Eventually this chilly spring weather will give way to a summer warming trend, and a shady corner to escape the heat will be a welcome respite. Plan ahead now to create such an oasis in your own backyard (this week’s cool weather makes this a great time to plant). If you already have overhead trees for structure and shade, then you are almost there. Merely add some shade-lovers such as ferns, tiarellas, hostas, and heucheras for a beautiful shade collection. And engage all the senses - throw in a Kleim’s hardy gardenia to provide a heavenly scent! (Note: gardenias are not winter hardy in this area, and will require some special attention during the winter months. But their fragrance makes them worth the extra effort!)
With all of this colorful foliage and interesting textures, shade gardens can be every bit as vibrant and exciting as any sunny mixed border.

























































































We all have the best of intentions to get spring-blooming bulbs planted in the fall, like we are told….. However, sometimes the best laid plans just don’t work out. If that happened to you this year, we’ve got you covered! We’ve got a great variety of spring bulbs blooming right now – quite a festive sight out there! There are several types of tulips and narcissus (daffodils), as well as fragrant hyacinths; muscari (grape hyacinth); cute little dwarf iris; checkerboard fritillaria; bright crocus; and a variety of colors of anemone and ranunculus. Nothing says “Spring!” like these little beauties, so resolve two things: tuck a few of these into spots in your garden now, and mark your September calendar for bulb planting! 







