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Posted on 27/02/2018

Green thumbs encouraged to plant blue flowers for Garden Releaf Day WA

Green thumbs encouraged to plant blue flowers for Garden Releaf Day WA

By Sara Fitzpatrick

Green thumbs are encouraged to plant blue flowers in their gardens in celebration of Garden Releaf Day WA on March 17.

The event aims to promote bloomin’ good mental health in support of national charity beyondblue.

Monique Wilson from Garden Centres Association of Australia (CGA) said blue was a peaceful, tranquil colour that upon sight encouraged the body to produce calming chemicals which promoted physical and mental relaxation.

“When you look out at the vastness of a calm blue ocean or tilt your head to look up at an endless bright blue sky, it is easy to understand how you can find inner peace, confidence and a sense of optimism in the colour blue,” she said.

“As part of Garden Releaf 2018, we encourage you to get in a garden to ‘plant your blues and see what grows’.”

Selected garden centres will celebrate the day with activities. Visit Dawsons Garden World in Forrestfield, Joondalup, Swanbourne and O’Connor, and Guildford Town Garden Centre and Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale.

Blue plants to try in your garden

– Plumbago Royal Cape: A dark blue flowering variety ideal for hedging, screening or group planting. Plant in full sun or light shade for best show of flowers.

– Duranta Geisha Girl: This evergreen compact shrub produces deep blue-purple flowers with white centres. Delicately perfumed and likes full sun.

– Lavender, Avonview: A compact lavender producing masses of flowers from early spring to late autumn. Plant en masse or as a compact hedge. Prefers full sun. Tip: pruning will encourage repeat flowering.

– Agapanthus Peter Pan: this dwarf variety is the smallest of the blue agapanthus, producing multiple clusters of pale blue flowers during late spring and early summer. An excellent easy-care plant.

– Lobelia: Lovely little annual for a pop of vibrant blue-violet in the garden or in pots. Likes full sun and plenty of water on hot days. Works well in hanging baskets.

– Veronica Oxford Blue: Great border plant with masses of dark china blue flowers from spring to autumn. Loves full sun and tough once established.