Tuesday, May 8, 2012

May 8 - Plant Combos Part 3


Well, it's certainly Full Speed Ahead at this point, isn't it! I've been out in the garden every day that it hasn't been raining. Not that we've had overly much rain but so far, just enough to get things blooming. It's also been a nice even temp of about 16 for the last while now. A number of posts ago, I promised Plant Combos Part 3 
so here goes:


Above is a fuschia-coloured triumph tulip (no name because it was packaged wrong), golden Euonymus, Aguja reptans, Hosta 'Paul's Glory' and a spreader I call baby Solomon's Seal.


Here is a closer look at the Euonymus, Ajuga and the Hosta.


There's Nepeta (catnip or catmint) under the peonies, which should be in bloom within 2 weeks. The Nepeta stays in bloom most of the summer.



Above you can see Aquilegia canadensis (wild columbine), several types of hosta, clematis 'Star of India (not in bloom yet) all alongside my favourite garden girl: Elaine.


White triumph tulip, Hellebore (still going strong!) and ferns…


I planted the Columbine "Clementine Rose' in amongst more common white columbines. Also I have here Iris foliage, Sedum 'Autumn Joy' and Sweet Cecily.


Texture is very important - here the long arching branches of Viburnum 'Mariesii' gently touch spiky daylily foliage.


In the front yard I have Bleeding Hearts, Sweet Woodruff and Periwinkle (with fallen pink crabapple blossoms on the ground)


Finally Lady's Mantle, Hosta 'Frances Williams', Periwinkle and Sweet Woodruff all together in the front!

Hope these combinations give you some ideas for your garden.

10 comments:

Nadezda said...

Astrid, your flowers are lovely and well maintained. Columbine and Bleeding Hearts, Lady's Mantle all are my favorite flowers too.

Astrid said...

Hi Nadezda
Thanks! Yes - the garden is starting to get very lovely. Often spring is much prettier than the hot, dry summer!
Astrid

Catherine said...

So verdant and green already! You really have the green fingers:~)

Astrid said...

Hello Foxglove Lane
Mostly the green fingers are actually brown with dirt under the nails :)
And yes - isn't "springtime green" the very best colour of the year.
Astrid

Lona said...

Astrid your spring blooms are just so pretty. I really like your columbines. Have a lovely week.

Astrid said...

Hi Lona
Stuff is just popping up everywhere! I love spring!! Have a great gardening weekend yourself.
Astrid

debsgarden said...

Beautiful spring combinations! I especially like the 'Pauls Glory' with the golden euonymus.

Astrid said...

Hi Deb
Thanks! Maybe you could find "Paul's Glory' in your local nurseries - it would look great in your beautiful woodland garden. Good weather promised here for the next 5 days - I'll be out there!
Astrid

Jennifer said...

Hi Astrid, Happy GBBD! You are not all that far away from me and yet your garden is so far ahead of mine. My Deutzia isn't in flower (Note to self: must go check on it now. I am worried.) Nor are my columbine. My lilacs are a huge disappointment this year; all green and no flowers. Time for some pruning I think.
You were wondering about the textures on images. You can sign up to get textures from Kim (also Canadian) and I think she offers tutorials. To work with the textures you need a good working knowledge of Photoshop. Kim offers lots of textures, but I tend to stick with a few favourites.

Astrid said...

Hi Jennifer
You mention that your plants are farther behind than mine. I think it all has to do with the escarpment and your proximity to the Lake. My Dad is in Waterdown, just up the hill, and he is usually behind me by about a week.
Thanks for the tips about Kim and the textures. I am still taking iPhoto classes at the Apple store (!) so I will probably get to Photoshop next year. In the meantime, I will just admire your photos!! (always a treat).
Astrid