April Garden
(Revised 26 Jan 2011)
April can still have snow fall in our area. In fact, we normally expect at least one snow fall in April each year. However, the snow will melt very quickly, and cannot stop flowers from prevailing as long as the overall temperature is not abnormally low.
Looking out through the sunroom window, I saw….
Looking through the sunroom window
This precious corydalis showed up in April with its delicate blooms, and then disappeared completely until next spring.
Corydalis buschii
Here is a self-sown seedling of Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Excalibur’; almost prettier than the parent.
A seedling of Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Excalibur’
Rhodo season will start towards the end of April…
The cool Rhododendron 'Artic Gold'
This is the cherry that we really look forward to see in April. Unfortunately, it tends to bloom profusely only in alternate years. It normally blooms from the end of April into May, but last year, the blooms started in mid April.
Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'
I think it just looks heavenly.
A closer look
Usually, the maples will put on their spring show at the beginning of May, but last April..
Acer palmatum 'Katsura'
I like Viola because its flowers can brave the winter temperature, and it can bloom almost year round here, but its presence in April is particularly appreciated when not too many groundcover perennial flowers are in bloom.
Viola cornuta 'Blue Perfection'?
Conifers that have nice winter colour still show their attractive residual colours in April.
Pinus sylvestries 'Wolting's Gold' in April
Scilla is one of our earliest flowering bulbs. We like it because it is blue and early; eventhough it is very common.
Early April: Scilla with Erica ‘Rosantha’ (blooming in the background)
Some flowers enjoy their glory in full sun before the overhanging tree leaves above them come out.
Late April: Epimedium x rubrum (not at its best yet), Helleborus orientalis, Heuchera ‘Venus’ and Narcisses
I am always looking forward for the annual visit of this little guy this time of the year. It will completely disappear after the visit until next spring.
Late April: Dicentra cucullaria and Erica ‘Rosantha’
Heathers are becoming more and more important for our April garden.
An Erica that has been doing fine for a few years
Of course Narcisses will be here by now….
Narcisses
Even the common forsythia was rushed to bloom at the beginning instead of the end of April.
Fordythia; a symbol of April around here
Many perennials start to show their flowers or colourful leaves in April, but are at their best in May. Epimedium can come in late April but more often early May….
Epimedium ‘Red Beauty’
Some examples of heucheras that can have presentable leaves in April.
Heuchera ‘Marmalade’
Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘?’
Sanguinaria canadensis
Time to survey the winter damages; usually, we are too busy doing transplants, and renovating/extending/cleaning garden beds in April, when it is not raining. .
(Visit May Garden)
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We know too much and feel too little. At least we feel too little about those creative emotions from which a good life springs.
- Bertrand Russell