March Madness and Gardening

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

Are you experiencing a touch of March Madness around your house? Having played basketball in high school and college, my husband follows it with such a high level of intensity that I sometimes have to “leave the room”. Considering the frustration from a gardening perspective, I’m beginning to see some similarities.

Let’s review the facts:

*The tournament features 68 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball teams in an intense, single-elimination format culminating in a championship game that determines the national champion.

*It is a cultural phenomenon known for unpredictable upsets.

*It is one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar, showcasing the amazing talents of collegiate athletes.

If you are wondering how that relates to gardening, smile first, then consider a gardener’s approach to spring planting:

*Beginning in early March, garden centers tempt us with an ocean of plants in every color, size, shape and texture imaginable. I’m sure the number far exceeds 68 participants.

*As seasoned gardeners, we understand the criteria for planting in Zone 8, and yet, we sometimes select material that either outperforms or overwhelming disappoints based on our very emotional decisions.

*Springtime for gardeners is our moment of anticipation. We’ve spent the cold, winter months studying seed packets, diligently reading instructions and carefully evaluating the possibilities. Why, because we hope to select the best performers in each “bracket”!

And so now, we have finally arrived at the most anticipated event on a gardener’s calendar; spring planting! Yes, some of our selections will have to be eliminated but, ultimately, the champions will reward us with their impressive performance. Wanna make a bet on that?

As we leave winter behind and begin the transition into spring, here are two red, white and blue flowerpot creations to welcome in some “March Gladness”!

Red: Geraniums ‘Santana’ (An interspecific, heat tolerant variety) White: Alyssum ‘Sweet White’ Blue: Pansies

Red: Gerbera Daisies White: Impatience Blue: Campanula ‘Bluebells’

In-ground Composition

Red: Ranunculus, Salvia ‘Radio Red’ White: Candytuft Blue: Mystic Blue Salvia and a salute to our state flower, Texas bluebonnets!

Throughout the next five months, look for fun ideas using some of the flowers listed below to create your own version of a patriotic garden display. (We would also like to include some of your own red, white and blue flower displays. Please send pictures no later than June 15^th for the July 4^th Grand Finale!)

Red Bloomers: Amaryllis, Azaleas, Bee Balm, Begonias, Camellias, Dianthus, Geraniums (Interspecific, Ivy and Zonal), Gerbera Daisies, Hibiscus (Hardy and Tropical), Hollyhocks, Nasturtiums (Alaska Red), Pentas, Peonies, Periwinkles, Petunias, Pineapple Sage, Roses, Salvia, Snapdragons, Turk’s Cap, Verbena, Yarrow (Firefly Red Pop), Zinnias

White Bloomers: Amaryllis, Alyssum, Angelonia, Azaleas, Bachelor’s Buttons, Bee Balm, Begonias, Campanulas, Camellias, Candytuft, Dianthus, Geraniums (Interspecific, Ivy and Zonal), Gerbera and Shasta Daisies, Hibiscus (Hardy and Tropical), Irises, Lilies, Moonflowers, Pentas, Peonies, Periwinkles, Roses, Salvia, Snapdragons, Verbena, Yarrow, Zinnias

Blue Bloomers: Agapanthus (Blue Globe), Ageratum, Angelonia, Bachelor’s Buttons, Blue Daze (Dwarf Morning Glory), Campanulas (Bluebells) Hydrangeas, Irises, Larkspur, Lavender, Morning Glory, Nepitella, Savia (Black and Blue, Mystic Spires), Veronica (Skyward Blue)

Our recipe for the month is a garden-inspired celebration of late winter to early spring selections. It’s easy to assemble and can be personalized according to your preferences. Substitutes might include grapefruit, navel oranges or mango as a fruit option. Walnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios. Goat cheese crumbles could replace the feta and, maybe, why not toss in some blueberries for a touch of blue!

Roasted Beet Salad with Blood Oranges and Crunchy Pistachios