Coming across a brightly coloured flower, standing out in a harsh stoney environment does bring a smile. This Calendula or Pot marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family and has the typical daisy flower head. Native of southern Europe it now cultivated for gardens across the world and has uses other than its obvious ornamental value.
It has uses in the kitchen as parts are edible, such as the petals can be used in salads. It has uses in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and has skin healing properties. Compounds from Calendula can be found in cosmetics too, but can cause an allergic reaction.
Hemp-agrimony – (Eupatorium cannabinum, family: Asteraceae), also known as holy rope. This tall hemp-like flowering perennial plant certainly makes an attractive sight but is also a favourite with the butterflies. Native to most of Europe, NW Africa and Central Asia it is part of the large Asteraceae or daisy family.
Although called a ‘hemp’ and the Latin name suggests a link to the Cannabis plants they are not closely related and not used in the same way. They do have a history of medicinal use as anti-inflammatory and for healing wounds. Otherwise an attractive flowering plant.
It is not often that I see a large yellow flower in a tree in my neck of the woods. So to see this Fremontodendron californicum or California flannelbush is a real surprise and treat. The leaves are there but quite sporadic giving the flowers plenty of room to shine.
California flannelbush, Fremontodendron californicum, is a striking shrub or tree identified by its vibrant yellow flowers and unusual fuzzy foliage. It is very tolerant to dry spells and doesn’t need watering in summer once established. It prefers full sun with well drained soil on the acidic side.
The May Beetle, just spotted it on 31st May or tomorrow it would be the June Bug. This one was shaded from the sun under a leaf of the rose bush. It was eating away at the bush but not a real cause for concern. The Green Fly and Black Fly, and other diseases are much more damaging as they attack the new growth and damage the developing Rose flower head.
How Do I get Rid of May Beetles?
No need. Unless they are in such numbers as to cause real damage, just leave them be. They are harmless, do not bite or sting, nor carry any specific disease to worry about.
May Beetle taxonomy
The May Beetle is known as the Common Cockchafer in its native Europe. It is part of the family Scarabaeidae or Beetle family that contains more than 35,000 species, ofter referred to as Scarabs. Its scientific name is the Melolontha melolontha.
Saponaria ocymoides, commonly known as rock soapwort, basil soap-wort or tumbling Ted, has done well this year in the sunny, dry spring. These plants can keep on going for years without either flourishing or dying. Then one year they seem to excel as they find the climate and environment just right. That has happened this year with my Saponaria ocymoides. It has excelled in the sunny dry spring that we have recently experienced.
Saponaria ocymoides: Ideal for Rock Gardens or Gravel Gardens
Its low-growing nature makes it perfect for spreading out to fill in gaps between rocks while providing an colourful display of flowers and a healthy green foliage that look good against any stony ground cover. This perennial is not only hardy but also thrives in well-drained soils, making it a preferred plant for gardeners interested in creating a low-maintenance yet visually stunning landscape.
As we experience a change in the climate we may have to go from the lush green herbaceous borders to a more mediterranean style. Using rock and gravel to cover areas around the garden. Plants like Saponaria ocymoides will fit the bill perfectly for such a garden.
The plant typically blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing clusters of pink flowers that can attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its striking appearance combined with its ability to thrive in dry conditions makes it an excellent addition to any rock garden.
When selecting the right location for your Saponaria ocymoides, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, enjoying at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining. While it tolerates poor soils, it does not thrive in overly wet conditions, which can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with sand or gravel can enhance drainage, making it more suitable for this resilient species.
Achillea or Yarrow is a species of the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. It has many small flowers in a cluster at the top of a thin stalk arising from the base plant and extending high towards the sunlight. It is a native, common wild flower but has many species and cultivars to expand on the basic wild variety.
The name Achillea is from Greek mythology as the leaves were used to treat the wounds of Achilles’ Soldiers. It has many other common names that relate to its medicinal use to heal wounds and stop blood flow.
Achillea or Yarrow, when not in the wild, is a tall flowering plant used in borders of cottage or wildlife gardens. Due to its height and slender form it can compete for space and thrive alongside its neighbours. It best sits mid border and provides clusters of small colourful flowers, tightly packed and resilient. Without neighbouring plants to help it may need support to keep it up and looking its best.
In the natural form the flowers are usually white and clusters as a tightly packed head at the top of the rising stem. There is now a wide variety of colours, from deep reds and pinks through orange, yellow and white. Easy to grow perennial that will keep spreading over time.
The leaves are fern like or feathered, frilly or hairy, and mainly come from the base but also interspaced up the main shoot that holds the flower head at the top. These leaves are often aromatic and edible in small quantities.
Achillea or Yarrows are very tolerant border perennials that can do well in most situations but don’t like heavy, wet soil. They are native to more temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere.
There are more than 1000 named species, sub-species, or varieties assigned to the genus of Achillea. Two popular species are the Achillea millefolium, common yarrow, and the Achillea ptarmica, sneezewort. Generally, the millefolium has smaller and more tightly packed flower heads, whilst the ptarmica has larger more openly spread flower heads.
Achillea is a good plant to consider for not only its form and long flowering colourful displays, it is very attractive to insects that promote a wider pollination to improve biodiversity, but also has medicinal healing properties that have long been used to treat many different ailments.
May 1st opens with the flower that is often referred to as ‘May Blossom’ or simply, ‘May’. Found extensively in Europe the Common Hawthorn or Crataegus monogyna is part of the Rose family, Rosaceae.
Whilst the Hawthorn can grow into a tree of some 30+ feet, it is often used in hedges and trimmed annually to keep its size and shape. However, when allowed to grow into a row of trees, you get the wall of white blossom that looks so impressive. Hawthorne is good for the ecology providing for birds and insects alike.
