Welcome to my zone 7a northeastern garden. What a difference a month makes! While the month of February was one snow storm after another, the month of March came in like a lamb on the 1st. The announcement of the "windy month" here in the northeast was made on the 2nd and 3rd as winds gusted up to 50 mph, reminding us that March is an unpredictable month weather wise. The remainder of the week brought days that brought back thoughts of winter, followed by temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's, signaling that spring is on the way! Today for Bloom Day, the cold winds have returned once again, but spring is just five days away, and the blooms are here to stay!
Hellebore (Lenten Rose) 'Shooting Star' |
In the late winter garden, Hellebores continue to bloom from January and are doing well after being covered in snow. This evergreen perennial is quite resilient and holds up well in our cold winters.
Hellebore (Lenten Rose) 'Shooting Star' |
Hellebore 'Shooting Star' is one of my favorite varieties of Lenten Rose and is also one of the longest blooming, from winter right into spring.
Hyacinth Foliage |
There is spring in the air! In the perennial border, Hyacinth are pushing their foliage up through the ground a little more each passing day.
Golden Skylands Oriental Spruce |
As spring blooming bulbs start to show their foliage, the vibrant pinkish-red stems of the Coral Bark Maple in the Front bed continues to "glow" against the golden foliage of Oriental Spruce.
Skylands Spruce Seed Cones Late Winter |
Here are the older seed cones of the Skylands Spruce up close. Newer cones form in spring and take on a purplish hue.
Weeping Pussy Willow Catkins |
Pussy Willow catkins are a definite sign of spring. Every March, I look forward to the brown buds which open to expose fluffy white centers that last for weeks, before bursting open to expose their yellow pollen covered anthers later in the month and into April.
Evergreens in the Back Pool Garden (Oriental Spruce, Rhododendron and Azalea) |
Gerards' Crimson Azalea |
In the back pool garden, Azalea Girard's Crimson is showing off its deep burgundy foliage, which is most evident in late winter going into spring. Soon, buds which are now appearing, will lead to bountiful blooms.
Garden Whimsy |
There are more Azalea behind this statue in the eastern side of the pool garden. Watch for their vibrant purple blooms in the upcoming months!
Nellie Stevens Holly Berries Late Winter |
Ilex 'Nellie Stevens' holds down the fort during the winter months with its brilliant red berries, which continue into spring. The berries are also an important source of food for the birds.
Back Shade Garden |
There is always something evergreen in the back shade garden. The foliage of Leucothoe 'Axillaris' is showing some burgundy highlights this time of year.
Leucothoe 'Axillaris- Late Winter |
Besides the interesting foliage, Leucothoe will flower in later months.
Front Walkway Garden |
Come along to the front eastern side of the property. Here is a view of the front gardens with Weeping White Pine as a prominent feature in this view. Golden Skylands Spruce and Coal Bark Maple can be seen in the backdrop along the driveway border. Beneath the Weeping White Pine are Golden Variegated Sedge.
Front Weeping Japanese Maple Late Winter |
In the front is Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis'. If you look closely, you can see evidence of the sap rising into the stems, giving a slight glow of green. With the warmer temperatures, it shouldn't be long until it leaves out.
Front Raised Island Bed Southeastern Side |
In the front island bed, Osmanthus 'Goshiki' is showing some newer growth. Behind the variegated foliage of Osmanthus is Weeping Norway Spruce and the Weeping Japanese Maple we just saw up close.
Sedum 'Brilliant' rosettes |
Sedum 'Brilliant' is showing signs of life, and Magnolia 'Royal Star' is showing its buds, which get bigger by the day!
Magnolia 'Royal Star' Buds |
Helleborus orientalis 'Merlin' |
This variety of Lenten Rose, 'Merlin', is in the back border. It starts blooming in February, after 'Shooting Star', has deeper pink blooms and lasts throughout April.
Winter Garden Bear |
Helleborus orientalis 'Champion' |
Hellebore 'Champion' has buds now in March, which will start opening very soon. Having the various varieties of Lenten Rose allows the gardening season to begin in January.
Thanks for Visiting! |
Thank you for visiting my March garden. As always, I enjoy hearing from you and seeing what's growing in your neck of the woods! Special thanks go out to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden.
Visit My Author Page and Books
As Always...Happy Gardening! 😊
Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2021. All rights reserved.
Lee - Beautiful as always. I am excited waiting more my first hellebores to bloom. Happily I have some early golden crocus.
ReplyDeleteYour yellow crocus are a welcoming sight! We are running a bit behind this spring with crocus, hyacinth and daffodils, but its fun waiting for them to bloom!
DeleteThere is always so much to see in your garden. I always enjoy visiting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dorothy. I am enjoying all your beautiful blooms and am so glad your garden has faired well despite the cold and snow. Your Redbud is outstanding!
DeleteSedum's new growth is always so pretty, and yours are like little roses.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always admired the foliage fo Sedum. Your spring blooms are so pretty and I love your assortment of Daffodils with hyacinth, plum and Quince.
DeleteLucky you who got the real spring. Beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I loved your beautiful bird photos and snowy views. It was like that here just last month. Spring will come for you soon!
DeleteYou have so much joy on your land! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie! I am so glad you enjoyed your visit. Happy almost spring!
DeleteThat's a lovely hellebore! We have quite a few varieties of them but none like yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/03/oh-tommy.html
Hi Sue. Thank you. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting varieties! Thanks for hosting!
DeleteI love all your hellebores, Lee. They're plants that struggle more in my climate, although I do have some and (perhaps foolishly) just planted 3 more. I'm envious of the pussy willows too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kris. I am blown away every time I visit your garden! Your blooms and photography are beautiful and the collages are such a tribute to the various colors of blooms that you have, Happy Bloom Day!
DeleteLee - your garden looks so neat and clean, in March! Wow. Mine is mostly still covered with snow, but the few sections that have completely melted have last year's plant material and fallen branches and more ... Lots of clean-up to do! You inspire me with every one of your garden posts. Thanks so much for linking to Mosaic Monday!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie. I am out there every chance I can get. It was fun following you on your journey. It’s amazing how the simple pleasures in life mean so much to us. Thank you for hosting!
DeleteIt is always exciting to see these spring bloomers. Your foliage is always an inspiration too.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa. It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for your kind words. Stay well!
DeleteA beautiful vernal garden, Lee. I always like to see your hellebore, they're pretty ones. It's a pity they can't winter here, I'd love to have many of hellebore.
ReplyDeleteYour winter bear is nice as he welcomes spring, isn't he?
Hugs!
Thank you Nadezda. Your snowy views are pretty but I am sure you are anxious for spring. We had a very snowy February, but March is bringing spurts of better weather. Spring does arrive in four days! Be well!
DeleteBeautiful hellebores. I especially love your pine and that stone walkway is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteThank you Phillip! Your spring blooms are a delight and the Camellia is gorgeous! Happy almost spring!
DeleteHai delle magnifiche piante ma lo sai che ho un debole per le tue conifere :D Da invidia!!
ReplyDeleteTi auguro una buona serata e una buona primavera :)
Thank you Gabriel! I love all your late winter blooms. Many of the varieties you have are my favorites for all season interest! Have a great day!
DeleteThe Hellbores are so beautiful! We have so much snow that it will be awhile before I see flowers and wildflowers her, but I always look forward to them.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat. I saw your snow...oh my goodness! Spring temperatures will come for you soon. Until then, stay warm and cozy!
DeleteI think the Shooting Star are the best hellebores I have seen in a while!
ReplyDelete-Ray
I agree! It’s nice to see you blogging again and your blooms are lovely. I like your assortment of Hellebores and the white Forthysia. I have not seen that variety around here.
DeleteBeautiful garden , I am always amazed about your stunning Garden Figurines. It would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to gardening here http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2021/03/garden-affair-spring-flower-snapdragon.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Arun! All your blooms are lovely and such an assortment! I love the daintiness of the Mesembryanthemum.
DeleteBeautiful photos of a beautiful garden, The hellebores are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have developed a love of Hellebores over the past several years. I enjoyed seeing your photos of coltsfoot. I have not seen it growing here in a long time.
DeleteYour March garden is lovely, Lee. Hellebores, pussy willow, and red berries -- a feast for the eyes. I think 'Shooting Star' has to be my next hellebore purchase. P. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. 'Shooting Star' is my favorite as far as blooms, and it lasts from January into April! I enjoyed your post very much. I have given much focus to using perennials that provide long interest with minimal maintenance.
DeleteWow..You have soo much to enjoy...I have to get out and look for some catkins but it might be a little too soon here....
ReplyDeleteThose holly berries sizzle with color!
ReplyDelete