May 2010

Finally, a large number of spring flowering trees and shrubs are starting to bloom, albeit cautiously.  Couple this annual assurance that spring is finally here with showy groundcovers also on display, and you have the potential makings of breathtaking vignettes that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Now’s the time to start making detailed notes on your 2010 garden calendar to track the progression of bloom and foliage color that is about to unfold. By recording your observations, you’ll know exactly what to buy on upcoming trips to nurseries and greenhouse.  This includes bulb purchases that won’t be available until late summer.

Quince, a lesser known medium-sized shrub with masses of striking red flowers are in full glory as I write this.  Pairing them with ground covers like white phlox or rockcress, daffodils, and early yellow or orange-red tulips can create an estate-like setting.

The white blooms of the hardy Nanking cherry need a low growing deep purple or hot pink companion to draw the eye down its beautiful trunk.  It helps this shrub come to life, since its pale flowers can get washed out in our bright light.   

White flowering serviceberries, edible cherries and plums have a light, airy look and feel.  They benefit from a wash of something denser and more substantial underneath. Think about drifts of color from early tulips with some white candytuft mixed in, suggesting fallen blossoms.

The deep pink of double flowering plums coupled with white rockcress or intensely colored cultivars of creeping phlox can pack a lot of punch.  Make sure you give this large plum room to fill out to an ultimate 10-12 foot width.

It makes me laugh when I see some of the bulbs I planted over 20 years ago at the base of an Isanti dogwood.  That one-gallon sized shrub is now seven foot wide and has since engulfed the bulbs.  This was a great lesson in planting bulbs the right distance away from the base of spreading, multi-stemmed shrubs.

There a few shrubs and perennials whose showy and colorful foliage are worth highlighting.  Gold Flame spirea puts forth eye-catching gold leaves tipped in red.  It looks great with some of the yellow-deep red pansies or maroon coral bells.

The strong vertical yellow and green lines of iris pallida “variegata” can enhance the clusters of bright yellow flowers sported by creeping Oregon grape holly or the larger cultivars.  Add red tulips, and what a high impact display you have, since the tulips might also pick up some of the holly’s lingering red leaves.  

There’s an art to combining low growing plants with shrubs and trees.  You need to have the right amount of horizontal space to balance the vertical growth.  The smaller complements should have exposure and watering needs that are compatible with the larger plants.  Yet, this worthwhile effort takes your gardening to the next level and with a bit of experimentation, you’ll be creating photo perfect displays within your own landscape.