Flowers
Flowers bring ever-changing colour and scent to a garden. They can be appreciated in the garden or cut and brought indoors. Some flowers are even edible (see below).
Flowers for a Garden in a Term
- Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
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Sow on open ground from March through April. Germination occurs in 2 weeks and the bright yellow or orange flowers appear in June or July. The petals are edible and make a colourful addition to meals, sprinkled on top of salads or soups.
- Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
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Sow on open ground in April. Germination occurs in 2 weeks and bright blue flowers appear from June through September. The long stems make excellent cut flowers.
- Baby's Breath (Gypsophyla sp. – annual variety)
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Sow on open ground in April. Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks and single, delicate white flowers appear from June through August on wiry stems. The long stems make excellent cut flowers. Varieties include ‘Elegans Covent Garden’.
- Poached Egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii)
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Sow on open ground in April. Germination occurs in 2 weeks and yellow-and-white flowers appear from June through August. Limnanthes douglasii is known as the ‘poached egg plant’ because of its yellow-and-white flowers.
- Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
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Sow on open ground in April. Germination occurs in 3-4 weeks and vibrant yellow flowers, red flowers and orange flowers appear from June through August. Varieties include the compact bush form ‘Tom Thumb’ and the long, trailing form ‘Gleam Hybrids Mix’. Nasturtium flowers are also edible, having a peppery taste, and can used sparingly on salads for added colour.
Idea for Discussion
Planting flowers, vegetables and herbs in patterns can create a picture on the ground, like a quilt or a parterre. Think about colours and shapes that look well together or colours and shapes that ‘clash’ dramatically and excitingly.