Snowdrops would be good for pollinators, but I don't think they would do well in the very sandy soil. Hopefully the scilla we planted should come through soon, though there is no sign yet.
Last year we had successions of iris retic in flower from January to June. Quite amazing really. And sedum flowering May to Dec.
Some years ago a group of us planted scilla bulbs under all the street trees on our road. Many of the tree beds are mashed by people treading all over them, but where they haven't, the scilla are bulking up. It's a lift to see the survivers boldly daring to flower each spring, despite the odds. Minimal foliage that dies back gracefully.
There is research here showing that Rozanne beat all others as the number one bee plant (partly because of its sterility, leading
to a very long flowering season). Ours started flowering in February this year in the main community plot and will probably go till November, offering very long season nectar.
Good to see Salvia greggii ‘Royal Bumble’ starting to flower under our street trees, adding a shot of colour to our local spring. If we don't don't prune them, they usually start in April. If we prune, they start in June/July. They are shaded by the London plane but they do ok.
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On the main pavement plot it's good to see the self seeders doing their thing (always a relief).
Nigella (Love in a Mist)
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Golden feverfew
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Poppies - not sure which type.
We put loads more seed down today and put in some scabious, nasturtium and Welsh poppy plants.
Thanks @Jellyfire - it's good to share the progress. It can get all a bit disheartnening otherwise. People stole a piece of sculpture in the next street tree bed, which is miz. It was wired into the ground with pegs, so it would have taken some effort to get it out. Just a little dragonfly, for the kids. It makes me wonder who would do such a thing.
Someone else trashed a beautiful little salvia on the main plot. It was Lemon Pie and doing well. It looks like someone rode a bike into it or someone drunk walked over it. The bed is surrounded by guard sticks, so you'd have to make a bit of an effort to walk into the flowers. It's had so many bits trodden on over the last two years that I don't think it will survive now.
For the record, I recommend Lemon Pie - the palest lemon flowers.
A whole team of neighbours were out this afternoon, nattering and scattering seed and that reminds me of the point too. It's good to see the kids enjoying the mushroom houses and the painted stones. Spending a few hours at the plot and chatting to passers by is like a shot in the arm. It all feels pointless and foolish until it doesn't.
There always have been and always will be those who spoil it for others, just think of all the pleasure it has brought to many more people than the mindless few. You’ve probably got both adults and children alike interested in gardening and nature, so for every setback you see on the street, there will be other things now growing tenfold in back gardens and future gardens. Give a man a fish etc…
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