Seasonal bloomers

Seeking to add more colour and interest to the garden? Helen Young shares five of the latest and greatest spring-flowering plants.

- Helen Young

1 CAT THYME

(Teucrium marum)This very tough, heat-loving and drought-tolerant plant from the Mediterranean (left) is not really a thyme, but a species of germander. It gives a similar effect to lavender with its dense, twiggy, grey foliage and low mounding form to about 30cm high and wide. In summer it’s covered with masses of magenta flowers on short spikes that attract bees. The silvery leaves are pungent, releasing a musty scent when brushed or bruised. although it’s not related to catnip, it can produce similar intoxicating effects for cats. Cat thyme needs a hot, sunny spot and very freely draining soil, but is otherwise low maintenance with few wants except a light trim after flowering. Available by mail order from Lambley Gardens & Nursery (lambley.com.au).

2 SHOWPIECE ROSES