Paradise Regained

Believe it or not, these are birds of paradise seeds. Germination of these seeds is rated as "a challenge" and the packet notes "experience necessary".

Undaunted, I set to sowing them following the step by step guide:

1. Remove orange tuft.
2. Soak for up to 24 hours.
3. Press seeds into moist sand.
4. Place inside polythene bag.
5. Put in warm dark place.
6. Wait.

Remarkably, about six weeks later, the seeds have sprouted. I'm not really expecting my luck to hold on this front but I've potted them up in good seed compost and am now prepared to wait the four or more years that it may take for them to flower...

Watch this space!