07/05/2026
While we have all been marveling at the Queen of Flowers and Mother Elder; and rightly so as she, Rosa, holds 35 million years of wisdom in her genes, this little maid has been busy restoring the poor soils of the South facing terraces.
Yellow serradella, Ornithopus compressus, a member of the fabaceae or bean family. Between Spring and early Summer she produces clusters of vivid yellow blossoms that are highly attractive to pollinators. Like all members of the bean family she fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere into little nodes on her roots and transforms it into an organic form easily assimilated by other plants.
Yellow serradella is a sustainable plant for pastures and fields, promoting soil fertility and helping prevent erosion.
Contact me before the heat of high summer if you would like to arrange a site visit. We can identify what you have growing and make suggestions to improve your soil and water management techniques.
Até já.
