Everything Goes With Black....BLACK VELVET PETUNIA

I think I am in love!  These are incredible!  The world's only black petunia. A 'goes-with-everything' petunia to pair up with other sun-lovers. What a dramatic statement alone or mixed with bright pinks, corals, and yellows!  Game on...I am on the hunt for these!   Stay tuned for planter pictures~

Add Texture & Color With Lamium...Showy Ground Cover

One of my favorite fast growing perennials to be used as a ground cover!  Lamium (Spotted Dead Nettle)  prefers a semi-shady dry area with well-drained soil but will tolerate a wide range of soils and moisture.  It is best to cut this plant back after the first bloom to promote compact growth. This plant is also deer resistant & can also be used in containers with ease for a trailing addition of soft color and texture. 

Lamium is one of the best choices for a tough yet showy perennial ground cover. This selection forms a spreading patch of small silver leaves with a narrow green edge. Clusters of soft salmon-pink flowers appear in spring, then continue off and on until fall. Fairly tolerant of dry shade, once established.  Stems will root into the ground where they touch, and any new plants that form can be easily moved in spring or fall. Also easily divided.

Colors of Peonies

The peony comes in a variety of colors that add texture and dimension to any garden.

Of all the flowers you can grow, peonies are often the most luxurious and spectacular blooms in an early summer garden. Among the many reasons to grow peonies are fragrance and color. Doubles are extremely fragrant whereas single blooms are much lighter. Some have no scent at all. Colors range from white, cream and ivory through myriad pinks and roses. Several lovely yellows, which are intersectional crosses between herbaceous and tree forms, are also available, though the cost for these rare peonies is high.

Pinks

Peonies come in a large range of pinks, all the way from soft baby pink to stunning, bright fuchsia pink. The Albert Crousse variety is a double-flowered peony that comes in a light pink, is mildly fragrant and is a graceful addition to any cut arrangement.

Peonies come in many shades of pink.

White

White peonies come in variations of crisp whites and soft creamy whites. The Amalia Olson variety is an all-white variety that may have a tinge of blush upon opening. This variety is very sturdy and highly fragrant making it a favorite for cut arrangements.

Peonies also come in several variations of white and cream.

Yellow

The yellow varieties of peonies are a stunning addition to any garden. These varieties are a bit more rare and will be more costly. The Itoh Bartzella is a vigorous, bright yellow variety that can have blooms up to 6 inches in diameter, making for a stellar show. It is also used as a cut flower with a mild, spicy fragrance.

Yellow peonies are a relatively new color on the market.

Multiple Colors

You can also find varieties of peonies that have multiple colors among their blooms. The Bric Brac variety has twisted petals of cream to white with magnificent cherry colored, streaked ruffles along the edges of the petals. This peony brings both color and texture to the garden.

Taming Forsythia

Taming Forsythia....Not as hard as it may seem.  Forsythia is very durable and could be cut back at any time really.  BUT...it is getting ready to bloom shortly so you may want to wait until you get the best benefit of the vibrant yellow flowers before you trim back.  After that feel free to prune away!