Early summer blues

PLANTS BEARING blue flowers seem to predominate in the early summer months. Many of them tend to be invasive. Love in a Mist (Nigella damascina), although an annual, self seeds readily.

The pretty blue-flowered Gromwell (Lithodora diffusa), sends long trails of flowering stems rambling through the beds in Spring.

Blue Lobelia erinus, although an annual, grows prolifically in November and December from seed shed last year. It has appealingly minute flowers of intense blue and looks very well closely planted in pots.

A pretty blue non-invasive species native to all states, Blue Pincushion (Brunonia australis) is common in Northern Tasmania. It is frequently found growing amongst Black Peppermint trees (Eucalyptus amygdalina).

Delphinium grandiflorum, the perennial Blue Delphinium (pictured), is supreme among blue flowering garden plants.

Frost hardy but drought tender, Delphiniums needs lots of old animal manure, dug in before planting.,

The gardens at old Wesley Dale are resplendent with Delphiniums in late November/ early December.

In the vegie garden

Sow seeds of beetroot and silver beet, all of the brassicas, potato tubers, pumpkins, and zucchi- nis. (Although in frosty districts, it is too late for potatoes.)

If frosts are expected, it is wise to throw covers over pumpkins overnight or hose them before sun-up. (It’s the warmth of the sun melting the frozen sap which causes the damage and resultant rot.)