WINTER BEGINS TO FADE and our sights are focused on new, fresh designs for spring. As gardeners, we look to the landscape and the bare bones of our garden; these are the mannequins for our garden cloak. Look around and decide where you would like to drape color. Maybe, you are already blessed with spring blooming shrubs. If so, cut some budded branches and place them indoors in good light and clear vases to brighten your indoor rooms. If not, let’s discuss the possibilities of adding spring blooming shrubs and trees to your garden.
• Azaleas—the most abundant bloomers in the spring garden. They make excellent indoor arrangements and come in a huge variety of color and sizes. New varieties will bloom in the summer and fall. Be sure to question your nursery about the eventual size and bloom potential of your new purchase. Acid soil, partial shade and pine bark or pine needle mulch is preferred.
• Forsythia—Sometimes this shrub is referred to as “golden bells” because of its vibrant yellow flowers that precede the appearance of leaves. Forsythia tends to grow upright and arch-like. Makes an excellent border plant or a backdrop to lower growing shrubs. Cuttings are beautiful in indoor vases!
• Flowering Quince—beautiful when planted near forsythia. This shrub can be a real delight when blooming. Beautiful pinkish, red blossoms are short-lived but worth every second.
• Plum trees—bright white flowers and edible fruit as a bonus. This is a smaller easy to prune tree. Beautiful spring flowers look great in indoor vases. The purple leaves make a great backdrop for green vegetation.
• Citrus trees—our area is perfect for these early bloomers and there are abundant choices to be made. Besides the bloom, these trees grace your garden with the most wonderful aroma. Clip a budding branch or two to make a fragrant arrangement in any sunny room. Bonus—delicious citrus fruit for the fall and winter!
Design is now in your hands and styling depends on your ability to dig a hole and fill a spot with lots of blooming potential. Don’t be reluctant to try on a new look in your garden today!
Email your gardening questions and comments to Lisa at gardening@sophisticatedwoman.com.
