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Jan 2, 2016 2:53 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Here we are in a new year. Hurray!
Lots of great things coming up in our semp world.

1. Time to winter sow your seeds, or you can wait until the end of winter, or early spring.

2. Fourth Annual Hybridizing Clinic, April 23 in Salem, OR Come one, come all, it's free, fun, very informative, and some very special surprise guests will be there. You sure don't want to miss this fun packed 3 day weekend.

3. New hybrids coming out this year? We need a report from @JungleShadows to see what he might have coming out. Don Mylin might also have something new for us?
Greg, could you contact Don to see what he might have new coming out this year?

So let us get going in the adventure of 2016. Hurray!

The sun is out today. Hurray!
It is sure cold though.
Here are a few winter photos taken today. Sorry the winter sun is so low in the sky and makes everything covered with shadows.






From December:


And the photo of 'Pacific Hep' I promised Tim. Hepsport is not going to make it. Sad
Thumb of 2016-01-02/valleylynn/5830bc

Let the fun begin Hurray! Hurray!
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Jan 2, 2016 4:43 PM CST
Name: Tim Stoehr
Canby, Oregon (Zone 8b)
Butterflies Sempervivums Region: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Grower Cactus and Succulents Sedums
Bee Lover Region: Oregon Dragonflies Keeper of Poultry Cat Lover Composter
I think both of our 'Hep's will survive, if not thrive. Too bad for Mr. 'Hepsport'. Sad
My inclination is to only grow those cultivars who are reasonably adapted to the local climate. There's enough difficulty without having climate sensitivities. And yet I have an Agave sitting in a cold frame that would have croaked by now without protection, so go ahead and call me a hypocrite. Big Grin

Here is Tectorum 'Ornatum'. I'm not sure... is it really a Tectorum, or notum? (semp humor) I think this one will put on a good show next year.



I like taking and posting pictures, but I've just about run out of subjects. I guess I'll just have to go back to the beginning of the rotation. Big Grin
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Jan 2, 2016 4:51 PM CST
Name: Julia
Washington State (Zone 7a)
Hydrangeas Photo Contest Winner 2018 Garden Photography Region: Pacific Northwest Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Forum moderator
Plant Database Moderator I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Dog Lover Sempervivums Container Gardener Foliage Fan
They will change again soon and you can rotate through them a few times.

I been gone a week and need to check my semps. Glad to be home.
Sempervivum for Sale
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Jan 2, 2016 5:55 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Good to see you back Julia. Hope you find all your semps doing well.

Tim, I agree, if they can't make it without a bunch of fuss replace them with something tougher. Making room for some of those new Kevin Vaughn semps. Big Grin
Your 'Orantum' is looking handsome.
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Jan 2, 2016 8:00 PM CST
Ireland . (Zone 9a)
Thumb of 2016-01-03/Paddy/e6871e


Thumb of 2016-01-03/Paddy/586c2d

First photo is part of my collection braving it out after the wettest December in living memory.
Second photo is my seed sown babies almost ten months old . I'm leaving them out to toughen them up Rolling on the floor laughing
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Jan 2, 2016 8:11 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
They all look wonderful Paddy. I love your patio along the river. What a beautiful place to spend time in good weather.
Would love to see some of your seedlings up close. I think all of us would like to see them. Big Grin
Smart move, toughening up the babies. Sure don't want to propagate weaklings.
Avatar for JungleShadows
Jan 3, 2016 10:54 AM CST
Name: Kevin Vaughn
Salem OR (Zone 8a)
A happy '16 to you all. This is a going to be a hectic one for me as the Sempervivum book is due to the publisher on December 1st. I have gotten 77 pages (about 1/4 of the book) written right now and hope to crank out a good bit more this winter. Today is NOT gardening weather in Salem. We had a dusting of snow here in Salem near the river but I'm betting hills got much more. People have already sent or promised me photos for the book too so it should be highly illustrated, including over 200 photos of cultivars.

Just had news from Toby Lander that several of the Vaughn hybrids, including 'Red Hot Chili', 'Polly Bishop', 'Borscht' and 'Sandi Lu' will be offered for sale in '16. Seems amazing that all of these that were born in Oregon since moving here are already on the market. 'Red Hot Chili' IS a small one Bev! I know you don't want the ultra-big!

Yesterday it was sunny and I walked around the yard. The seedlings that were rowed out last spring look marvelous. There are definitely some breaks in colors including one that is really blue NOW. Most of the blues don't develop much blue until summer so that is a definite break. Anyway it will be exciting for everyone at the clinic to go through these.

Speaking of the clinic, Lynn and I are starting to organize the other events around the day. Sebright Nursery will be one that you won't want to miss. The plantings there blew Greg away!

Kevin
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Jan 3, 2016 11:48 AM CST
Name: Tim Stoehr
Canby, Oregon (Zone 8b)
Butterflies Sempervivums Region: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Grower Cactus and Succulents Sedums
Bee Lover Region: Oregon Dragonflies Keeper of Poultry Cat Lover Composter
The Willamette valley snow increases as you move north I think. Below is my semp garden under a blanket of snow in Canby, halfway between Salem and Portland. 24 degrees out there this morning. More snow farther north in Portland. My retarded chickens won't even come out of their coop.
For those of you wondering why we fuss about such a modest amount of snow here is that it is a fairly rare event, and we're not generally very prepared for it. So it causes alot of problems but it's also really jazzy at the same time.

I'm looking forward to the clinic as well. Actually, I think I'm just looking forward to April.

Kevin, for a retired guy you seem pretty busy. I hope you'll issue a Kindle version of your book.

Thumb of 2016-01-03/tcstoehr/acc46a
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Jan 3, 2016 12:14 PM CST
Name: Patty
Washington State (Zone 8b)
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Photo Contest Winner 2021
Welcome back to winter Washington Julia! Hurray!
Patty 🌺
Avatar for JungleShadows
Jan 3, 2016 12:19 PM CST
Name: Kevin Vaughn
Salem OR (Zone 8a)
Tim,

No Kindle version is planned but Schiffer keeps the price very reasonable on their books so it is not a burden. I know I'm old-fashioned but to me there is no substitute for PAPER. The book on beardless irises that I did for them is ~$24 on Amazon. Much cheaper than the Timber books and Schiffer's art people are much better so the layout is more pleasing.

I actually retired early with the intent of doing the plant breeding and book writing as a second career. As my mom said of me,"Kevin doesn't have hobbies, he has other jobs." Unfortunately all too true.

Looks like Canby got more snow than we did. I'm NOT complaining though.

Like you I'm looking forward to April although I do have some hellebore seedlings I want to see too. They should be out in February as many are showing buds coming.

Kevin
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Jan 3, 2016 12:49 PM CST
Name: Bev
Salem OR (Zone 8a)
Container Gardener Foliage Fan Sempervivums Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Garden Ideas: Master Level
It's the New Year and I am liking:

1) that Paddy's semp photos include that really neat waterway which makes me feel so relaxed while I'm admiring the semps and chugging my coffee. Thank You!

2)that Tim has given me my morning chuckles with his humorous and informative update on his semps. I love what thoughts go thru Tim's mind while he posts... Blinking

3) that Julia, of the WA triad, has made it safely home... Smiling

4) and that Kevin has shared a little more of himself (and of his Mother) besides what he has already given us thru the years and working to give us for the coming year. Hurray!

Thanks all...What a good year this is going to be! nodding
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Jan 3, 2016 3:35 PM CST
Name: Patty
Washington State (Zone 8b)
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Photo Contest Winner 2021
Yay for "real" books Hurray! studies show your brain processes information differently with books vs electronic books.
http://www.scientificamerican.... I'm buying as many as I can before they disappear Whistling
And that iris book is wonderful Lovey dubby even non iris folks will get inspired!
Patty 🌺
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Jan 3, 2016 5:13 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Bev, you said it all. Each person is a treasure in their uniqueness. One of the things that makes the upcoming Clinic such a joy in making memories. Anyone that reads this, know that you are invited, you won't be disappointed.
Hoping that Paddy can get on a plane and come. Hurray!
And Trixi. Hurray!
And Erwin. Hurray!
Olivier. Hurray!
Wolfgang. Hurray!
And all of your here in the U.S. that love semps. Hurray!

I have not revealed the surprise guests. Green Grin!
You have to come to see who they are. Whistling
Avatar for JungleShadows
Jan 3, 2016 5:38 PM CST
Name: Kevin Vaughn
Salem OR (Zone 8a)
Lynn,

I think we can say this about the surprise guests: "they are biggies"!! You will be SO excited!

I will get with the Red Lion Hotel here in Salem to block out some rooms. They give a very nice free breakfast in their restaurant. However, I have never known anyone to starve at these affairs....

Kevin
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Jan 3, 2016 6:24 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Here is the link to the new thread for the 2016 Annual Kevin Vaughn Hybridizing Clinic.
The thread "Kevin Vaughn Hybridizing Clinic April 23, 2016" in Sempervivum forum

Kevin is correct, nobody goes home from this event hungry. In fact you may not eat for a few days when you go home. Whistling

Kevin, do you need a head count for Red Lion?
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Jan 3, 2016 8:29 PM CST
Name: Tim Stoehr
Canby, Oregon (Zone 8b)
Butterflies Sempervivums Region: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Grower Cactus and Succulents Sedums
Bee Lover Region: Oregon Dragonflies Keeper of Poultry Cat Lover Composter
There's now a thin layer of ice on top of the thin layer of snow on top of my semp garden. Up to 1/4" of ice may accumulate overnight. Is this trouble?
Under the ice the gravel is quite dry having been dried out by 3 days of desicating winds. If I punch thru the ice it seems quite dry and airy underneath. I think the semps' bottoms are all dry but their tops are coated with ice.

Thumb of 2016-01-04/tcstoehr/5c0063

Poor Rita has never looked so uncomfortable.
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Jan 3, 2016 8:57 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
They will be okay Tim. Just don't disturb them. Mine are in the same condition.
I have had much worse happen and they came through in great shape.
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Jan 3, 2016 9:42 PM CST
Name: Tim Stoehr
Canby, Oregon (Zone 8b)
Butterflies Sempervivums Region: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Grower Cactus and Succulents Sedums
Bee Lover Region: Oregon Dragonflies Keeper of Poultry Cat Lover Composter
valleylynn said:They will be okay Tim. Just don't disturb them. Mine are in the same condition.
I have had much worse happen and they came through in great shape.


Good... I was tempted to thaw them all out with a blow dryer.
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Jan 4, 2016 1:16 AM CST
Name: Greg Colucci
Seattle WA (Zone 8b)
Sempervivums Sedums Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Cactus and Succulents Container Gardener Garden Ideas: Level 1
Garden Art Birds Dog Lover Cat Lover Region: Pacific Northwest Hummingbirder
Happy New Year everyone! Paddy love your pictures! Hurray! Hurray! I tip my hat to you.
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Jan 4, 2016 1:25 AM CST
Moderator
Name: Lynn
Oregon City, OR (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Garden Sages I helped plan and beta test the plant database. I helped beta test the Garden Planting Calendar I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Database Moderator
Forum moderator I helped beta test the first seed swap Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Plant and/or Seed Trader Garden Ideas: Master Level
Rolling on the floor laughing Rolling on the floor laughing Tim you sure know how to make me laugh.

Happy new year Greg. Smiling

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