photos of the new garden designs when I can!
Delete~Julie
I am so beyond excited for you and all of your new ventures in this journey:) You will do great on your exam!:) so excited for you Julie and how God is using the gifts He has given you!:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa! :)
DeleteI love the Botany book and gave away a copy this past year. What an exciting time with the designs and the certification...I also have these bulbs and several similar others in my white garden this year from Scheepers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! We are launching into garden design at the same time, yes? Looking forward to sharing the journey with you, Donna. :) Nice to hear these bulbs work for you in your garden also.
DeleteMany thanks!
~Julie
What a cute flower...and good luck on the test!
ReplyDeleteThanks Scott!
DeleteI like that bulb very much. I don't think I've ever gotten anything less than good quality from Scheeper's. That RHS program sounds great, I bet you'll ace the test. I had no idea they offered online programs for people oversees. I do have Botany for Gardeners, which was assigned for the botany classes I took at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I did pretty well in the classes, but I've got to say that I've already forgotten at least half of what I learned.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your exam, and good luck as you launch your new business! All you need to do is show people your own gardens, and they will want to snatch you up as their own! I wish you didn't live in the opposite corner of our (large) state! I'm going to look for that book--always wanted to take a botany course in college, but a full year of biology was a pre-requisite, and this English/music major didn't have room in her schedule for that!
ReplyDeleteI need that book! I will check it out. Thanks! Congrats on your certification and good luck on your test. I absolutely love the plant combinations in your planter pots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, We on the web are honored to have you send us all the things you have learned and let us in on your gardening. Thanks again for everything. Sheila Stephens
ReplyDeleteJulie, hope your test is going well. I have been following your blog for several months and am amazed at what you have done with your little corner lot. I am fascinated that you are studying for the RHS certificate. Can you tell me how to sign up for that? I went to the web site but could not see how to register for long-distance or on-line classes or whatever. Or aren't there any? Do you just do the recommended reading and take the tests? Inquiring minds want to know about the process and the costs! KP.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine! Glad to hear you have been enjoying WMG!
DeleteThe RHS offers tests that lead to certification. There are centers where you can take classes in the UK or long-distance in order to prepare for the tests, but I chose to do self-study. The link to the Level 2 page will lead you to their reading list and test objectives. They also have past papers you can use to prepare.
I took the R2101 test last week & it was a good experience! It is not easy - even with all my years of gardening and reading I still had a lot of biology to learn! But it was just what I needed to help push myself through it :) Hope that helps!
~Julie