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 Γ 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.
I have grown borage form seed this year, so it isn’t anywhere near yours yet. The restio shoots look exciting, what are they growing up through? Is that part of them or another plant?
I didn’t have any success growing Borage last year. I must try again in a different spot. Looking forward to seeing the Yarrow in full bloom and I’m glad you’d had some rain.
I only had to sow Borage once, now I have to pull out dozens of seedlings each year! The flowers are lovely and attract the bees, but they do grow into huge plants! The flowers are pretty in ice cubes to garnish a G&T π
Spring rain, Yay. Things are looking refreshed. I need to try borage again, the rabbits ate mine, blasted things. I want to see the Restio when it opens, that looks cool.
I will be sure to revisit it. Just went to botanical gardens in Redding, CA, where I saw more different kinds of restios to add to my list to look out for at nurseries and plant sales.
I looked a bit longingly at Baloskion tetraphyllus in a local nursery earlier in the week, another restio. It’s tempting to think that one is much like another but I’m not sure that’s true and if I’m going to get another (I grew Elegia capensis years back) I want to get the right one. That salvia looks rather tasty, I must look that up too.
Love the white sage! I only ever knew it as a Southern California scrub land plant, but it is so pretty and smells great! I have never planted borage, but my first community garden plot had some and it will certainly spread, but it was always thick with bees!
I have grown borage form seed this year, so it isn’t anywhere near yours yet. The restio shoots look exciting, what are they growing up through? Is that part of them or another plant?
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It’s part of the same plant.
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It’s good to see the manzanita again, which I didn’t know before your first post. Keep us posted on progress.
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I didn’t have any success growing Borage last year. I must try again in a different spot. Looking forward to seeing the Yarrow in full bloom and I’m glad you’d had some rain.
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“you’ve had” even.
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I only had to sow Borage once, now I have to pull out dozens of seedlings each year! The flowers are lovely and attract the bees, but they do grow into huge plants! The flowers are pretty in ice cubes to garnish a G&T π
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That’s a great idea!
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Spring rain, Yay. Things are looking refreshed. I need to try borage again, the rabbits ate mine, blasted things. I want to see the Restio when it opens, that looks cool.
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I will be sure to revisit it. Just went to botanical gardens in Redding, CA, where I saw more different kinds of restios to add to my list to look out for at nurseries and plant sales.
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I looked a bit longingly at Baloskion tetraphyllus in a local nursery earlier in the week, another restio. It’s tempting to think that one is much like another but I’m not sure that’s true and if I’m going to get another (I grew Elegia capensis years back) I want to get the right one. That salvia looks rather tasty, I must look that up too.
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Just looked up the Baloskion tetraphyllus – it’s a beauty. I am impressed by your self-restraint.
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Love the white sage! I only ever knew it as a Southern California scrub land plant, but it is so pretty and smells great! I have never planted borage, but my first community garden plot had some and it will certainly spread, but it was always thick with bees!
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Such lovely textures in your garden! β€ Love the lavatera too, I want to grow more of them in my garden.
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Interesting about borage, I only have wild strawberries but might even give that a go.
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