Greetings From Fairegarden-April Bloom Day 2010

April is the month of overlap. Early spring bulbs are still hanging on, like the later daffodils, whilst trees and shrubs leaf out with brilliant chartruese and crimson tones. Narcissus ‘Sinopel’ really has the green cup described in the catalog, and is fragrant as well.

Tulipa clusiana ‘Lady Jane’ seems to be waving a big “Hello!” as the garden paths are traversed. She is happy to see us!

Everywhere are glad tidings and jubilation at the arrival of this month, the most floriferous of them all. The emerging merlot of Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’, has self sown itself with the abandon of Bacchus at the font. Various colors of Phlox subulata make a velvety carpet and the iris leaves add just the right spike to the punch.

A volunteer forget me knot is demurely holding court in the hypertufa trough that is lined with mosses.

It is dogwood season. Cornus florida is native to this area, and can be seen blooming in nearly every yard and byway.

The hybridized pinks are our favorites.

As the earliest daffodil foliage recharges the bulb for next year’s bloom, nearby the stand of Fothergilla ‘Blue Mist’ sweetly permeates the air with its honey scent. The new leaves of Cotinus goggygria, Purple Smoke tree, offer a crisp counterpoint to the white bottle brushes.

The lilac, Syringa vulgaris, says “Hi”.

Kerria japonica is having the best show ever this year.

It is slowly filling this small island bed at the edge of the property. We think that is just fine.

Speaking of filling in, the wild violets that come in two shades, white with whiskers and solid violet purple were battled for many years. An adjustment in attitude has allowed us to better appreciate their beauty while in bloom, but some are still pulled when they threaten the weaker garden residents.

So similar to the violets, yet viewed as so much more precious are the violas. These were planted in the knot garden last fall, and bloomed quite dark, almost a solid purple when the weather was cool.

Warmer temps have brought out some more interesting features to their cheerful faces. They always welcome us as the final steps to the top are climbed.

A fascination with Geums led to several being added to the Fairegarden the last couple of years. First to bloom of the group is always orange G. borisii ‘Tango Boris’. The bright color is a winner with the grape hyacinths that have spread themselves and been spread by the gardener like jam on toast.

The delicate pale blue of Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’ is being spread about as well. It is a jewel in the crown of Heuchera ‘Citronelle’.

Third year in the garden and first year to bloom, this Bergenia is located in the black garden for the red leaves it sports during the winter. We did not realize the flowers were white, but will vote for a deviance to allow it to stay. Update: the flowers turn pink with age.

The bleeding heart, Dicentra spectabilis has struggled to have a spot here. Drought and heat are a one, two sock ’em for this cool moisture lover. Perhaps the massage by the emerging Japanese painted fern fronds will make it feel more at home.

Cousin Fernleaf, Dicentra eximia, a native has felt much more at ease here, self sowing in crevices of gravel and stone.

All paths lead to the garden, for the flowers are ready to meet all visitors, real and virtual. The yellow Erysimum under the deck catches the attention of all passersby, wondering from whence that delightful fragance is being emitted.

For more garden greetings from around the globe, check out the listing of participants in bloom day at creator Carol of May Dreams.

Frances