What Plants Are the Stars of Your Yard?

What plants, currently, are shining most brightly in your yard? In my own yard, the first blooms of garden phlox are telling me that summer has arrived. But my phlox display doesn't yet merit "star" status; that honor goes to roses and to the plants listed below.

All my plant stars were chosen because they are in bloom, but that's just me; the stars of the yard right now, for you, could be quite different from mine. For example, a tree with an interesting branching pattern or a shrub or perennial with a cool foliage color could be occupying the limelight in your yard. If you live in a climate warmer than mine, you might nominate plants that won't be in bloom for weeks to come here in New England (U.S.).

In my own yard, as I watch the brilliant spring color of my kiwi vine fade into summer oblivion, the current stars are the following plants, all in bloom now:

• Hollyhocks
• Butterfly Bush
• Lavender
• Butterfly Weed
• Blue Salvia Plants
• Lamb's Ear
• Stella de Oro Daylilies
• Bee Balm
• 'Wolf Eyes' Dogwood
• 'Neon Flash' Spirea

How about you? Vote in my poll and let us know what plants are shining most brightly in your own yard right now. Or to mention a specific plant I didn't include in the poll, tell us about it in my forum.

Let Us Know What Plants Are Currently Delighting You!