Spring 2015 has arrived!

Our first post of the 2015 season! Tulips, dicentra, spirea, lilac, and kerria are in bloom.

This is a side view with creeping phlox, bleeding hearts (dicentra spectabilis) and kerria.

This is Kerria Japonica Pleniflora in peak bloom. A native of Japan, China and Korea, its hardy to zone 4, quite tough and is a rose without thorns. It flowers on the previous year's growth so prune right after it blooms. It prefers sun but will still bloom in shady locations. It just won't be as robust. As you can see it's a spectacular spring showoff. I don't know why it isn't an alternative to forsythia in garden centers and landscape design.

This is a close up of kerria to show the flower density.

A closeup of the autumn blooming cherry (prunis subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’). It blooms twice a year, spring and late fall. We planted it about two years ago and it bloomed well this spring.

Plum (left) and peach (right) trees in full bloom.

The ground under our peach tree in the aftermath if wind, rain and an onslaught of pollinators. 

Magnolia 'Betty’ is a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. It was developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s. This is the heaviest it has ever bloomed.

Forsythia is a classic spring flowering shrub in our region. Dense, bright yellow flowers wake up the landscape.

Spirea prunifolia (Bridal-Wreath Spirea) gets better with age. It does best in full sun but will still bloom in light shade. This plant gets mostly late afternoon sun and does quite well.

A closeup of spirea above to show the tiny flowers.

The white flowering Dicentra spectabilis Alba is not as aggressive as the pink variety but it is worth a spot in your garden.

A large and highly fragrant Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Evangeline' bloom. Lilac can't be beat for bold fragrance.

While lilac is probably the king of springtime fragrance, Korean spice viburnum comes close. Think of clove, gardenia and lilac rolled into one. Like lilac, it only takes a few flowers to perform the area. They prefer full sun but will bloom lightly in shady areas.

A dense cluster of hellebore (Lenten rose) in the spring sun.

Blue lithodora diffusa is a nice compliment to ground covers like creeping phlox.