SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

WINTER

Spring Images

	Spring arrives here in N.S. in a most unpredictable manner. Among the first plants we will see are the Golden bunch crocus( Crocus ancyrensis). These cheery crocus, the snow drops and the various other crocus gives us optimism that winter is behind us, even though green grass and emerging leaves are quite a long way off.  Click for more spring bulbs
Following the retreat of snow, the masses of mixed crocuses and snow drops  seem instantly ready to bloom . This bed along the front of the house is carpeted with multi-colored crocus, followed by 'Glory of the Snow' and various 'Scillas'.	Two of our favourite mini-Narcissus, 'Jetfire' and 'Jack Snipe'. One can never have too many of these early blooming cheery little narcissus, which seem ever so happy to share a bit of space anywhere in the garden. 'Jack Snipe' is growing with the Rhodie 'Ramapo', cushion spurge and 'Golden Oregano' in the front.
The emerging foliage of thousands of  narcissus heralds the next most anticipated period.This view of the front perennial bed has earth showing at this early stage.That will soon change.	Part of the bed along the 'gulley' combines the narcissus 'Jenny' with some pink and white narcissus plus Muscari latifolium, a tall two-tone grape hyacinth. This bed is home to thousands of other bulbs, minor and major. Rhododendrons in the bed are not yet in bloom.
Tulipa 'Spring Green' shares a spot in the front perennial bed with many narcissus.	The early blooming small-leaf Rhododendrons 'April Rose' and 'PJM' grow just in front of the house under the large birch trees. Many bulbs share the space; among them some lovely 'Fosteriana' tulips.
Rhododendron bureavii is one of the earliest large-leafed Rhodies to bloom. It is characterized by large pale pink blooms and new growth which is covered by a distinctive tan colored indumentum. In the background there are specimens of Rhododendron 'PJM' and 'Azuray', a semi-deciduous plant with gorgeous blue-violet blooms.	The Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen' is a handsome, low-growing allium. It has beautiful purple-striped emerging foliage. The spherical blooms are sturdy and long-lasting, blooming here in mid-late June.The seed heads are attractive well into late summer. The regular species has purple blooms, but the same attractive foliage.
The beds of various deciduous azaleas are in prime bloom around mid-June. One of the best pink azaleas is 'Homebush'; shown here with the Rhododendron 'Nepal'.  Both are very dependable bloomers!	'Homebush ' has a very distinctive ball-shaped truss. It is one of the nicest pink azaleas commonly grown. The description of the color varies tremendously, some call it salmon; we don't think so! The pink here may be a little extreme, but it is still a good pink.