Here’s a quick look at some of the plants that are growing in the garden this springtime. Most of these early risers are perennials, with a few biennials and even hardy annuals that over wintered and will soon run to seed.
Thanks to the shorter and warmer than usual winter things are flowering a bit ahead of schedule and growing faster than normally for this point in the spring season. There are also less hardy crops like Swiss Chard that are making surprise appearances after surviving an extremely mild winter.
A Look at What’s Growing in the Veggie Garden this Spring
Artichokes – This is the first time that I have actually experienced globe artichokes surviving the winter and returning with absolutely no cover or protection. The cardoon plant also made it through without damage.
Purple Asparagus – They are still growing rather slowly but the asparagus spears have yielded their first harvest of what will become the first season of full production from the new bed.
Oyster Plant – A medley of salsify, scorzonera, and leeks, with burdock root in the background. Salsify and scorzonera have become perennials in my garden and are always allowed to flower and attract beneficial insects.
Leafy Greens – Led by an assortment of kales, hardy greens can always be relied upon to over winter successfully and provide some of the earliest fresh produce from the spring garden.
Strawberry Blossoms – This photo from the perennial edible bed shows how well the strawberries are doing. The plants are covered with those tiny flowers that will soon turn into big, sweet, and luscious berries.
Sea Kale – An unusual and rare perennial edible here in the US but more popular in Europe. I’ve been treating this one more as an ornamental, and enjoy the unusual shapes, textures, and color.
Yarrow – A medicinal and perennial herb plant that is considered a great companion in the vegetable garden and attracts many beneficial insects. It is also often planted strictly as an attractive ornamental.
Blueberries – These are loaded with blossoms this year and have been drawing a lot of attention from local bumblebees. I’m anticipating a productive harvest and hoping that the birds haven’t noticed the bountiful crop.
Rhubarb – Another low maintenance edible perennial that also makes for a beautiful landscape plant. The red stalks will be ready and waiting to join the fresh strawberries to create some interesting desserts!
Mustard Flowers – Way ahead of the other greens, the mustard plants have been in full flower and keeping the bees busy for weeks already. I’ve started removing these plants but will leave a few just for seed.
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