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December 2005 Webletter

December 2005 BNCS Web Letter

Well after a month I have remembered to write another webletter! There are one or two new additions to the site.

I was just about to transfer it to the website when the BNCS Winter Newsletter dropped through the letterbox. I am sure UK members will have received theirs; overseas members will get it in a day or two. There is some very sound advice about internet access which I have reproduced below:-
As one of the older members(by age) of the Council who is not connected to the Internet let me plead my case. I spend 30 odd years in the computer field and have during that time advised, designed and costed networks. The Internet is so open I do not regard it as safe. The only way I will connect to the Internet would be through a dedicated PC for Internet usage only, with adequate software to thoroughly check for any ‘Viruses’ so as to maintain a clean system. I am talking with a local engineer to try and get what I want. Alex Ketchen
This does I think warrant comment. Obviously everyone reading this will have access to the internet. Whilst not claiming to be an expert on internet security it is wise, indeed probably essential, to protect your system with both antiviral software AND anti-spyware. There are a number of products available and any computer dealership will advise. Do they work? Having seen an advertisement yesterday for ITV’s local TV channel for Hastings (which I think is still in the experimental stage) I tried to log on www.itvlocal.tv .Why do I mention this? For three reasons. Firstly, if you try, it will test your antiviral software. You will need to disable your pop up blocker to download the programme (I think this can be regarded as a safe site). Secondly you will see where I live (though it certainly didn’t show the best bits!) and thirdly it shows the potential of the internet. Where will we be in a few years from now? “Carnation TV” available worldwide from the BNCS. It really is just around the corner. Now on with the webletter!

The Notts Carnation and Picotee Society have provided some interesting information about their Society and they have a whole page on the “Links” section. I do hope other Affiliated Societies will make sure that their information is up to date and if they would like to have a similar page I will set one up for them. If information can be sent electronically (preferably in Microsoft Word) and any images (in jpeg) that would help but other formats including typed pages and photos can be scanned in. Please don’t be put off by the technology.

Unfortunately the photographic gallery is still under development (I haven’t got on as quickly as I had hoped). Be patient! It will come eventually!! Let me thank all those who have already sent me pictures in particular Peter Booker and the Yorkshire Carnation Society and Doug Cottam.

There are one or two new links to N A Kay’s Horticultural Products and Hybrida which I hope will be of interest. Do please let me have any other links which will be of interest to our members. In particular let me have any dianthus nurseries I have not included.

In the Archives I have put an article on new varieties of PF’s registered in 1950. Apart from Edward Allwood can anyone locate any of these varieties? I fear most will have been lost. It is most interesting to see how many British registrations there were. From the same Yearbook an article by Montague Allwood entitled “An old Carnationist looks back”. What a prolific writer he was!

Well the winter has really arrived even here on the South Coast. This puts the carnations under even greater pressure as room has to be made for other species of plants to come in from the garden. The winter evenings draw in and it is time to start planning the year ahead. It is the time to search through Dianthus catalogues for new plants for the year ahead. To expand your collection and / or consider growing different types PF’s, pinks, borders or what about old fashioned Malmaisons? Go to “Links” and “Carnation Nurseries” comes up. (I am sorry that “Mills Farm Plants” are no longer trading). There is quite a selection however. Some you can order online.

I will be putting up a Christmas Quiz for members so make sure you look in on Christmas Day!

Below I am repeating Jim Linnell’s seasonal tips. Do send me yours’ for inclusion in January’s letter.

WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING NOW?
October – December
Be VERY selective on the plants that you intend keeping overwinter. Only keep the very best, especially those that gave the best blooms this season. Don’t overwinter anything without a label, or that hasn’t grown well.
If you are overwintering your plants in a greenhouse, thoroughly clean down the benches and glass (inside and out) with a domestic bleach, then fumigate with a sulphur candle. Do not take your plants back into the greenhouse for at least 2 days after the fumigation.
Plants in the greenhouse should be watered sparingly but kept well ventilated (except in the very coldest weather) to keep them cool.
If you have plants outdoors, now is the time to give them a good clean-up. Remove any dead or dying foliage regularly, cleaning up the pots or the ground around the plants at the same time. You do not want to encourage pests and diseases!
If you intend to plant out any rooted layers of borders or cuttings of pinks then they should be done in October, otherwise pot them up and wait for spring before planting out. Any other plants to be kept in the greenhouse can be potted up as they become sufficiently rooted.
Keep an eye open for pests and diseases especially greenfly and rust. If using a spray to control these do so in the morning so that plants are dry by evening.