Hello Spring
We Live in Northern Indiana where we get all 4 seasons. But most years Winter seems to overstay its welcome and by spring most of us are more than ready to feel the sunshine on our faces and grass under our feet. While winter is cozy and helps me slow down, reflect and pause, there is no doubt My Heart Comes Alive in the spring. The flowering trees and plants springing from the earth all announce the arrival of this season.
Many Types Of Perennials
I have many perennials around the property including two of my favorites, Hostas, and Hydrangeas. Both of these love shade which is the perfect plant when you live in the woods. There are well over a dozen varieties of Hostas planted around our property. Some of my favorites include…Hosta Whirlwinds, they have a heart- shaped leaf that are creamy white with lime or dark green margins. I also love the leaf of the Hosta Halcyon. A heartier green leaf and are more slug-resistant. One of the more unique Hostas is the Hosta Guacamole. This is a beautiful color of yellow-green and gold tinges and streaks in the center.
Hydrangeas love the shade are some of the easiest to transplant and tend to be super hearty. I love the blooms that can be enjoyed on the bush most of the summer and then dried for fall arrangements.
Mixing in Annuals Adds Color all Season
Annual Shade Flowers like New Guinea impatiens Do the best the shaded back yard. Begonias are another favorite and are used in many beds and pots around the property. I like to tuck them in around my hostas and ferns just as if I were arranging flowers in a vase.
Flowering Trees
The flowering rose bud and dogwood trees on the front path always announce spring is here. It’s unfortunate their season is so short but we love them while they last. Flowering trees on a property adds such a wow factor. Weeping Cherries are one of my all time favorites.
Ground Cover
If you have spaces that are hard to mow or plant in, ground cover like this Pachysandra in the front yard is a nice way to add texture and fill in those spaces. Some of the other easy maintenance ground covers I have are creeping jenny, vinca minor, sedum, and english ivy.
Boxwoods and Ferns
We planted over 35 boxwoods around the property. Boxwoods are one of the easiest bushes to maintain and again do well in sun or shade. Ferns and grasses give the gardens different heights and fullness. Ferns multiple quickly allowing for reproduction in the spring.
Adding Character to Your Garden
Last Season I had the idea to use 5 old windows to make this structure for my mini garden. I love the way it brings personality to this area. Whimsy and personality is always fun to add to a garden to make it feel enchanted and charming.
This is the time of year to be intentional about cleaning and dividing perennial beds. . Before much growth has happened to your plant it’s important to divide them or discard unwanted plants to keep them from taking over other spaces and getting unruly.
Happy Gardening my friends!
If you like any of these ideas for your garden this summer pin and save for later.