(C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Probably by the time you read this, spring will have sprung and gone here in Central Indiana. A week of 70+ degree days (at least one 81-degree day) does that to spring bulbs, especially.
The early stuff, like snowdrops (Galanthus) irises (Iris) and crocus (Crocus) take the biggest hit. Soon to follow will be the early daffodils (Narcissus). Rushed into bloom and gone will be the hyacinths (Hyacinthus) and tulips (Tulipa) and later season daffs.
Hydrangeas and other spring and summer shrubs are leafing out and we can only hope that there will be no deep freezes between now and their time to bloom.
The exfoliating bark makes Heptacodium a great plant for the winter garden. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
On Tuesday, I spoke at the Chicago Flower & Patio Show where I saw some lovely plantings, including overalls with plant-stuffed pockets and attractive window boxes mixed with tropicals, annuals, conifers and perennials. One of the most eye-catching displays was an image of the White House as a backdrop to several raised beds planted with vegetables.
At my friend Tom Tyler’s house in a western suburb, the seven-son flower (Heptacodium) reveals why it’s a great four-season plant.
In my own yard, I’m relishing the what’s here and what’s to come. The Trevi Fountain Pulmonaria has survived two seasons of drought, heat dormancy and transplanting to bloom again.
Dutch hyacinths are on their way in along with a frilly daffodil whose name I don’t remember. Solar Eclipse Heucherella looks great in its new spot. And then there’s the first batch of daffodils that I planted when I moved here that have moved into my neighbor’s yard.
The curly leaf parsley (Petroselinum) has reviving from its winter doldrums and since this will be its second year in the herb bed, will probably bloom.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
The hellebores (Helleborus) are still going strong and will look great for months to come.
So, the message is enjoy the garden today because we don’t know what nature will bring us tomorrow.
