This sky blue flower belongs to Omphalodes verna which is colloquially known both descriptively as Creeping Navelwort and lyrically as Blue Eyed Mary. I know which I will be using. In fairness the name omphalodes comes from the Greek meaning navel which refers to the shape of the fruit, as I have never seen a fruit to compare I can offer no opinion on the matter, I will be more alert this year. Verna means early, alluding to the spring flowers. It is in the Boraginaceae family, related to borage, comfrey and echium but, although there is little need to handle this low maintenance plant, it appears to lack the irritating (I just itched when I typed that) nature of its relatives. This clump is just beginning to flower, one by one coming out like stars in the night sky, and will soon create an azure carpet.
When we talk of ground cover it is often an excuse for the use of a substandard plant “it’s not that pretty but at least it’s good ground cover”. Well in this case it is both good ground cover and is beautiful, especially appreciated at a time of the year when we need to be reminded of the promise of things to come.
ontheedgegardening 