Planting time: Perennials

I don't think there is anything prettier than springtime, and here in Virginia it's just an explosion of color this time of year. Charlottesville is no exception: everything just popped open overnight once the warmth hit and we are enjoying the most beautiful weather. I have the pleasure of a spring birthday, and I'm not sure if I loved springtime first, or if my love of it came out of the joy of the celebration.

As early as I can remember, my birthday gift was that of outdoor bedding plants. Even as a small child, I remember the dining room table spread with a cloth and filled with garden plants.  I had a dedicated space in the yard that was just for me, and it was dubbed the  "Laura's Memorial Garden". Memorial, not sure why, but I guess it was an odd hobby for a young girl! I had a bird bath, and hijacked some leftover bricks to build a path through the center. I spent many, many hours in my flower garden as a child.

I've continued the tradition. Living further west in the state and higher in elevation, my birthday is still the time where it is safe after last frost to seriously start planting.

  Every year I try to spend it at at least a few garden centers: today I hit two.

 Here is my bounty:


colors and textures...all without blooms!

 My goal with this trip included add color to my garden without the need for blooms.  Can you see all the color and texture?

  Besides blooms, leaf color and plants with differing textures in the leafy parts really can add interest to your garden all season.  It's easy to pick out what is blooming when you are buying, but you should keep in mind the look of your garden for the whole season, not just right now.  In the past, I have had gardens that were really pretty in the spring, but in the middle of July, everything was done and I was bored. 

I think the addition of some interesting leafy plants is just the thing to perk up my garden this year!  I'm busy getting them into the ground now, so I'll share more info on the particular plants soon!