Marigolds

a bright yellow marigold

Once upon a time marigolds would have been lucky to have made it onto my list of favourite annuals. I'm still not convinced. They possibly only deserve a mention because they time their flowering well.

But I am still pleased when Marigolds seed themselves. They take no looking after at all, seeming to survive on neglect. In the vegetable garden they are particularly welcome. I know some people are put off by their strong colours, but there's a place for bright things, especially on a dull day.

Marigolds in the Vegetable Garden

I collect seeds of one of the softer yellows I grow here, and often plan to be braver with my seed order from the catalogue. Bright orange plants in the Pond Border are encouraged to seed where they are. The vegetable garden has a built in Marigold colony which appears every summer.

Marigolds do have their down side, though. First there is their peculiar smell. Their colours are good and bright, but seem to lack depth, when compared to the oranges of favourite Canna lilies, for example.

A Mass of Marigolds

For an easy annual the orange Cosmos flowers are by far superior, Subtle varieties like the much acclaimed 'French Vanilla' don't make it either - they just look boring.