Desert Island Plant Challenge

When I first read about this challenge on Shirls Gardenwatch blog I knew that I would face a pleasurable dilemma in making a decision. I have presumed that as well as edible crops, that my island is going to provide me with materials for building a shelter and for clothing. So in choosing my three plants my main criteria has been to select the plants from my own garden that bring me the greatest pleasure each year. I would want to have some familiar and cherished plants in my new environment.

The first is the snowdrop, such stalwart early visitors and scented too. The first sighting of these flowers never fails to make my heart miss a beat each year. Spring is coming - yaaaaaaaay !



My second choice is the sweet pea which for me the very essence of summer. Not only would I have that breathtaking scent and beautiful colours, but I would also be able to to pick bunches to decorate my island dwelling. Sweet peas would also need regular attention, which would provide me with a welcome diversion. Although they are only an annual I would make sure to save my own seed each year. Here is a sumptuous bunch, not my own but an exhibit at the Wem Sweet Pea Show in July 2003.




My third choice is rosa rubiginosa (formerly rosa eglanteria). This is the sweet briar rose which bears masses of dainty little pink flowers, followed by a proliferation of shiny red hips come the autumn. It arrived in my garden by accident - a gift from the birds. It has a most sweet smelling foliage and on a damp summer's night its scent pervades the air with the scent of apples. I now have this plant in both my garden and allotment. This is easily grown from seed.



Thanks for the challenge Shirl - it was great fun ! More on desert island choices at Shirls Gardenwatch.