The Best Plant in My Spring Yard
I love my forsythias in the spring season. Their yellow flowers are so bright, they are like "floral sunshine." My second favorite plant for this time of year is flowering quince.
The Best Plant in My Summer Yard
For this time of year, I would have to go with balsam (the flower). It is an annual, but it reseeds all on its own, so it acts like a perennial. I have a patch of it up against the house. The flowers come out all jumbled up in a number of colors, so it's really a knockout display. And no work for me
The Best Plant in My Fall Yard
I have a red maple tree. Need I say more? It is difficult for any other plant to compete with it during this season of the year. I do like the rose of Sharon too, though, for the early fall season. As a flowering plant, it is right up there with mums for this time of year.
The Best Plant in My Winter Yard
This season of the year is a tough one for plants, here in Zone 5. Obviously, my "best plant" is not going to be anything with flowers. For that reason I am glad to have evergreens in my yard. I guess my Blue Princess holly would be my favorite.
My Plants: How They Measure Up, Season by Season
I'm happiest with my plant choices for the spring and fall seasons. Summer is okay, but my yard lacks something with some real Umph! for this time of year. Winter is what it is. The most you can do is experiment with a number of evergreens and ornamental grasses.
How My Plantings Have Evolved
I would not say my plantings have been very well thought out. Selection has been more serendipitous than anything. My wife or I will see a plant at the nursery that we like and just try to shoehorn it into some nook or cranny of the garden. But the more experienced I become, the closer I come to actually getting organized (I can see the advantages of organization, now).
What I'd Do Differently
- The berries on my holly do not show up as much as I would like. I'm not sure if I should have chosen a different variety or if I just haven't given it enough time (I've only had the plant for 3 years).
- I have to put more effort into planting with the summer season in mind. I get tons of color from annuals this time of year, but I would like showier trees and shrubs for summer.
David Beaulieu, Landscaping Guide, says:
For more information on some of the above plants, please see the following:
