A Moment in the Sun

Yesterday we had a brief spate of intermittent sun.  Enough time to grab a few shots of the developing garden and to throw a little more mulch on the developing weeds.  

Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) of unknown vintage

Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) of unknown vintage

We have several large Tree Peonies that were added over the years.  All are unknown varieties that were picked off the nursery tables and grown to full flowering size.  They make a spectacular impression both in the garden and as cut flowers.  More recently we’ve added intersectional hybrids (more on those to come…)

The first Clematis are beginning to appear as well.  Last year we planted Clematis montana at the back of the rose garden and it showing rapid growth.  We’ll have to decide whether to allow it to grow into the neighboring double flowered cherry tree which is what is seems intent upon doing.

Clematis montana vine

Clematis montana vine

 

Clematis montana flower detail

Clematis montana flower detail

As I mentioned in my last post this should be the high point for the azaleas which are blooming all over the yard, but they are looking a bit bedraggled by the constant rain.  Azaleas should be a given in the DC area.  They just grow and grow with little in the way of negatives.  The lace bug does leave tracks in the veins of the leaves some years but mostly they are spectacular in flower and then look like boxwoods when they are not in flower.

Azaleas weighed down by rain

Azaleas weighed down by rain

They still managed to have a color impact on the yard when seen from a distance.

Azaleas in the front yard

Azaleas in the front yard

And then of course there are still more of the Allium which we have increasingly found to be a spectacular addition to spring flowering

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

and which lend themselves to detail photography.

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' side-view

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' side-view

One comment on “A Moment in the Sun

  1. RainGardener

    Love that Allium – funny I was just looking at one somewhere else. They must come in lots of different colors. I’ve thought about getting one but never see them when I’m out and about. your yard and gardens are beautiful.