Heptacodium miconioides, Seven sons flower tree

Always on the lookout for interesting plants . . . and small trees for urban settings. The bark on this tree is beautiful.   And, after a very cold winter here in Chicago, the tree is still looking good this year.

Spring Container: Primose, Viola, Nemophila

Always on the look out for new container combos . . . here is one from the Chicago Botanic Garden.

 

Plant Profile: Alcea rosea 'Simplex'

I bought seed of this plant from Jelitto.  It is a single-flowered hollyhock.  It was easy to germinate and  to grow.  Jelitto classifies this as a perennial rather than a biennial; however, last year it didn't bloom.  Its bloom period in Chicago starts in early July.

Plant form; flower, and leaf

Plant color combo with tiger lily

Gardens at Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello

I traveled over the past week and had the chance to view some of the gardens in Williamsburg and at Monticello.  First, at Williamsburg, there was an example of a formal, English-style garden at the Governor's mansion (a lot of boxwood parterres, clipped yew, and topiaries) and some nice cottage gardens behind the more modest residences.  At Monticello, the vegetable garden was the star attraction because of its site (what a view on top of the mountain) and its size. 

Both Williamsburg and Monticello are out-of-the way garden destinations and are good if you are in the area.

Governor's Mansion Garden Williamsburg

Cottage garden Williamsburg

Monticello Vegetable Garden

Monticello Vegetable Garden

Plant Profile: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow'

Plant Profile:  Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow’

Ranunculaceae Family

Herbaceous perennial. 

Leaf, Habit, Flower

Blooms in May in Chicago

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Bellis perennis 'Rominette Series Carmine Rose'

I'm not 100% sure where I developed an obession with Bellis perennis.  I think I must have seen a grower's picture of the flower and immediately developed an affinity for it.  I thought the flower would be much larger than it actually is.  I do think this an attractive plant, however, I'm not sure how you get it to look like the picture from a grower.  Below is the picture of this plant from Benary and a picture of what the plant looks like for me. Hmm . . . 

My Bellis



Grower's Bellis

Same Yard, No Flood; and Combinations

I am surprised that none of the plants have seemed to have perished in the flood.  I wonder how long plants can withstand being submerged.  Here is picture without the water.

It is still spring here in Chicago and the plants are still popping their heads up from the ground. 

I like thinking of plant combinations.  Here is one that I like with my bulbs:  (tulips, muscari and ipheion)