sorry and thank you

[leifus]

Sorry that i have so many flowers to identify (see previous threads) but thank you for any ideas you may have

[Bub-les]

As far as I am concerned no apology is necessary I like the chance to try and hopefully improve my ID skills especially with plants I do not get the chance to see as they may either be rare or non-existent over here. So thank you and continue posting.
Barbara

[Gill Catton]

gosh no don't apologise I love a plant ID request gives me a chance to test my id skills too (which really aren't that great!)

[RobSutton]

Yes no apologies needed but something that may help people identify things is some idea of geographic location, habitat, what other plants are around and if possible whether on acid or more neutral soil.

[leifus]

Thanks - I'll mention that next time

[Bub-les]

Could you also include a full pic of the leaf showing tip and how attached to the stem, some idea of size would be useful and maybe a side view. All would help with the more difficult ones.
Barbara

[rscott74]

As someone who submits quite a few ID requests I can understand where leifus is coming from but accept that folks are happy to help. I realise that good images are essential paticularly of flower from different angles plus leaf and stem. I also try to take at least one pic with the flower against a measue - I carry rulers cut to 10 cm lengths.

How do you test for acid or nuetral soil? I've never thought about that and have only recently realised the importance of smell.

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by rscott74

........

How do you test for acid or nuetral soil? I've never thought about that and have only recently realised the importance of smell.

I don't think you need to go to the lengths of testing it you can tell by what sort of plants are growing there - things like heather, for instance, will tell you it's an acid soil. The other clues can come from knowing a little bit about the geology of the area. If the underlying rock is slate or granite or glacial sands and gravels then the soil is likely to be acidic. If there is chalk or limestone underneath then the soils will be calcareous.

Don't forget taste as well some plants have distinct tastes - eg Sweet Vernal Grass

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by rscott74

How do you test for acid or nuetral soil? I've never thought about that and have only recently realised the importance of smell.

Garden centres sell soil pH meters if you want one.

[Bub-les]

Originally Posted by RobSutton

Don't forget taste as well some plants have distinct tastes - eg Sweet Vernal Grass

Please be very careful with tasting make absolutely sure its not one of the poisonous plants.
Barbara

[rscott74]

Thanks for bits of advice however I think I'll leave tasting to one side for the moment!