March weather was a mix of freezing temperatures followed by milder wet conditions. April could have blustery gales and rain showers in store – or the wind may turn easterly and bring snow showers!
It is time to think ahead and plan the summer garden.
Returning to a favourite theme – growing a range of pretty annuals for the borders, window boxes and pots. These could be Nasturtiums, Violas, pot Marigold – and the veg plant Courgette.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) is eye catching in the flower bed, vegetable plot or container. The cheery blooms come in a range of bright colours from gold, orange to deep red. Both leaves and flowers are edible and have a strong, peppery flavour. Use the young flowers, once picked float them in a bowl of water (face up). They can be sprinkled over a green salad.
Pot Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) produce vibrant orange flowers. The petals have a peppery flavour and are scattered over salad or summer soup. Sow seeds in pots on the window sill, plant out seedlings from mid-May. Calendula needs full sun and a rich, well-drained soil.
Heartsease (Viola tricolour) has charming little purple and lemon flowers and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
For more information about edible flowers and where to buy (if you don’t grow them) nurturedinnorfolk.co.uk
Courgettes are easy to grow needing a rich soil and a sunny spot.
They’ll thrive in grow bags or a large container – and these plants can be extremely productive; two plants could supply courgettes all summer for a family.
The flowers can be stuffed with a filling, battered and fried in butter or olive oil. Sow seeds either in pots on the window sill or directly where you plan to grow them (containers or ground) in May.
Courgettes have large yellow-orange blooms, the vegetable forms from the female flowers (with the bump at the base). Leave these and use the male flowers to eat (wash and remove stamens before cooking).
Where to find Courgette seeds mr-fothergills.co.uk
Be cautious when considering eating flowery food – make sure you know they are exactly the correct plant species.
No pesticides should be used on the plant and always wash flowers carefully before use. If in doubt always consult a specialist reference book and if you still can’t identify – don’t eat or take chances.
If you have pollen allergies or health issues best not to eat edible flowers – just delight in growing them.
As spring gathers apace look out for some of the (non-edible) flowering shrubs and trees that are coming into bloom during April – they will soon fill the garden with colour and scents. These include Magnolia, Lilac, ornamental Cherry, Clematis armandii, Mock Orange – and the spring bulbs