Here is another reason why beaches should be visited in winter time. They are not only empty with wild waves (sometimes), but also full of plants that will grow and bloom in that time. They take the advantage of the cooler temperatures and regular rains to bloom, spread the seeds and wait though the hot and dry summer to the fall.
Lobularia maritima
Lobularia maritima is probably better known as Sweet alyssum. Yes, it is the same plant many people grow in rockery garden, stone walls or around flower beds. For that purpose there is many cultivars with larger flowers and also in different colours - I think I have seen pink and light purple.
But this white beauty is true wildflower. It is native to Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde, but can be also found in the Mediterranean region and in States.
It is an annual plant that will spread and create nice little pillows of white flowers. This one was shot in the dunes right outside the beach. It feels good is very well drained soil, thus it is easy to cultivate and doesn't need much care. It will look better pruned from time to time to avoid the stems getting too leggy.
The blooming peak is around February-March, but it just might show some flowers in the late fall too. In nature anyway. I am guessing that in the garden with some extra water during the summer will bloom continuously for many weeks. It is an annual plant though, so it will die back eventually, but with a bit of luck will reseed and regrow again the following year.
And now that I think of it, I think my mum has it in her garden too (maybe not this exact one, but one of the cultivars). Grows like a weed and will take over the empty space in no time.
Can you see the little shell?
Not the one on the sand. The other one!
How about now? :p
Those little snails sneak in everywhere! :)
»«
Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.
»»-------------¤-------------««