With our extreme temperature swings, our late, cold Spring is but a fleeting glimpse into the rear view mirror.
Here is an established section of garden where we have been working on new additions to a very sustainable client’s garden.
Extremes
it’s been quite the Climate Change Spring. After the coldest April in 137 years, our intermittent warm spells have been in the 90s Fahrenheit. We can go a week or two without rain & then get unrelenting downpours. The plants have had interesting responses. Logistics have been challenging, but some beautiful gardens have resulted.
The last of the tulips
Well, the unseasonably cold weather (until the unseasonably warm weather three days ago) did have a plus: the early bulbs lasted a long time.
Tug of War Between Winter & Spring
My favorite species tulip
Tulipa turkestanica. Species tulips are wonderful because they bloom early (when we are desperate) and last for years. Their foliage dies back fast.
This one has lovely blue foliage enhanced by the contrast of bloom color.
And I love the blooms, open or closed.
Monday Muse: 3.26.18
Early signs. Crocus & Virginia Bluebells.
Monday Muse 3.12.18
Our early blooming Witchhazels are so cheery & welcome!
The Thrill...
of Hellebores unfurling.
Muse Monday taken Tuesday 2.26.18
We had a few days of faux Spring. I must admit: I liked the sun as much as the trees. And Lake Michigan reflected the blue, blue skies.
Monday Muse 2.12.18
The snow & light leading to Spring. But grateful for the contrast and plant blanket.
Tuesday’s Monday Muse 6 Feb. 2018
Monday Muse 1.29.18
Our extremely fluctuating temperatures has some plants confused. Here the Pulmonaria (Lungwort) sprouts its white foliage a wee bit soon. So too is the greening up on the Seslaria (Autumn Moor Grass).
Late Monday Muse for 1.22.18
The late afternoon light starting to be golden on Lake Michigan.
Monday Muse 1.15.18
MLK’s Birthday:
One can be grateful for snow cover during these periods of extreme cold.
Monday Muse 1.8.18
Wondering how our seasonal containers, installed before Thanksgiving, are faring after coming out of 2 weeks of deep freeze...
Happy New Year 2018!
Regenerate.
Mature Gardens
Have their own rhythm. Checked on one at a client's we did more than 15 years ago. Always in process. Drainage always rules.
The house fits the client. The garden fits the house & client.
Brilliant Sunshine & Strong North Winds
It's that part of Spring when purples & pinks are on parade!
Non-native, but lovely bulbs & deer proof
Daffodils
Species tulip
Striped Squill
The Glory of the Snow
Native Spring
Catkins on Ostrya virginiana. One of our fine upland (dry), shade trees.
