Flower Planting Guide for Tasmania
As the warm embrace of summer in Tasmania gradually gives way to the cooler, gentler days of autumn, our gardens beckon for a transformation. March marks a pivotal time for Tasmanian gardeners, a period rich with the promise of colour and life even as the seasons shift. This month, the focus turns towards annual flowers that not only thrive in the changing climate but also paint our gardens with vibrant hues and varied textures. Alongside these annual favorites, the arrival of new season bulbs presents a splendid opportunity to plan for a dazzling spring display.
Let's explore the splendid array of flowers and bulbs ideal for planting in Tasmania during March.
Pansies: A Splash of Resilience
Pansies are the quintessential cool-weather flower, known for their wide color palette and enduring nature. These hearty blooms can withstand Tasmania's chilly nights, offering a burst of colour that ranges from deep purples and blues to bright yellows and oranges. Planting pansies in March ensures they establish themselves before winter, providing a cheerful reminder of the persistence of beauty.
Violas: The Delicate Edible Charmers
Similar to pansies but with smaller blooms, violas are another excellent choice for adding a delicate touch of colour to your garden. These flowers come in an array of colours and are known for their ability to bloom prolifically throughout autumn and into the early winter months. Their sweet fragrance is an added bonus, bringing a subtle but delightful scent to your outdoor space.
Snapdragons: Towers of Edible Color
Snapdragons add height and drama to any garden with their tall spikes of brightly coloured flowers. Planting them in March allows the snapdragons to take full advantage of the cooler weather, setting the stage for a magnificent display of reds, yellows, pinks, and whites. Their unique shape not only adds visual interest but also attracts pollinators, making them a functional as well as beautiful addition to your garden.
Primula: The shade lovers
Primulas, with their clusters of small, vibrant flowers, are a perfect choice for adding depth to your garden's colour palette. These plants prefer the cool temperatures of early autumn and can provide a continuous display of colour when planted in March. Available in almost every colour imaginable, they can complement any garden theme or colour scheme.
Poppies: A Wild Pop of Color
For a touch of whimsy and wild beauty, consider planting poppies. These flowers are known for their delicate, tissue-paper-like petals and can range in colour from deep reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. Poppies thrive in the cooler temperatures of Tasmania’s autumn, and planting them in March will result in a breathtaking display of colour and form.
Ornamental Kale: Textural Beauty
While not a flower, ornamental kale adds a unique textural element to your garden with its rosette-shaped leaves in shades of green, white, pink, and purple. This cool-weather plant is perfect for adding visual interest to your garden beds or containers, and planting in March allows it to flourish alongside your flowering annuals.
Sweet Peas: Anticipation of Fragrance
March is also an excellent time to pre-purchase sweet pea seeds for planting on St. Patrick's Day. Sweet peas are cherished for their heavenly scent and beautiful, delicate flowers. By planning ahead and sowing them in mid-March, you'll be rewarded with climbing vines teeming with colourful blooms throughout the cooler months.
Embrace the New Season Bulbs
As we delve into the art of autumn planting, it's exciting to note that new season bulbs have arrived, ready to be nestled into the earth. This is the ideal time to think about planting bulbs such as lovely tulips, ranunculii, daffodils, freesias, and more. These bulbs will spend the cooler months developing underground, only to emerge in the heralds of spring with their spectacular blooms. Planting bulbs prior to mothersday ensures they have ample time to establish themselves for a vibrant spring display that will captivate and enchant.
As the warmer months subside in Tasmania, transitioning your garden with these carefully selected plants and bulbs can create a landscape brimming with life, colour, and fragrance. March is not just a time of change but a time of renewal and anticipation for the beauty yet to come. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice eager to bring more colour to your outdoor space, these flowers and bulbs offer the perfect palette to start your autumn garden journey.
