Six on Saturday: April 23

I am joining the Propagator and other gardeners from around the world for another Six.

The recent rain has been such a relief after our dry winter and early spring. The water level in the creek is higher; the garden is looking refreshed; the mountains are lush with spring growth, and their heights are snowy. The festive blooms of madrones festoon the freeway. Manzanita blooms have faded, their bell shapes replaced by plump berries – green with a tinge of deep red. The frost-free days of early summer are almost upon us.

Borage (Borago officinalis), being grown as a companion plant for strawberries, having read claims that they improve the flavor of the berries. Last year, these self-seeded generously. I potted most of the progeny, fearing they wouldn’t make it through the winter. Those I left in place not only survived, but fared significantly better than those sheltered in the mini greenhouse. I am delighted by the profusion of blooms and hope that the bees are, too. There are so many flowers I can almost bring myself to harvest some for use as a lovely, edible garnish.

Yarrow (Achillea x ‘Moonshine) with its furry buds beginning to open into sulferous yellow flowers.

The aforementioned manzanita (Arctostaphylos) berries. I would like to try propagating this plant.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) blossom and developing fruit. In the foreground, newly laid soaker hose and side dressing of manure.

The white sage (Salvia apiana) has put on significant growth this spring.

Giant cape restio (Rhodocoma capensis). Despite being stressed by freezing temperatures and hastily transplanted into a barrel to benefit from the warmth of the house earlier this spring, the restio is putting out new growth – the lovely reed-like spears from which its lime green, feathery foliage will unfurl.

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