Does anyone know anything about gardening?

I have a geranium here which is flourishing, doing super well, only problem is the flowers are all split and thin and odd. Do we think this is caused by a 'pest' or disease, or just a genetic fault? Wondering if I should just dig it up and start again. I have another healthy one - see the difference.

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It looks healthy, perhaps it's just a mutation?

That was my first thought. Hoping there was a chance I could 'fix' it but it does seem unlikely

Yes, looks like that's just how it is.

I'd consider replacing with a more attractive variety.

I've got a couple of quite nice bluish - purple ones, will post a photo later.

Load of small plain green caterpillars on a rose. Leave alone? There's a fair amount of rose leaves to get through.

Or they accidentally gave you another variety as some "official" ones look like that.

I have the "normal" one in the garden, tough wee plant. Lots of choice on eBay if you want to swap it. Maybe someone will take it for their garden.

From a bit more research I think I've been accidentally sold geranium x oxonianum 'sherwood' instead of geranium x oxoanium 'wargrave pink', which the other normal looking one is. I'll get another of those to replace it most likely.

That and geranium Anne Thompson (a much more vibrant magenta) are my favourites of the ones I've tried so far.

Coupe of pics - unfortunately can't remember what these are called.

Focus is all wrong - was leaning in to avoid crunching anything.

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Helped the local conservation group, scored a geranium.

I also have a purple and a light pink one, tempted to get a lot of varieties. Too bad they aren't evergreen.

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.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/03/eva-wiseman-lawns-are-such-a-yawn-isnt-it-time-to-rethink-our-patch-of-green*

Speaking of lawns, I put some grass seed down a few weeks ago and it has done sod all. Should I just put some more down? Does it need a load of water to even germinate?

I'm not after the perfect lawn, just something non-muddy suitable for the odd barbecue and a small child playing.

there's not been much rain - probably needs more watering.

Left , on Rightmove in October 2019. Right, last week.... #gardening

https://mobile.twitter.com/PBProjects/status/1543353820167766016

that's great :)

Love it! :)

Bit like reading a Clarkson article without the wit.

When only something like 2% of England is built on, I really can't see how peoples lawns matter. They're a great space to chill on, play with your kids on, have seating or standing on over a bbq. The green looks nice and cools the garden space down.

I really never really get this whole being triggered by lawns thing. Golf courses, yeah. But for 99% of people with children (who probably make up the majority of lawn-cunts in the 'burbs) it is an excellent choice.

lawns are fine, have some lawn. but have some not lawn, too.

Anyway....

Since writing off my wild flower patch in favour of Wendy House and jungle forest area, all the wild flowers have come up!

Not complaining tho as it looks rather nice at the moment.

Will also hold off on any more planting until next year so I can see how the space develops and is used.

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awesome :)

Cheers.

I'm really pleased. It's done something with a bit of the garden that's been neglected since our lovely ornamental cherry passed.

Before:

^altho in fairness that was a dull time of year

what did for your cherry?

I've been contemplating digging up the fig tree and putting in a winter flowering cheery in its place.

In this corner. There's a magnolia grandiflora behind there too, but everything is getting covered in the neighbour's russian vine. I must do something about that.

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Big up everyone’s gardens. All looking lovely .
That your fig tree, Chas?