What's On

There isn't much in bloom by way of herbaceous perennials this time of year. Most Perennials are just greening up and gearing up to bloom when warmer temperatures strike. There are however a few great low growing perennials in bloom mid-spring; which seems fitting as they serve as fantastic back drops to the fervently blooming bulbs.

Aubrietia or "Rockcress" is a mid-spring blooming perennial that ranges in color from magenta pink, violet purple to deep purple. This plant grows to about 6" high and will spread. Rockcress is often used in rock gardens for it's "cascading nature".

Brunnera macrophylla with it's spotted leaves and appropriate pastel blue flowers are a sweet addition to the spring garden, working well with the yellow and orange hues of daffodils. Quickly grows 12" in height.

Arabis - also referred to as "Rockcress" is extremely similar to Aurbrietia. A big difference in the case of Arabis is the white variety, but when faced with a pink Arabis I often second guess myself. Same growth habit as the Aurbrietia, 6" tall and loves to pour itself over walls.

Heather or Erica darlyensis is a fantastic low growing shrub-like perennial. Unlike these other plants, Heather will maintain an interesting texture in the garden, giving it purpose outside of it's bloom time, in this designer's humble opinion that is.
The silvery foliage and "spiky" texture lend well to a garden year round.

What plants are you noticing in bloom?

Spring Garden To Do's #1

I was fortunate to get some time in the garden. I felt my body soften, relax and wake up from it's winter dormancy. The air was fresh and warm and life was all about me with birds singing, insects crawling and green leaves poking up from the warming soil. Here is what I did:

Weeded;
Get after the weeds early - they tend to be the first green you will see in the garden, with the exception of some spring perennials and bulbs.

It is important to get weeds up by their roots, in many cases a new rosette will develop from roots that were left behind.

(I am afraid it is common for me to use garden tools not for their designed purpose, e.g. using hedgers in above photo to pop out weed seedlings. Do as I say, not as I do and use a trowel or a hand weeder. Don't be as hard on your tools as I am. :))

Be sure to identify what are weeds and what are your bulbs getting ready to send up their stems. Pictured above is an Alium (r. corner) next to what is likely a seedling of Common Groundsel.
Good old dandelion next to the water source. Generally speaking what makes weeds weeds is their attempt at using your ornamental plant's resources; i.e. water and sunlight.

Cut back perennial grasses;

(Miscanthus Grass before being cut down)

It was also time to get those perennial grasses cut down. This can be done in the fall if one prefers, but perennial grasses are such nice winter interest, and at this point they will be getting green and growing tall in just a matter of a couple of months - where you would have to live with the void they leave all through the winter if cut back in the fall.

(Miscanthus Grass After being cut down)

Just use some hedgers and cut grasses at their base, about 3 inches above the ground. It is much easier if you tie the grasses up before cutting, and be careful they can give you a nasty "paper cut."
Looks a little bare now, but the magic is about to start...

Can't tell Groundsel from Ground cover? Give me a call!

Spring Has Come!

Come see me at The Children's Theatre in Salt Lake City. And while your at it stay to see The Secret Garden! FREE GARDENING WORKSHOP APRIL 10th. Space is running out.

SPRING HAS COME' TO THE CHILDREN'S THEATRE A FREE Gardening workshop presented by DIG Landscape Design. Space is limited, so please register today. The Children's Theatre is offering a free, Spring Has Come gardening workshop held at the theatre on April 10th at 11:00 a.m. Join us as we usher in spring with a fun and hands-on discussion. Parents and children will learn about the change of seasons and what happens when seeds and bulbs start to sprout and return each spring. Every youngster will have the opportunity to bring home a seedling to start a garden of their very own. Registration for this event is required. For addition information or to sign up, please contact our box office at 801.532.6000 or by email atboxoffice@tctheatre.org.

SECRET GARDEN PLAYS FOR 3 MORE WEEKENDS.

THE SECRET GARDEN CLASSICAL DRAMA A young orphan, Mary Lennox arrives at Misselthwaite Manor. A secret inside and outside keeps the household on edge. The moors seem quiet and desolate and the strange howling at the manor is too much for Mary’s curiosity. Adapted from the beloved classic story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Story by Frances Hodgson Burnett Adapted for the stage by Joanne M. Parker Tickets $12 General admission March 19 - April 10