Two weeks ago, the daffodils were really taking center stage but today the parrot tulips are stealing the show. I planted them in October, layering them with other bulbs and then topped the whole container off with pansies for a year round show.

My Green Spice heuchera is looking fabulous, as always. This one is a very dependable plant. I use heucheras to shade my clematis roots to keep them cool during the summer heat. There are many varieties for sun or shade!

The colour is so great the on the Red Barrenwort right now.  I think it makes a perfect addition to a shade container. It’s so airy and delicate looking, that the leaves almost appear to be floating.

Last but not least is the Lewisia. One of my favorites for Alpine troughs, as they like super good drainage. I suggest using cactus soil for potting them in and a ring of pea gravel under the leaves near the crown. If you keep them happy with the right conditions, they will keep you happy by blooming and blooming and blooming…

Looking around my complex, it’s finally evident that Spring is putting her roots down. I thought I would share a few of the things happening around my own garden. Or should I call it… container city? More about that another time. Today it’s all about a few of the first Spring plants bursting forth.

First up is the Rhubarb. Looks like I might actually get to eat some of it this year.  You have to be patient when you plant one of these as you can’t harvest any of the stalks until the second year or it doesn’t develop a healthy root system.  They like acidic soil, as do my Dwarf Blueberries, so I paired them up in a huge old galvanized wash tub.

I have several bulb planters but it looks like the one with the Centanees Daffodils is going to steal the show. That orange and yellow combo is a real eye catcher.  I offset the colour with some blue Grape Hyacinth and blue Violas.

And last but definitely not least, the plant that has been a beauty all winter, Pink Frost. Still going strong. Once the blooms are done, I will still have some really neat looking leaves as it is an evergreen plant.

All my containers are planted up with my favorite plants, a mix of potting soil and sea soil, and worm castings. All purchased from Potters of course!

New this year are the bag of mixed types of potatoes (you get to try a variety) and the veggie mix (mixed onions and potatoes in one bag). 

See you soon!

Check out the bulb website: www.digdropdone.com for handy tips!