Martha's Bloom Report

4/15/15 MARTHA’S BLOOM REPORT:

I seem to be concentrating on the Crosby Perennial Bed 1 in the last few reports, but that’s where the action is . . . Baptisia hybrid Carolina Moon (False Indigo) is in bloom – this is a natural hybrid and does not set seeds. It is a magnificent sight when blooming and then has the good manners to die back in mid-summer – not to be seen until next spring. Growing right beside the Baptisia is a good stand of Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic). This blooms off-and-on throughout the summer and is a truly bullet-proof plant. The only drawback that I can see is that when you are working in and around it the garlic odor can overwhelm you!! Mentioned before in previous reports, were the Serissa foetida (Serissa) and Osmanthus fragrans (Tea Olive). Both are still in bloom and worth your attention. Serissa derives its name from the rotten smell of its bark and roots when they are crushed or cut and foetida is literally 'foul-smelling' in Latin. The Tea Olive derives its name from the sweet aroma of its blossoms. These also go under the “bullet proof” label.

In Mary’s Butterfly garden, you should pay particular attention to the Angelonia angustifolia which has recently been planted there. Often called Summer Snapdragon because it will last in the summer without fading away as would “real” Snapdragons. The current hybrids are much improved over those in past years and are available in white, lavender, and pink.

In the Potager Garden the Punica granatum (Dwarf Pomegranate) will catch your eye immediately. It is supposed to thrive in hot, dry weather – so be careful where you plant it in our humid wet climate – find a high and dry spot !!

Again, our faithful Aloe vera (Aloe) is in showy bloom behind the kiosk. This thing blooms off and on – I don’t think it has a “season” - wonderfully orange and tall.

Mary Forester

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