Nigella

     Nigella, also called Love-in-a-Mist, is a pretty annual flower that grows to about 18 to 24 inches high and has airy looking foliage. It self seeds itself readily, so if you don't want hundreds of seedlings, take care to cut off the some of the seed pods, especially if they hang over a path where you do not want them to grow. This will also keep it blooming for a longer time. They prefer full sun but will also do okay with part shade and are not picky about soil. Some people dry the seed pods and use them in flower arrangements. They come in shades of blue, purple, white and pink, in singles and doubles and everything in between. This is the first year I've ever seen pink growing among mine. Here are some photos from my nigella this year.

Seed Pods

Seedlings

February Happenings

Spring! Okay, it's not spring yet but it's been quite mild all winter long, and things are starting to grow so it feels like spring in my neck of the woods. Some of my perennials didn't even die down completely, like the hollyhocks, and the Nigella started to grow in the fall and stayed green all winter. The early crocus are blooming again, and the later ones I bought last fall should be blooming in a week or two. I can hardly wait. 

      I planted my first seeds of 2016 today, which is always fun. I planted some dahlia seed for the first time, and I also planted two varieties of cherry tomatoes. One from my own seed and one called Tumbler. I grew Tumbler last year and wasn't very impressed but I'll give it another try this year. I also bought a new shrub, Sarcococca ruscifolia and yes, I bought it for the amazing fragrance. It's supposed to be easy to grow too. I'd love to hear about what new plants or seeds you are growing this year. 

Crocus and Ivy

Crocus

Camellia buds

Hollyhock leaves that stayed green all winter

Nigella seedlings and a tulip coming up

Pink dawn Virburnum

Sarcococca ruscifolia or Sweet Box