Re: [aroid-l] Greetings

From: Dan Levin levin at pixar.com> on 2003.01.09 at 03:05:58(9784) Mike, Hope you're still out there, and a belated welcome to aroid-l. There are at least a few of us growing in Mediterranean climates; maybe even a few actually in the Mediterranean region! I'm north of you, in the east bay hills of the San Francisco area. I suspect my part of the world may be more influenced by the Pacific Ocean than yours, and undoubtedly a bit cooler all around (Sunset zone 16); but I can hopefully offer you some starting points at least. I'd be happy to share with you any information which might be helpful- perhaps this would best be addressed off list (?) due to the specificity of the topic. I will say there are many good sources for temperate growing aroids. Besides some great nurseries (Plant Delights, e.g.), you might consider joining the Arisaema Enthusiasts Group- who sponsor a seed bank; local/ regional botanical gardens often have plant sales; plus there are many members of the IAS who are willing to sell or trade plants and even a few members who are happy to give them away. Check out the IAS web site's section (scroll down) for one source list at: http://www.aroid.org/links/ The trick is knowing ahead of time which plants are most suitable- plus a willingness to experiment with your micro climes; keeping in mind that many high altitude "tropical" aroids can successfully be coerced to grow in our climate with a little TLC. Please feel free to drop me a line, and once again: welcome! -Dan Levin +More Masterson's wrote: > Hello to everyone on the Aroid-l list! I am new to the list and new to aroids. I am and have been a gardener at the San Diego Wild Animal Park for twenty-five years so I am not new to gardening. My interests in plant groups include palms, cycads, ferns, bulbs, and aloes. It is my interest in summer dormant aloes and bulbs that has led me here to the Aroid-l list. > > I would like very much to grow aroids in the ground here in Southern California. The species from the Mediterranean and Middle East are of the greatest interest to me. I believe I will have the most success with plants from a climate similar to mine. I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the outdoor cultivation of aroids in a Mediterranean climate. I have questions about exposure, summer irrigation, fertilizer, gopher protection, transplanting, etc. I am also wondering how best to acquire plants since almost none are available at local nurseries. Any help I can get will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much! > > Mike Masterson > Escondido, California

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