Blooming Color!

The joys of spring are here, the days are longer, the temperature is rising and Mainers are moving out of their winter hibernation. It's time to get out in the yard and do a little work. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a garden slowly peek out of the earths thawing surface. Little by little the snowdrops and crocus appear with a burst of color, signs that more is to come. Soon after the sunny warmth of the daffodil pop their little heads out and the rainbow of color from tulips, phlox and other spring plants splatter our landscapes. All the while the green of summer and fall perennials fill in the vacant gaps with texture, color and dimension to bring a more mature appearance to our gardens. Our gardens will be enjoyed throughout the remainder of our short growing season. But why is it so many of us plant our garden for the neighbor to see and we have minimal views of them for ourselves? Lovely border gardens that surround our homes are so often hidden from our view within the home. Seeing our gardens requires us to leave the security of our air conditioned home to remove those unwanted weed that seem to go on a rampage as we hide from the heat or worst yet the black fly! Some who live for their gardens have figured out that those charming gardens around the foundation may hide the undesirable concrete strip between the ground and the siding, can not enjoy it from with in their home.

Maybe this is the summer to add a new garden where you can enjoy its blooming color in all it’s glory. Or maybe its time to create an outdoor living space that will get you outside enjoying the fresh sweet scent of spring & summer! A screen room addition will bring you out into the fresh air and protect you from the herds of the black flies that many of us are raising in our backyards.

While you’re adding your new garden, keep in mind its winter design. There are many plants that create great shapes and forms to add interest to your back yard during those snowy months of the year, making your newly designed garden a year round treat! I know you don’t want to think about winter so early in the spring, but now’s the time to plan ahead.

For now start by creating a space you can enjoy during our wonderful Maine summer and enjoy your existing garden as the process of spring sets those lovely little gems in motion for burst of color! Happy Gardening!

Winter Garden