March GBBD Town Mouse

It's hard to believe, but it's bloom day again and Carol at May Dreams Gardens is inviting us to share this month's blooms.

I was actually worried that I wouldn't have a lot to show, so I planned on a post with close-ups and full plant photos. Turns out there's quite a bit after all, but now I have the photos, so here we go. Above, a Camelia I inherited from the previous owner, blooming its heart out. I love a plant that is green all year, has beautiful blossoms in the shade, and gets by with fairly little water once established. And here's the plant.

Also inherited from the previous owner, we have a white plant that blooms for months in early spring and fades into the background the rest of the year. Always cheers me up when the natives are still getting ready for the show. 

However, they really are getting ready in a big way. Just in tim for St. Patrick, we have Oxalis oregano (redwood sorrel). 

And it looks even better from further away. 

Also in part shade is Ceanothus Diamond Heights, one of the few Ceanothus that looks better when protected from noon and afternoon sun.

There's disagreement whether the lime green leaves and the light lilac blossoms "work." I actually don't mind, and figure this time of year, whatever might help out a bee looking for pollen is a good plant. But I bought it for the foilage (below in a black pot), and actually planted two in the ground last fall.  We'll see how that works out, they have a reputation for being challenging. 

As a Meditarrenean interlude, let me show you the daffodils. I completly ignore them in summer, and while I started with a mix, the little guys survived and thrive. Started blooming right after February bloom day, and will be done some time soon.

Interestingly, they bloom much earlier than my poppies. I just found the first blooming poppy in the garden last week. 

In contrast, the Sildacea malviflora (checkerbloom) has been blooming since October, and seems to be getting stronger and larger now that spring is coming. 

It definitely has the "wildflower look" and will look great when the clarkias start blooming. The bigger roundish leaves are the sildacea, the smaller, more yellow leaves are the clarkias.

In the front garden, Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet' is still going strong.

I'm always sorry that none of the Arctostaphylos (manzanita) are blooming when Going Native Garden Tour happens in mid-April. 

Also starring in this month's line-up we have the first monkey flower.

And the first blossom on Saliva leukophylla 'Pt Sal Spreader'. I wish I could share the fragrance...

But finally, the plant that's graced our banner this month, Ribes sanguineum glutinosum (pink flowering current). 

Planted in fall 2008, they have truly come into their own this spring and delight us with blossoms for months. Part shade, low water, and happy plants. 

And now, let's head over to Carol and see what everyone else has blooming in their gardens. Happy bloom day everyone!