While trees and shrubs provide the outline and backdrop of the landscape, perennials and bulbs can provide more detail and accents. As spring progresses, take time to look at your landscape and make notes of where you might like to add color.
Spring starts with snowdrops and similar small flowering bulbs, which come with the melting snow. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth then follow. Most spring flowering bulbs are planted in the fall and bloom the following spring.
Flowering trees and shrubs are another way to bring spring color into your garden. Redbud, Dogwood, Crabapple, Magnolia, Pear, and Serviceberry are all spring flowering trees. Forsythia, Quince, Fothergilla, Lilac, and Weigela are among the many spring flowering shrubs.
Perennials are probably the most versatile of the plant groups. Because of their many differences in appearance and cultural requirements, perennials meet a wide range of growing needs and situations. Some varieties may lend themselves to a flower border, while others may look best in a rock garden. A number of perennials make good groundcovers, and still others flourish in the foreground of a bed or border.
Some of my favorite early spring blooming perennials include Aquilegia (Columbine), Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not), Helleborus (Lenten Rose), Iberis (Candytuft), Phlox (Creeping), and Pulmonaria (Lungwort).
Late spring blooming perennials include Astilbe (False Spiraea), Baptisia (False Indigo), Dianthus, Gallium (Sweet Woodruff), perrenial Geranium, Iris, Peony, and perennial Salvia.
Perennials that are grown for their foliage like Ferns, Hostas, and Heuchera can also add color in the spring.
Color is always a welcome addition in the garden, but especially in the spring. Our design and sales staff would be happy to assist you in developing your landscape into a comfortable and relaxing environment that reflects your personal taste.
