Fallopia japonica ‘Variegata’, Hyacinthus hispanica, Geranium renardii ‘Philippe Vapelle’

Walking through the garden at this time of year is so delightful. Everywhere I look, something is happening, mostly good, but my joy would be enhanced if I didn’t also see bindweed popping up.

In the front entry bed, partly shaded by an ancient crabapple, the foliage of Fallopia japonica ‘Variegata’ is still creamy yellow and green. By mid-June, the cream will have turned to white that is streaked with green and then, in late fall, it will sport Astilbe-like sprays of white. The lavender blue Hyacinthus (Scilla) hispanica is a deeper reflection of the pale lavender flowers of Geranium renardii ‘Philippe Vapelle’.

Yellow flowers of purple flowering kale

Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shimanishiki’

Walking down the driveway, the yellow flowers of my overwintered purple flowering kale are an eye catcher, the purple indented foliage taking second chair to the flowers.

Further down the driveway is a stunning sight. My tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Shimanishiki’ is both elegant and astonishing. The huge flowers are multi-colored hues of pink and white. I received it as a trial plant from DeVroomen in 2007 but had to wait until 2009 before it bloomed. Each year since, it has not gotten taller but it has put forth more flowers, each more lovely than the other.

On my front porch, I have several containers, most of which I plant with a combination of annuals and perennials that can withstand hot and dry conditions since the porch faces south. This year I used a mix of hot pink, orange, and yellow Portulaca plus a bunch of fun succulents I found for some additional texture.

Myosotis sylvatica, Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ and ‘Firestorm’, Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’, Camassia cusickii, Carex elata ‘Aurea’ in my back garden

Myosotis sylvatica, Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ and ‘Firestorm’, Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’

I love the way Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not) reseeds. I started with a little bit but now I have it in the garden and in the cracks of the walk in front of the garden. When it starts to go dormant, I’ll pull most of it out but by then, it will have seeded for next year.

A closer look at a section of that bed shows the Myosotis sylvatica as well as Geum ‘Mango Lassi’ and ‘Firestorm’ with Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’ in between them for contrasting foliage form. ‘Firestorm’ looks deep orange from afar but is a mix of orange and yellow up close

Walking through my gardens is a constant joy because each day brings something new.