Uplifting Spring Colour

At this time of complete uncertainty and worry as a result of Covid-19 turning to the garden can give an amazing amount of solace. Whilst being at home for the foreseeable future I appreciate having some outdoor space more than ever. When feeling overwhelmed with concern for my elderly and vulnerable father I have been spending time with my hands in the soil sowing and potting on plants and clearing weeds from the cutting garden in preparation for planting in a few weeks; I always find any task in the garden very grounding and calming. Whilst in the garden over the last few days I have been taking photos to share. The following plants are some of my favourites this time of year for either their flower colour, emerging foliage or very welcome scent.

For those who have gardens, I hope you find it as therapeutic as I do and for those who do not, I hope the photos bring a bit of joy.

All my best wishes to all who read this blog, Gill

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Dora Bielefeld’

Pulmonarias are wonderful spring time plants as they flower early providing nectar to bees as well as giving some colour. The foliage dies back during the summer giving way to later flowering perennials. Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ has bright blue flowers and is easier to find than ‘Dora Bielefeld’ If you would like a white flowering variety ’Sissinghurst White’ is also a very attractive cultivar.

Brunnera macrophylla, Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Dora Bielefeld’

Brunnera is a wonderful partner to Pulmonarias giving contrast in foliage and flower colour. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Betty Bowring’ is a white flowering cultivar which can be used with good effect with white variegated plants such as Carex ‘Ice Dance’ or planted next to evergreen shrubs such as Sarcococca to really make the white flowers stand out.

Clematis alpina ‘Constance’ and Clematis alpina ‘Blue Dancer’

Two wonderful early Clematis that I have growing near the patio that give early colour and then develop beautiful seed heads which provide interest through the summer. There are clematis to enjoy almost through the entire year and as long as they are pruned according to their particular group needs they will provide joy for months and months.

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Another favourite of mine which I brought with me from The Netherlands when we moved back; I need to add more to the group for greater impact. I love the soft foliage which contrasts so well with surrounding foliage especially that of Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’

Lathyrus vernus

A real favourite early spring flowering plant with it’s sweet pea like flowers that looks beautiful amongst emerging foliage of surrounding perennials.