This is NOT ME! Just an example of the mullet hairstyle.
Yes, I did just make a reference to the mullet hairstyle. That’s probably the best way to describe my landscape. I’m a gardener who keeps it conservative in the front yard and more ‘expressive’ in the back. I call it Mullet-style landscaping. Since I usually focus on the backyard so much, I thought I’d share a bit more of the front with you for this post. I added so many new plants last season, there’s actually more than usual going on in the front this year. I’ll admit that I lack a bit of confidence and still worry that my latest additions will not come back the following season. I’m pleased to report that most have decided to return.
Winter has held a stubborn grip on spring this year. Plants are slow to emerge from beneath the soil, but they are determined and push out a bit more with each passing day.
I planted 26 Astilbe Rhythm and Blues (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Rhythm and Blues’) last summer and every single one has come back. Every plant looks healthy and a bit larger. Astilbe was a new test for me. I knew only of it’s unquenchable thirst and worried that I may not satiate it during last year’s drought. Of all my additions, I’m most pleased to see this one coming on so strong.
My little mass planting of 33 Heuchera “Plum Pudding” is also doing well. Only one plant did not survive– one that I foolishly tried to relocate mid season. Lesson learned. No major moves until very early spring.
This little row of Green Gem Boxwood came through beautifully. My big concern here was that the plants were a bit stressed having been in the grower’s pots all last summer during the drought. I purchased them at Sundown Gardens during a sale and planted them “by the book” hoping for positive results. This short row had been a missing piece of the landscape puzzle for a few years. Guests who walk up the front walkway will be greeted by the verdant green shrubs and subtle but direct command to “turn left here.”
Heuchera “Circus” was a total impulse buy last year. This introduction by French breeder Thierry Delabroye (breeder of the every popular “Caramel”) caught my eye from day one. I had to have it. My work cohort and I bought the whole lot between us. This is first time I’ve seen it in springtime and I’m happy all three came back nice and strong. This is one of those plants whose appearance will change throughout the season. Blooms will be in Pink shades. Can’t wait!
Elsewhere in the front beds, the Hostas are coming through. The Peonies are full of buds and the Variegated Liriope’s winter growth has been mowed down to make way for a flush of new growth.
Finally, the Limelight Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’) are coming back with vigor. I give them a hard prune right before Thanksgiving every year. You can see where the old cuts are and how the new growth emerges from the old stems. All blooming happens on new growth.
It may seem as though the party is in the front, but it is laid out very nice and tidy. In the back? Well, that’s another story. Thankfully the plants came back in high style and the mullet has not. Please share how your spring is going in the comments section.