I posted Columbines (Aquilegia) that are commonly seen in the nursery or farmer’s markets. There are also double-layer columbines that look more like little lanterns that slowly turn upward before the petals fall off. The other kind looks like a small lotus when it’s fully open. They easily self-sow and don’t need much care. I have them both in full sun and shade areas and they do fine in both.
I like Columbine (Aquilegia) for their various colors and shapes and how easy to grow them. They self-sow like crazy in our garden so I only purchase the colors I don’t have and like when I see them. I have learned to purchase only one plant and then let it reproduce. I also let nature dictate in the garden, just curb her a little when it becomes unruly. Birds and insects have helped to both plant and pollinate our garden. The great thing about open pollination is that it gives us something to look forward to…a surprise.
Last year I had a new columbine in the garden as a result of open pollination. This year I have so many white, purple and crimson columbine everywhere. Whether the common, lantern or lotus shape, they both look graceful and are well loved by hummingbirds.
As soon as the Columbine in the garden starts to bloom, we expect to see the hummingbirds come back from the south. They never miss their cue. This spring, a few days after the pink by the patio bloomed, I saw two hummingbirds checking out the area we’ve been hanging their feeders in the past few years. I promptly put up the feeders for them; welcoming them from their long flight back from Mexico. Elusive little critters, their photos will have to come in a future blog entry.
