Yesterday, I gave my last lecture at Meadowview headquarters.
I have the chance to meet for the first time my "internet friend" Dave Evans. Dave and I have often discussed on various taxonomic subjects on the forums these last years and I was delighted to meet him in the flesh.
Dave brought some plants from his nursery for showing up and I have to say that I was amazed by their sheer quality.
Two plants have particularly blown me away: a 5-6 years old Nepenthes villosa and an outstanding Drosera gigantea.
From left to right: Dave Evans, Michael Smith, Dr. Ernest Wilson and Dr. Phil Sheridan.
Phil, enthusiastic as usual. I think he's talking about his project of setting a highland Nepenthes greenhouse ;-)
The is the magnificent Drosera gigantea. I had chances in the past to receive this species but didn't grab it. I didn't realize how beautiful it is. Now I know what I want for Christmas. Dave is growing that species with the tray system with his Nepenthes. That is amazing to know!
Such a peculiar sight to see those leaves sprouting ditrectly from the stem.
Dave also brought a wonderful Pinguicula display.
These are Nepenthes campanulata seedlings from cultivated plants. I was in awe and a bit envious at the same time because Dave did send me some seeds of this batch a few years back but nothing germinated on my side. I guess that some growers are more skilled than others ;-(
And here comes an outstanding Nepenthes villosa.
This is a TC culture plant from Borneo Exotics ladies and gentlemen! It is 5-6 years old. So if you struggle with this species, it might not because of its TC origin but because you're doing something wrong ! (Naughty Francois)
The plant with its proud gardener.
Thank you for the treat Dave!
And what is what we other stupid growers do wrong with N. villosa? ;-)
ReplyDeleteOuuuh, someone is taking it personally. Well I was just teasing Mr "Anonymous". I don't know. Tell me how you grow your plants; I might tell you what you're doing wrong ;-)
ReplyDeleteFrancois Mey.
Plantastic Francois and Dave! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don´t grow it anymore! If I´d still do I suppose mine would look the same as Dave´s! :-P Now someone in France is growing my specimen. I have no info how it is now. Mr. Andy Smith in UK used to grow another terrific looking specimen. What about Jeremiah? Thinking on his N. rajah one has to assume he has a striking plant of N. villosa as well!
ReplyDeleteOh, is "Sockhom" really part of your name? ^^
Friendly, Mr. Anonymus
Thanks for the compliments, François!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your presentation--I think you really do have a good opportunity to make conservation education a reality in Cambodia, and perhaps other areas as well.
For N. villosa, I just respect its need to stay cool during the summer and make sure it gets exposed to cool/cold air when the weather makes it available--when it doesn't I run an AC and cool mist humidifier it it's too hot.
I'm glad you got to meet your friends. What fun. Yes very cool plants everywhere. I love the campanulata. Would love to try some seeds myself. I've met some of my internet friends so I know what that's like. Would love to meet them all.
ReplyDeleteFantastic plants and thanks for the pics Francois. Wow Dave! I think this is the first time I have seen pics of your plants and man! your villosa is a stunner. very very nice. Spectacular indeed!
ReplyDeleteI love to see what inspires you. Isn't it wonderful to find so much inspiration all around you. gorgeous.
ReplyDelete