As the reader, you probably don't realize that these articles are written 3 months ahead of time to allow for all the mechanics of publishing; normally not a problem but writing for January in October gets tricky. Who knows what our rainy season will be as of this writing? It could be normal allowing for intermittent gardening, or it could be an El Niño "frog choker" and you are fishing from your living room couch! That said, let's take a stab at the former and welcome in the season with Primula. With various species readily available, Primula vulgaris - English Primrose - is a welcome burst of color to usher out the last dark of winter. Perennial, often treated as an annual in hotter parts of the west, it has wide dark green leaves to 8" long resembling romaine lettuce. Simple flowers rise proudly on stems above the ground hugging foliage. The color range is a riot of brightness and energy in yellow, red, blue, white, brown, bronze, and wine; many are bi-colored as well. They will thrive in full sun in the cooler and coastal areas even remaining evergreen. In warmer climes they prefer a light shade or dappled sunlight. Rich, well draining soil and regular waterings suit them best. Primrose is an excellent choice for lining pathways, edging borders, in woodland or rock gardens, and containers as well. As much as I love fishing, I hope you're planting!
color to usher out the last dark of winter. Perennial, often treated as an annual in hotter parts of the west, it has wide dark green leaves to 8" long resembling romaine lettuce. Simple flowers rise proudly on stems above the ground hugging foliage. The color range is a riot of brightness and energy in yellow, red, blue, white, brown, bronze, and wine; many are bi-colored as well. They will thrive in full sun in the cooler and coastal areas even remaining evergreen. In warmer climes they prefer a light shade or dappled sunlight. Rich, well draining soil and regular waterings suit them best. Primrose is an excellent choice for lining pathways, edging borders, in woodland or rock gardens, and containers as well. As much as I love fishing, I hope you're planting!
