PUSHING THE BORDERS

Chad wrote: ↑Wed Mar 19, 2025 9:04 pm
Incidentally, is it common knowledge that Suttons, Van Meuwen, The Organic Garden Catalogue, Dobies and Thompson & Morgan are now owned by the same people?

But, not the garden centre chain of Dobbies, which is currently independent having been bought and sold by Tesco.

Dobies Seed and Dobbies Garden Centres are too close in name for comfort!.

Chad

charlie wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 5:38 pm Liz my wife cant stand the smell of the foliage, so although I could probably sneak one in I deem it not worth annoying her! I rather like the look of them (although I dont care for the smell either)

Isn't only scented if you crush or rub a leaf?

If so, plant further back in the border and don't caress it.


Chad

charlie wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 5:38 pm Liz my wife cant stand the smell of the foliage, so although I could probably sneak one in I deem it not worth annoying her! I rather like the look of them (although I dont care for the smell either)

It smells like peanut butter to me which I love. I guess it is the same as marmite, you either love it or hate it.
Is there a plant that smells like marmite? :)

AndyC wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 10:06 pm Is there a plant that smells like marmite?

Clerodendrum bungei leaves?

Chad

Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris), Vestia foetidia.

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While no flower is known to smell exactly like Marmite, the Christmas Box (Sarcococca) has a strong, somewhat yeasty, and potentially Marmite-like scent, which some people find unpleasant.

Hurrah for artificial intelligence which has put the record straight!

That's a relief, thank you Martin and thank you AI. I was about to suggest Sarcococca, but felt I was alone ( I do have a strange nose :lol: ).
I find the scent of Sarcococca an intoxicating mix of stale brewery residue with a hint of cat pee... marmite?..maybe. Thankfully mine has just about finished flowering and I can finally venture back into that corner of the garden.

John you are not alone. I hate the smell of it. I have to also avoid certain parts of the garden when the Dracunculus is out, luckily very short lived. Strangely though, I love the smell of tomatoes and chrysanthemums.

Prompt replacement received from Suttons.



Potted up and in the tunnel. A bit small to plant out yet.

Chad