March has departed in a highly leonine fashion here, with a roar of winds, fluctuating temperatures, sun and clouds and sun and clouds, and plummeting humidity. Nevertheless, it has been a beautiful month in the garden, as cold gave way to warmth and ample sunlight. Everything is still feasting on the extra rain we received in January and February, no small gift in a desert garden!
The month began with Narcissus...
...and it is ending in a burst of poppies of various sorts.
In between, there has been bloom from freesias...
...and a host of lavender flowers.
Throughout, the silvery-purply blue of Alyogyne huegelii graced the bottom of the North Border.
Beginning mid-month, Berlandiera lyrata began to bloom, heralding a long season of chocolate scent as I walk past in the mornings.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) is in its full burst of spring color, almost obscuring the fragrant foliage...
...while its near neighbor Tetraneuris acaulis (foreground, below) finally returned to flower this month after entirely disappearing in a winter muddle of shrivelling leaves with rabbit-nipped ends. It is normally evergreen in this garden, and I've not seen it do this before. I was worried I might need to replace it; but no fear, here it is again, apparently all the better for a winter snooze.
Unexpected success has occured with Dutch Iris "Blue Magic". Kris's suggestion of a little more water seems to have turned the tide, so to speak; and I now have bloom stalks fully loaded with rich blue.
In addition to the poppies, annuals have included Calendula...
...and plenty of Cerinthe major purpurea, here with Salvia farinacea, which is perennial in this garden.
There are more residents of the garden now, not only plants. Quite a few have wings of one sort...
...or another!
And now there are promises for April. Below are buds on Hippeastrum "Ambiance", Ornithogalum arabicum, and Trichocereus grandiflorus...
...just as the roses begin to bloom. Here are Mister Lincoln and The Alnwick Rose.
Happy April!
Weather Diary: Sunny with light clouds; High: 67 F (19 C)/Low: 48 F (9 C); Humidity: 20%-70%
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Kris P (Saturday, 01 April 2017 19:16)
April is off to a great start in your garden, Amy! We have considerable overlap in terms of our blooming plants at the moment - and similar weather conditions! I'm glad you were able to get your Dutch Iris to bloom.
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Saturday, 01 April 2017 20:29)
Yes, it does seem like our weather and plants are at about the same point for once, Kris! After this experience with the irises, I suspect that water may be my problem with some other bulbs - the types whose foliage looks good, but they never bloom... Maybe I should have been grateful to the Ranunculus for leaving me in no doubt when they needed moisture! ;-)
αγγελικη γκονη (Saturday, 01 April 2017 21:45)
χρωματικη μαγεια!!!!!!
καλο μηνα γλυκια μου Amy, παντα η καρδια σου να εχει ανοιξη!!!!
αγγελικη
Cathy (Sunday, 02 April 2017 13:11)
Your photos are lovely Amy! The poppies are so very pretty, and that iris is gorgeous! Happy April!
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Sunday, 02 April 2017 16:20)
Many, many thanks, dear Aggeliki!!! I am delighted with the many colors of spring this year :) Wishing you a beautiful and bountiful month of April!!!
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Sunday, 02 April 2017 16:23)
Thank you so much, Cathy! I'm doubly thrilled about the iris since I've wanted to add more but, of course, only if they will bloom...! Hope you are well over your cold and can enjoy the season! Happy April!
Anna (Monday, 03 April 2017 14:33)
so lovely! The poppies are gorgeous ...
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Monday, 03 April 2017 17:37)
Thank you so much, Anna! It's wonderful to be able to grow the poppies :)
Diana Studer (Sunday, 09 April 2017 16:29)
Now we are collecting grey water
I have to find plants that would like more water please.
In theory, I have a row of white iris, and another of yellow.
But. No flowers. Perhaps your trick will work here too.
Amy@smallsunnygarden (Friday, 14 April 2017 12:58)
Diana - So sorry I missed your comment so long! Perhaps the irises will be the perfect solution and vice versa. I'm hoping this will prove the answer to a number of bulbs that have grown well but have been shy of flowering!