The Garden Bench Diary April
Primula veris – Cowslip
A sign of spring is a popular wildflower the Primula, Cowslip. These days I suspect they have been planted purposefully rather than by natural seeding. Still, nice to see in the meadows and wilded areas of suburbia. Just one of many plants that are hanging on as the climate changes. The name seems a little strange but as they are to be found thriving where the cows are manuring the meadow. It is derived from the old English name for what is often called ‘cow pats’.
Plant of the Week – Pieris japonica
Pieris japonica Spring brings some vivid colour to our gardens. Red foliage can be seen on many plants. One of the best plants for red is the Pieris japonica or Andromedas. The early foliage starts out deep red and mellows to yellow and then green. Best suited to partial shade woodland areas, this acid soil loving plant will thrive with little effort.