In full bloom are the rhododendron and the Chionanthus virginicus, aka as the Fringe tree. This rather slow growing specimen is worth having in the garden especially for the slightly fragrant and delicate creamy-white panicles of blossoms.
If we were to walk beyond the tree toward the raised vegetable beds and take a hop to the other side, we will find a handsome Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Pinus glauca), a view of the fringe tree above, and the profuse yellow flowers of the Genista Lydia (Lydia broom) which drape over the wall and boulders.Walk with me past the beautiful stand of black bamboo (Phyllostachy nigra) where thoughts turn to friends who gave us a little start of that fine specimen, but be careful, for the grade is rather steep.
Beyond is a most spectacular Viburnum plicatum 'mariesii', perhaps my favorite shrub. As we get closer you can see how the branches grow horizontally and the double rows of lacey cymes lay atop the branches and look similar to a lace-cap hydrangea. We planted this one here in order to have a birds eye view of the blossoms from above. By the way, this was started from a cutting 5 or 6 years ago from one we have in another section of the garden. The viburnum loves this spot. Would you believe, we do not water it?
Continue north from here past the birch toward another part of the garden and one of my favorite trees is the Fagus sylvatica (beech), planted following a trip to England a number of years ago. We shall not experience the grandeur as those that we saw, for they were at least a century old, but the magnificence had us planting one upon our return to the United States. It could be said that the deep rich burgundy color of the foliage is likened to a great Merlot. (I made that up.) This branch will eventually have to be cut, but for now I love how it caresses Carex elata 'Bowles Golden'.
The soft salmon pink of Papaver orientale 'Mrs. Perry' is throughout the garden, and one nestles next to this carex.
Everywhere the birds are chirping and nesting, and just as I am about to go inside, gathering its nectar but for a moment, the first Pale Tiger Swallowtail I've seen this year, appears and quickly flies onward. (click on photo)Thank you for joining us in the morning garden.
