Camassia quamash

Camassia quamash is a herbaceous perennial that resembles Bluebells and Hyacinth. That’s because it belongs to the same family Asparagaceae. Native of North America they are hardy in non-extreme climates. They readily spread if not contained to fill up any welcoming environment.

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Species

Names
Scientific name:	Camassia quamash
Common Names:	camash
Genus:	Camassia
Family:	Asparagaceae
Related Plants:	Bluebells, Hyacinth

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	chalky, sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid, neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Saxifraga cotyledon

Saxifraga cotyledon is a beautiful arctic-alpine flowering plant that grows in Iceland, Scandinavia the Alps and Pyrenees. The flowering stem comes from a rosette of furry succulent leaves in May or June, whilst other side rosettes await their turn. The red accented, white petals give a striking display in a sunny, well drained rocky environment.

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Species

Names
Scientific name:	Saxifraga cotyledon
Common Names:	Saxifraga ‘Southside Seedling’
Genus:	Saxifraga
Family:	Saxifragaceae
Related Plants:	Astilbe

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, chalky
Soil pH:	neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	well drained

Acacia dealbata – Silver or Blue Wattle – Mimosa

Acacia dealbata is a evergreen shrub or tree that will flower early in the growing season in warm and temperate climates.

Plant Family – Part of the Fabaceae family or Legume family that includes peas and beans.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to southeastern Australia.
Common Names – include Silver wattle, blue wattle or mimosa.
Flowers – The flowers are bright acid-yellow that grow in clusters of small round balls.
Foliage – The foliage is fern-like and green with a blue or silvery grey hue.
Height and Spread – these tree/shrubs can grow quickly to a height of 30 metres, or 100ft tall with an equally wide spread.
Position – These plants thrive in full sun with a well drained soil, more on the acidic side, but neutral is fine. This makes them ideal in a sunny but sheltered location with a southern aspect and a reasonably mild climate.

Overall, a striking plant that will look attractive all year round with a splash of colour in the early seasons.

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Species

Names
Scientific name:	Acacia dealbata
Common Names:	Silver Wattle, Blue Wattle, Mimosa
Genus:	Acacia
Family:	Fabaceae
Related Plants:	Legumes, peas and beans

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid, neutral
Moisture:	well drained

Callistemon or Red Bottlebrush Plant

Callistemon is a genus of exotic flowering plant from the Myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Commonly called the bottlebrush plant for obvious reasons.

Currently, there is a debate as to what plants should be specified as Callistemon and those that are a closely related genus, Melaleuca. It appears that on DNA evidence alone most Callistemons are in fact Melaleucas. This is disputed due to differences in physical make-up of the flowers. This has been going on for over 150 years so still a work in progress.

What is the difference between Melaleuca and Callistemon?

The two genus both belong to the Myrtaceae family but historically have been kept separate because of certain characteristics of the flower. In both cases they can look like a ‘bottlebrush’, ie. A brush for cleaning bottles with. The stamens growing in clumps from the central woody branch with just a small petal array at the base of each clump.

The melaleuca was defined by the difference that these multi-stamen flowers had stamen that are fused into small groups at the base, whilst Callistemon doesn’t. That isn’t a valid difference in every case. For instance Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) has stamen that are also fused into small groups at the base.

Recent use of DNA testing has shown that these two genera are more closely connected than was originally assumed. Most botanists will take one side or the other, follow the DNA or stick with the visible characteristics and keep the two genera separate. Where I live, if they look like a bottlebrush, they will be referred to as Bottlebrush for a long time to come.

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Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Callistemon
Common Names:	Bottlebrush
Genus:	Callistemon
Family:	Myrtaceae
Related Plants:	Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Myrtus (Myrtle), Pimenta (Allspice), Psidium (Guava), Syzygium (Clove)

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	weak-acid, neutral, weak-alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum or Japanese Maple provide excellent colour and structure to the garden. Green, yellow, orange to dark red, they help to break up a sea of greenery. Colours changing through the season and bare skeletons in the late autumn and winter months.

Here in our focus image, we have two similar but distinct varieties. The name palmatum comes from the similarity to the human hand or palm with leaves spread out like fingers. These fingers can be dissected as in the far Acer or doubly dissected as in the near Acer. The double dissection making the leaves like feathers.

There are also two basic structures here. The far Japanese Maple is an upright Acer, whilst the near is more of a weeping Acer. The weeping structure provides a pleasing dome shape to the plant.

Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple - two varieties

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Species

Names
Scientific name:	Acer palmatum
Common Names:	Japanese Maple
Genus:	Acer
Family:	Sapindaceae
Related Plants:	Acer, Maple, Sycamore

Growing Conditions
Position:	partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, chalky, peaty
Soil pH:	weak-acid, neutral
Moisture:	damp, well drained

Antirrhinum – Snapdragon – border annual for a blaze of colour

Antirrhinum, commonly known as snapdragons, are a bright, bold colourful flowering border plant. The name “snapdragon” comes from the unique shape of the flowers, which resemble the face of a dragon that “snaps” open and shut when squeezed. The name Antirrhinum comes from the Greek, anti or opposite (or fake) and rhinos or nose. So again being like an animal’s mouth.

Antirrhinum, or snapdragon, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. These plants are native to Europe, North America, and North Africa. Whilst they are generally annuals, some are perennials or even sub-shrubs. They generally have a long flowering season from early summer to mid-autumn. Flowers start to bloom from the bottom of a thick stem and continue to bloom right up to the top. To keep them looking their best you can dead-head regularly once the lower flowers are looking spent.

Names
Scientific name:	Antirrhinum
Common Names:	Snapdragon
Genus:	Antirrhinum
Family:	Plantaginaceae
Related Plants:	Digitalis (Foxgloves), Hebe, Penstemon

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, chalky, loamy
Soil pH:	slightly acid, neutral
Moisture:	moist, well drained

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Genus

Do snapdragons like shade or sun? The answer to that is more complex. They can tolerate full sun or partial shade, as long as it is not too harsh. They do not have resilience to hot and dry climates but rather they like cool sun, moisture but well drained.

They are also known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, so can add to the overall biodiversity of your garden or border. In addition to their ornamental appeal, snapdragons can serve practical functions in the garden. They can act as a natural deterrent for certain pests due to their strong scent. Planting them near vegetables or herbs can provide a natural repellent effect, thus protecting your crops. This symbiotic relationship between flowers and food plants can create a healthier garden ecosystem.

From a size perspective, they can range from 6 inches to 3-4 feet high. So choose your plants carefully, and plant in the right position to maximise the flowering display in relation tote other plants around them. Depending on how far back in the border they will be to give that layered look to the border. Dwarf varieties, of course, are perfect for the front of border.

As an annual plant, snapdragons usually complete their life cycle from seed to seed in one growing season. They can be used as cut flowers, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements. When cut, snapdragons can last up to two weeks in a vase, allowing their beauty to be enjoyed indoors as well.

Snapdragons can be grown from seeds, which should be sown indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, once the threat of frost has passed, they can be directly sown outdoors. Plants should be given adequately space to allow for their growth, typically around 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Modern varieties can be resilient but take care of aphids and diseases such as rust, mildew and wilt. Having Ladybirds/bugs around will help with the aphids. The diseases will require you planting in the right environment to control moisture and not spread disease from one plant to another. A correct balance of heat, breeze and moisture is important to avoid such disease.

Snapdragons are not just beautiful; they also have a rich history. Once a staple in English gardens, they were often used in herbal remedies. The flowers were believed to possess medicinal properties, and despite their beauty, they were a key ingredient in various potions. Today, they continue to symbolise grace and strength in floral arrangements, making them a favourite among florists and garden enthusiasts alike.

Gazania or African Daisy – Vibrant Hot Colours

Gazania or African Daisies are bold, bright flowers with hot colours that are suited to sunny, dry climates. Although being in the same family, they are a different genus to Osteospermum plants that are also commonly referred to as African Daisies. These plants are drought tolerant and like to have full sun to be at their best. Being in the shade will make the flowers close and may then grow thin taller stems unable to support the large flower head.