Gardeners are the Friendliest People

Gardeners are some of the friendliest people.

It stands to reason.

The beauty of a garden is to be shared.

What gardener isn't happy when

the beauty they've shaped

is enjoyed by others?  

I've enjoyed some delightful visits with gardeners lately. 

Always on the lookout for examples of good garden design,
I'm often out and about with my camera. 

 

Although I'm careful to stay on public property,

if I see an owner, I make a point to
ask their permission to photograph.
Without exception, the response has been positive.  

I've been treated to mini-tours and
wonderful exchanges of information. 

It's always a treat to talk plants with
someone who knows and loves them as well.

Now, if only I would carry paper and pen to
write variety names down! 

Several of the gardeners have asked for the name of my blog. 

If they've been checking,
looking for photos of their garden,

they may have been disappointed,
perhaps even questioned my intentions. 

It's been a busy spring for a number of reasons (all good), and
I'm woefully behind in posting.

These shots are of gardens that you've seen, or will see in posts -

all beautiful, 
each unique,

the work of
talented gardeners

with whom I've been priviledged to visit.

I want to thank them for their

time and generosity in

sharing their gardens with me...

and with you.

The next time you see a gardener at work,

be sure to stop and say hello. 

You'll be glad you did.

 

Spring Combinations I

Even better than spring flowers are 

great spring flower combinations.

Take a look at some

pretty pairs spotted

early this spring.

Perky yellow tulips brighten

the receding blue of

Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), above.

Charteuse coral bells (Heuchera var.) and

deep green foliage make a nice foil to accentuate

blue Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica).

 

Primary colors blue and red of

grape hyacinth and

cowslip (Primula veris)

make a bright early spring combination.

A quieter color scheme,

grape hyacinth and daffodils

are bright spots

amid new Hosta shoots.

Daffodils clustered around a

star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

shout out the start of spring.
 

Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia),

Caramel coral bells (Heuchera 'Caramel') and candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

make a nice spring grouping.

Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia)

also looks great with

Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and grape hyacinth.

Or give it a bold textural contrast
with a broad-leaved foliage plant,

like cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior).

Shocking pink tulips are another option.
The monocromatic colors create unity while the

textural variety adds interest.

 

Variegated hosta set a nice stage for

bright pink bleeding heart blooms (Dicentra spectabilis).

Dainty blue Siberian bugloss

(Brunnera macrophylla) flowers provide a

contrasting counterpoint to the

bold foliage of 

variegated Solomon's seal

(Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum 'Variegatum').

Pink tulips echoing the

pale pink hues of weeping cherry,

heighten the effect.

 

A bright yellow background of

Emerald 'N Gold euonymus

(Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'N Gold') 

helps these

red tulips pop. 

 

A single bold tulip and shy bunny are

highlighted within the neutral frame of

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) and white variegated hosta.
 

Tulips and early blooming

PJM Azaleas (Rhododendron 'PJM')

make a pretty pair.

Emerging variegated sedge (Carex var.- front) and

creeping phlox (Phlox subulata - rear) are also

nice companion plants to tulips. 

Make your spring flowers even

more spectacular

by highlighting them

in effective combinations.