Over the last few weeks, before the rain and wind started, I had been very busy working in a variety of different gardens, including my own. Mixed with a little sweat and tears at the loss of some plants to the cold winter, was the joy of seeing and feeling the effects of the warmth of the sun on both my body and the garden.
The tree blossoms, dressed to dance, filled the air with their different scents. One set of petals falling after an incredible display of beauty, giving way to another species of trees bursting into bloom.
The garden is now a riot of color and fragrance.
Iris pumila
The deep purple dwarf iris’ Iris Pumila, are just beginning to bloom in my garden. I use them as a low border plant along the front edges of my gardens. Over the last year I have reduced the amount I have, as they tend to become more maintenance demanding after they bloom, especially when growing in the full summer sun. I have begun planting them in pots for easier care. I am very excited to have a dwarf yellow Iris this year!
Yellow Iris
I have a variety of Rhododendron and azaleas opening their beautiful upside down bell blossoms.
Rhododendron 'Jean Marie'
Rhododendron 'Cheer'
Kerria Japonica
Japanese Kerria, Kerria Japonica, has followed hot on the bloom of the Forsythia growing on the east wall of my house. Their incredible sunshine yellow, tripled petalled flowers are like a beautiful smile, every morning when I leave my house.
Chaenomeles x superba 'Texas Scarlet'
Another early blooming shrub that I like is the flowering quince, Chaenomeles. These spiny, practically indestructible shrubs can burst in to bloom as early as early February, but this year they were only just coming into to bloom in April. My favorite is the Chaenomeles x superba “Texas Scarlet’. My first viewing of this plant and I was sold! I had to have it. The tomato red flowers are unforgettable.
Its height and spread is generally 3-6’ but I prune mine back after blooming and pinch back any extended growth throughout the year to keep it small.
To shape limit growth or gain special effects, such as an oriental feel to the garden. A good time is during the bud season. The cut branches can be brought inside for added enjoyment of oriental style flowers.
Kwanzan Cherry tree
One of the most incredible trees blooming now is the The Kwanzan Cherry, Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan, is easily the showiest and the most popular of the cherry trees. Its flowers are double pink in large clusters of 3-5 blossoms and are the thickest of all the pink flowering trees.
This tree does not bear fruit, prefers full sun and is intolerant of poor drainage and grows rapidly to 15-20’. Mature height is approximately 30’. It can also be used for Bonsai or container planting.
The sunshine and now the rain will bring out the weeds in abundance, so now is the time to get out there and pull all those pesky weeds that you do not want in your garden.
Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'
The shrub with the most fragrance that is blooming now is the Carol Mackie Daphne. I have three planted in my garden; one by the gate where I enter the garden and another in the middle of the south facing garden and the third is right before the back door. Either entering or leaving my garden, I am filled with the sweet fragrance of this delightful shrub.
Definition of a weed Any invasive plants, which you as an individual do not like because they are hard to control and takes over the garden, smothering, desired plants.
Mulch Although there are many different kinds of mulch, my preference is for dairy compost, which I get from a local dairy in Lynden. If you didn’t mulch in the fall, which is the best time, now is definitely the time to get it done before it is too difficult in between all the plants. The garden looks so lovely and rich with the dark mulch around the plants.
Mulched!
It is good for the plants too.!
Jane
Harmonious Garden Artistry
Professional Landscape Consulting|photos
