Pelargoniums in the Garden - beyond the scented leaf
Pelargonium salmoneum
This species is a colorful addition to the Pelargonium collection.  First described in botanical literature in 1932, it is hard to believe that collectors were able to overlook it until then.   It has semi-succulent stems and unscented, medium green, smooth leaves.  It is a regular bloomer in Austin, with the best blooms coming in early spring.  The relatively large, five petaled flowers are a rich salmon color with the upper two petals showing prominent red markings.  There are 7-10 blooms in each flower cluster.  It has a lanky growth habit that can be partially controlled with pruning.  In its native environment on the eastern Cape of South Africa it is reported to grow to five feet in height.   At Horsetail Haven it grows in a six inch clay pot and has done well in both full sun and afternoon shade.  Cuttings are easily rooted.

Ivy Leaf Pelargoniums
Baskets of ivy leaf pelargoniums hanging in Austin nurseries are a springtime temptation to gardeners.  Their colors are beautiful and the foliage so lush.  They also can be a frustration when summer heat comes.  It is imperative to provide them with protection from hot, afternoon sun and also recognize that their growth slows in high heat and they become easy to over water during this period.  In addition to simply causing root rot, careless watering may lead to "edema" on the leaves of ivy pelargoniums.  This is caused when high humidity and the texture of the leaves limit evaporation of excess water from the leaf surface.  The leaf cells become damaged from too much water and the underside of the leaf will develop brownish spots or craters.  It doesn't harm the plant but, while it may not be possible to prevent totally in Austin, when edema is seen on the leaves it is time to check to see that the soil is draining well after watering.  At Horsetail Haven the "Freestyle" series seems to be more heat and humidity tolerant.  Ann Marie has grown three with attractive semi-double blooms; ‘Freestyle White’ has white blossoms of white with deep rose marking on the upper petals, 'Freestyle Dark Red' has blooms that remind Ann Marie of red velvet and  'Freestyle Salmon' has cheerful pinkish orange flowers.

The Veggie Report
Cool weather veggies are winding down, the kohlrabi and cauliflower have all been served on the dinner table, the last of the beets will soon be consumed.  Lettuce should provide salad for at least several more weeks.  Kale and chard are plentiful.  Ever the conservative gardener, Ann Marie decided that it was safe to begin putting out heat loving plants when she noticed the pecan tree leafing out.  Tomatoes planted this year are 'Arkansas Traveler', 'Bloody Butcher' and 'Pineapple'.  Tomatillos have been placed in an area of the garden where they can sprawl and a variety of pepper plants are in the ground: 'Poblano', 'Mucho Nacho', 'Orchid', 'Gypsy', 'Cubanelle', habaneros and a mystery pepper whose seeds were given to Ann Marie with the description of "from Costa Rica".  Cucumber and squash seeds have been started in pots.