Summer 2013 story....

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Dr sb its single but When it comes to Gardenia we are looking really for the fragrance. How is its fragrance? Great job you are keeping this acidic loving plant so green on our soil. Is this Gardenia locally available.

[aykhan]

Fragrance is good Khan saheb and with this one I never really had a yellow leaf problem despite minimal use if iron. I have nit seen this locally but never know when a container will come from Thailand and this will be in out market. Khan Saheb I saw azalea at Abbas nursery here. Very beautiful but Rs 1500 for a small bush.

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Dr sb Azalea does not survive in our hot climate.I am sure this may be fresh import. In my early days i have tried this plant.Very good at Abbottabad but a failure at Islamabad. I am waiting for this Gardenia may be i can find it in near future in the local market.

[aykhan]

Don't worry Khan Saheb I will propagate this gardenia for you once I am able to air layer it. So far it is very slow growth and has been the only gardenia I have not been able to take cuttings off. It's natural shape is quite beautiful and doesn't even need pruning or tip removal so far but hopefully next season I might be able to remove a part without de-shaping the plant. I will try to post complete picture if plant for you.

[aykhan]

Gardenia nitida bush

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

The shrub is so beautiful.Don,t air layer cause it destroys the shape of the plant.

[aykhan]

Khan Saheb sometimes plants need pruning to shape and I'm sure this shrub too will give me an opportunity sometime.

[Kaleem]

I second khan sahib's recomandations for Azaleas, our hot weather is not suitable for this plant. In the start of my gardening ,I have tried this plant but did not succeed.
Azaleas are also available in Islamabad for Rs:1500 but I know buying of this plant is a trade of lose.

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

At this point of the year Kaleem sb many nursery men make money just by fooling the gardening lovers.They grow many plants like Cyclamen, Fuschia,Hydrangea, Decorative Dahlia, Prime roses at Murree & bring it for sale to our cities to sale it out.Many people are impressed & purchase these plants without knowing the requirmrnts of the plants.They spend so many to get rear plants which they may loose in March. Some nurseries offer fresh imported plants like African Violets, Orchids, Azaleas, Hydrangeas which do not survive in our climate.All these beauties are really for our gardeners from hilly areas.Yes African violets & Orchids are for Karachi.

[aykhan]

Agreed Khan Saheb. Another reason why I always want to know ID of plants.