Last spring was the first time I noticed that an old climbing rose that has taken over the fence that separates my yard from the neighbors’ driveway had twined itself into the old rose of sharon. At first I was alarmed. Would the rose choke the tree? I was assured that it would not and that some gardeners actually plant climbing roses with trees so that they will use the trees as support. So, I accepted this old rose’s presence and have been looking forward to its pretty red show. Too bad it isn’t a re-bloomer. I may have to plant a red climber on this side of the fence so that I can see roses in the rose of sharon tree more often.
But it isn’t just the old climber that’s blooming of course.
It is poppy time! Last year I didn’t get much in the way of blooms. But this year, the plants are far more established and are giving me that deep sexy red poppy color. And, the James McFarlan lilacs are really kicking out the blooms this spring. So is the mock orange. Together they make a charming little corner in the Secret Garden.
Further down the path in the Secret Garden is the hosta corner. There are a few hearts clinging to the dicentra that forms the backdrop for this little corner, but the hostas generally take over after the dicentra’s blooms are spent. The mild winter and early spring have sent the hostas into over-drive. And they are in over-drive in the lower garden, too. This is Elegans It’s enormous!
My newest addition just inside the entrance to the Secret Garden is a purple datura (purple ballerina) that I think is going to be a lot of fun.
Garden 337 