Eastern Shore Gardener

Spring was late this year, to be sure, but in recent weeks the pace has picked up considerably in my garden. This morning, I am sharing a few spring plant combinations. For the most part, my spring combinations depend on self-sowing perennials such as wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) and Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginiana). I am also seeing self-sown plants of great merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora) that are just getting large enough to bloom. My division of this early blooming wildflower originally came from my mother’s garden.

Later today, I hope to see some Eastern Shore Gardeners at Twigs & Teacups in Chestertown, Maryland, for First Friday. I’ll be at the store from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. signing books, answering questions, and talking about gardens. Also, don’t forget to come to the plant sales next Friday at Fountain Park in Chestertown and Saturday in Rock Hall! Both sales begin at 9:00 a.m., and you will find a number of the plants pictured here among the offerings!

Above: Favorite spring flowers, taken April 17. Great merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora), double bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Flore Pleno’), and Dutchmen’s breeches (Dicentra cucularia)

Above: The garden features primarily low-growing perennials and shrubs, which minimizes the need to stake.

Above: By April 27, the yellow flowers of great merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora), far left, have given way to gorgeous foliage. Self-sown Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) fill space in front of emerging giant Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum commutatum).

Above: Nearby, also on April 27, purple-black-flowered hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus) are just finishing up and share space with wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata), yellow primroses (Primula veris ‘Sunset Shades’), and a purple-flowered Epimedium.

Above: The backyard beds feature tougher ground covers. Early in spring, the dainty flowers of red barrenwort (Epimedium rubrum) along with hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus), top left, provided early spring interest. By the end of April wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) open their colorful, fragrant blooms.