Don't Forget the Trim

An essential part of the perennial border often not given the deserved attention is the front...the extreme front.  Often we jump into plants that are 18" to 24" tall in this location, but what makes this part of the border special is the beautiful trim of really short plants...those 12" or less.  I've been experimenting with this living trim for a few years and have discovered a few beauties.  One of them is Veronica x 'Waterperry Blue'. This plant only grows 4-6" tall and has an amazing blue flower in the spring.  The foliage also has a slight burgundy tinge making it extra nice throughout the growing season.

Polka Dot Ranunculus

I found these stunning images today by Kari Herer and just had to share them.  I love the blue and bright orange together, but especially like the polka dot back ground.  They have such a vintage feel that makes them so fun.

My First Spring Arrangement

I can finally bring cut flowers in from the garden again.  Our Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are popping with color and just begging me to grace our dining room table with their fabulous blooms.



I found my favorite mini-bottles and tucked three stems into each one.  These little glass cuties were purchased at a university surplus store.  They were probably once part of a science experiment, but now fill a special place in my diverse vase collection.