Spring Marches On 29 March 2024

Although, we are not completely without frost risk until the 15th of April, the long range 10 day forecast is reassuring that there will be none. I have felt comfortable enough to begin plantings some of the hardier plants like snapdragon, yarrow and cleome. I have uppotted some tomatoes and peppers. They will be planted over the next 10 days.

Last years’ geraniums are trimmed and ready for setting out in containers. I have sunflowers, Mexican hat and zinnias ready to be set into the ground. It is a busy and exiting time.

It is Easter week and soon to be Master’s week, so I have some photos to go along with those themes.

The azaleas are in full bloom. I have some kurume type (coral bells) which are really beautiful and this one is a larger leaf evergreen variety which I am unable to name.

The spiderwort is a native which can be unruly but this grouping has kept by its manners.

The Columbine just began blooming this week alongside its native relative (Aquilegia canadensis).

Every Saturday morning, a group of gardeners from around the world post 6 photos for the week. It is a very interesting experience. Come join us and see for yourselves. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk.

The first two photos are of a Hyacinth orchid which is a terrestrial type of the genus Bletilla. This was a gift to me of several years ago. This spring, I refreshed the soil with a topping of compost and I edged the bed with stone. For this, the reward has been an abundance of beautiful blooms.

The Virginia bluebells (Mertensia Virginia) have also benefitted from the removal of some Southern shield ferns that had invaded the bed.

Finally, I found this little salamander friend as I was working yesterday. He was still a little sluggish and allowed me to get him to pose for this picture.

Happy Gardening!!


Comments

14 responses to “Spring Marches On 29 March 2024”

  1. I picked up a Mexican Hat plant cutting last year and am wondering if it can go in my garden or if I need to keep it warmer in my climate. I assume it likes a sunny spot? And I think the garden that gave the cuttings grew it outside, but I can’t be sure.

    1. It is a summer full sun bloomer here. It tolerates heat and even a little drought.

      1. Lovely thanks for the tips.

  2. The last risk of frost is around April 15 for you while mine is later around early May. The bletilla is gorgeous , I think I have the same variety but which only comes out of the ground.

    1. It really came into its own this spring. It is colonizing.

  3. The Hyacinth Orchids are very pretty. Love the Woodland Salamander.

    1. I am always careful clearing out leaf litter. In one occasion, I uncovered a copperhead (nasty fellow). This little guy was very docile.

      1. Yikes – a copperhead? I guess one needs to rake carefully. I have yet to run across a poisonous snake, and hope to keep it that way!

      2. I am usually very cautious in these areas so I thought. I keep a little rake with me now. I shuffle and rustle to warn them of my presence.

  4. Nice salamander! So glossy black. We had a nice azalea season in Seattle. Spring was so great there, flowering cherry, azaleas, various bulbs and flowering plants that cascaded over rock walls. Sigh. Even my rhubarb is still in a holding pattern. Bound to change soon!

  5. Oh, it would be lovely to know that frost risk would be over in a few weeks time! For us it’s mid-late May (although the past couple of years the end of May has quite been warm and sunny). We have a short growing season here. But the main thing is, you’re organised for it. That is such a pretty azalea, thick with blooms. I like your Hyacinth Orchid with those slender stems and very pretty flowers. I can’t say your woodland salamander is beautiful, but as long is it’s not harmful, I’d let it stay! 😁

  6. We have to wait until mid May before we are free of frost, but who knows, with global warming maybe it will get earlier each year. Lovely to see your Azalea and Hyacinth Orchid, very pretty. I like your Salamander too, I’m sure it gobbles up lots of nasties!

  7. The colour of the Hyacinth Orchid is lovely. Not so sure about the Salamander though

  8. You seem to be well ahead with your seed sowing. I am only just starting here and won’t plant out until end of May probably. The salamander is great find, helpful that you knew what is was. The hyacinth orchids are very pretty.

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