The main flower in the photo is Begonia Superstars Red. It has only just started flowering because it has only recently been planted in the basket. You're probably wondering why I'm showing it, if it is not yet at its best. Ah well, it is not the begonia that I am focusing on today. Look closely at the photo. What else can you see ? I'll give you a clue; look at the leaves at the top of the photo. Yes, it's a strawberry plant, with three ripe strawberries and many more to follow.
This is a new take on companion planting, which usually benefits one or both of the plants involved. This combination benefits me, a worthy cause, you must admit. My intention was to grow the strawberry plant amongst the flowers, to keep the birds off without having to cover with netting. It has worked even better than I hoped, as the fruits are the same colour as the begonia, so the birds don't see them.
The strawberry variety is Toscana, purchased from D.T.Brown's in April. The plants are seed raised which means they are virus free. And they have lovely rose red flowers, unlike the white flowers that you normally get with strawberries.
Another advantage is that they are everbearing. In other words, they flower and fruit all summer, not just in June. Oh, I forgot to mention, they taste good too. The ones in the photo were eaten just after I'd pressed the camera shutter. Apparently, as the season progresses, they produce runners that also flower and fruit. My plants haven't reached that stage yet.
And finally, the weather. I've got to mention the weather, we're British you know. Following the wettest summer for 100 years and the dullest summer for 25 years, we've now got glorious sunshine. In fact, September has been beautiful so far. Oh I know they say it's going downhill next week, but we're used to that, aren't we ? Just spare a thought for all those poor slugs and snails, frying in the heat.
Beautiful combinations and lovely idea to keep the birds away. So glad to hear it worked.
ReplyDeleteYour weather sounds lovely, at least for a week! We're cooling down to 35C this week.
Cooling down to 35C ? Wow, we thought it was hot when we nearly reached 25C.
DeleteCrystal, planting a strawberry plant together with a red begonia is genius! It looks good and if it distracts the birds from eating the berries even better. This is one of the nicest examples of planting fruits and vegetables together with ornamentals that I have ever come across, very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Hi Christina,
DeleteI can't take all the credit for it. I was inspired by the late Geoff Hamilton who was a TV gardener here in the UK. One of his programmes was called 'The Ornamental Kitchen Garden' where he grew fruit and veg amongst the flowers. And that is what I've done ever since.
I thought about the slugs n' snails frying in the heat...and then moved on!
ReplyDeleteFabulous planting idea, and beautiful colour choice too. Would love red strawb' flowers, white's so last year!
Brilliant weather widget on the side there, gonna nab one of those.
Have a groovy weekend, embrace the sun while it lasts, 24 hours of summer left xx
I've grown about 5 different varieties of strawberry this year, and this one is by far the best. Hope it survives the winter. The real winter that is, not the cold snap due this week.
DeleteBeautiful still life and what a great idea. The birds ate most of my strawberries this spring. Or should I say that took a bite out of many strawberries
ReplyDeleteThe birds have been enjoying my blueberries this year, even the ones protected by netting.
DeleteWho's a clever girl then - the strawberry looks great with the begonia. I grew all my strawbs in hanging baskets this year but never thought to mix flowers in with them as well.
ReplyDeleteIt was purely by accident that the begonia was the same colour as the strawberry fruits. Needless to say, I will be growing a lot of this begonia variety next year.
DeleteOhhh, pink strawberry flowers, never seeen that! And ever bearing straberry plants, how wonderful :-) Already on my wish list for next year! I think my begonias are going to get company next spring...
ReplyDeleteI love the strawberry. I think I may invest in some of thos as I love the flower, but please let us all know how they taste, that's the most important part.
ReplyDelete