Garden Diary: March in Bloom

In between writing this post, I am dodging the showers to take photographs. Yes, hopefully, the much-needed rain has finally arrived.

March is one of my favourite months as most of my resident plants, cacti and shrubs flower before the heat of summer when colour and interest is mainly provided by the usual suspects such as trailing petunias. However, I suspect this year will be a little different as all my gardening challenges and pot space will be focused on growing vegetables.

March is also the time to enjoy the magnificent display of wildflowers that inhabit the local countryside. I call it God’s Garden. However, my plan to take the camera for a drive, stop and photograph various species of wildflowers growing in our local area to feature in this weeks’ SoS was thwarted by the implementation of the state of emergency. We are not allowed to leave our property without good reason.

1.  Pot Marigold

I grew this pot marigold from seed last year after going to visit a herb farm. After the tour, a delicious vegetarian meal was served and the hostess sprinkled marigold petals on the green salad to add colour. As well as using marigolds to add colour to the salad, I’ve also been told they are a good companion plant for carrots as they deter whitefly. Has anyone else heard this or is it an old wive’s tale?

 

2. Nasturtiums

I only rediscovered nasturiums last year when the leaves, flowers and seed pods were used as a greed salad edible decoration. I was dubious at first, but they are delicious!

3.Gazania

Aren’t these just the most amazing flowers? Unfortunately when they die down in the heat of summer the leaves brown off and the plants resemble birds nests.

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4. Bird of paradise – Strelitzia reginae

The first time I saw these flowers was on a holiday to Maderia back in the 1990’s. when holiday makers were bringing single-stems home in a display box .I never thought for a minute I’d be growing my own.

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5. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’

This is one of my favourite shrubs. I love the red leaves in winter which then make way for the glorious display of white flowers in March.

6. Bougainvillaea

The first time I saw a bougainvillaea it was love at first sight! We cut this right back at the beginning of winter and thanks to a long period of sunny weather we are rewarded with a wonderful display of flowers. As you can see in this photograph the clouds are crowding out the blue sky in preparation for another downpour.

 

That’s it from me for this week so why not pop over to the propagator’s blog to check out some other gardening bloggers.