It’s Spring!! Plant Something

Are you ready? The days have already been getting longer and now we’re going to see even more signs of the season. One of my favorite events of the spring is when the cherry trees blossom. There’s something about the contrast between the vivid color and the dark branches of a fruit tree that is stunning. Set against the background of a blue sky, a verdant hill, or a pristine colonial facade, it’s truly a living work of art.

How many times have you been struck by the beauty of flowers or blossoming trees as you’ve gone about your daily errands? Isn’t it a great pick-me-up? Wouldn’t it be great to be a contributor to this joy? Why not plant your own work of art?

Where to begin? Well, first, decide what will be the central feature of your garden or flower bed. A tree? A bed of roses? Next, think about what plants would complement the feature. If you need some ideas about what these will be, take a look at the following articles. Jot down some possible combinations as you browse through these sites.

• Here’s a list of spring flowers that provides a comprehensive sense of what’s available. It covers what blooms at every stage of spring, from early to late spring.
• This article from Better Homes and Gardens has some really nice photos of perennials which give you an excellent idea of the color you can expect to see.

You’ll notice that the second resource listed above has some flowering trees listed. Why not think long term and plant a couple trees? Think about how they’ll look 5 years from now and from different distances, up close, from your patio, or from your living room window. Also, consider what the backdrop is. How will the tree look in front of those hills in the distance or in front of your wrought iron fence? There are a number of different possibilities. Check out some of them below.

• Barcham: The Tree Specialists This guide describes the shape the tree will take, the colors of the blossoms as they emerge and come into full flower, and how each tree might fit with other plantings. It’s an excellent resource.
• Gardeners’ World: A list of 10 trees with beautiful spring blossoms that includes vital detail including their pros and cons.
• Pennsylvania Native Trees and Shrubs: A Landscaping Guide. If you live in Lancaster County, use this exhaustive PDF to learn detailed specifics of our various native species. It even has a nice chart that details the specs for a great number of trees that grow in our county.
• A Guide To Northeastern Gardening: Here’s a really nice one. The particular page I’ve linked you to focuses on the many flowering trees that can grow in our area. Check out the rest of her blog. It’s an exhaustive resource that you’ll want to bookmark. She’s also written numbers of books.

Enjoy yourself and the chance to get outside! Now, after a couple days of hard work, you’ll need a break. So why not enjoy the beauty and get inspired this year at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.? (Schedule and Description). And there’s always Longwood Gardens. They have plantings for every season, and their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. And of course, our trees are worth a look too! It won’t be long, and our orchards will be in full bloom. Get outside! Enjoy this time of year. It’s such wonderful gift.

There’s so much beauty…and we get to live in it!