End of April Views

Spring is here - the fresh green foliage of perennials begins to cover the ground, and bulbs are flowering in the spaces between the leaves.

Daffodils blooming near the bare stems of Japanese Maple 'Coonara Pygmy'

In my shade garden right now, there are lots of bright yellow daffodils. I thought it was a bit TOO much yellow, so added this cheery pink fuchsia in a pot for a bit of contrast. Pink and yellow is not usually a color combo on my favorites list, but with the right shade of strong pink I think it can work.

Narcissus 'Ice Follies', 'King Alfred', 'Peeping Tom', and 'February Gold' with boxwood and fuchsia

Here is a corner of my rose garden. The cotinus in this spot has not begun to leaf out yet, but the ground beneath is alive with daffodils, hyacinths, and this purple pasque flower.

Pulsatilla vulgaris (Pasque flower) with Narcissus 'King Alfred' and Hyacinth 'Aiolos'

Another view looking out from the rose garden to the sidewalk. The roses are just beginning to show signs of growth. At their feet the Dutch crocus are still blooming, joined by scilla from across the way.

Crocus vernus 'Yellow Mammoth' and Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' blooming in the rose garden.

I am still in the process of planting up the narrow terrace area (sidewalk strip) seen in the picture above, which is under an ash tree. So far I've added heuchera, alchemilla, geranium, and bergenia, plus scilla, chionodoxa, and daffodils. Some epimediums and hellebores will be added this spring. There are also plenty of weeds as you can see from the photo! I am quite pleased with the bright blue scilla next to the red-purple heuchera though - an unusual and striking color combo.

Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' with Heuchera 'Prince'

Here is my front entry border. Geraniums, sedums, catmint, calamint, tulips, and alliums are greening up. (Actually the allium foliage is already starting to turn brown!) I have the same purple heuchera in this area as well. The yellow centers of daffodil 'Ice Follies' reflect the bright foliage of the golden chamaecyparis.

Narcissus 'Ice Follies' with Heuchera 'Prince' and Chamaecyparis pisifera aurea nana

The "orchard" area under my fruit trees is also bright with early daffodils now. The new foliage of their companion tanacetum vulgare 'Isla Gold' really glows when it emerges. You can see the patch of garlic growing tall in the background. It's amazing how early garlic begins to grow!

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation' and 'Ice Follies' with Tanacetum vulgare 'Isla Gold'

Now we are in for a stretch of chilly, rainy weather. The garden may take a breather before surging ahead into its next phase of growth.