Gardening 101 ~ How does your garden grow?

Hey guys! 

I thought that I would give you an update to my Potting Annuals post today.

I have changed my blog format around a bit {did you notice?}  Mostly so that I could do this:

Post GIGANTIC gorgeous photographs.  I am totally a visual person and LOVE the bigger format.  What do you think?

Anyway here are my potted annuals as photographed this week.

 

Remember this is what they looked like just over a month ago.

And here is the front door with my coordinating Felt Rosette Wreath.

What I love most about these pots is the gorgeous colour scheme.  A close runner up though is how divine all of these flowers smell as we welcome visitors to our home.

This is my fav pot ~ love the patina {can pots have a patina?}  Clockwise from top:  petunias, alyssum, lobelia and verbena {centre}.

Smell-o-vision.

On the to do list for sure!

Thanks for visiting. 

Have a great weekend!

Gardening 101 ~ Favorite Perennials

Welcome to Gardening 101.

Where I share tips and techniques learned from my green thumb Mother and Grandmother.

My thumb tends to be a little black so I

happily accept any help that I can get!

Today is all about some of my absolute favorite perennials {plants that come back year after year}.  Most of my flower beds are planted with perennial shrubs or bulbs.  They are extremely low maintenance and good bang for your buck.

Here are a few favorites this spring:

Iris

Very hardy bulb ~ there are a bajillion varieties.

Lady's Mantle

Water beads beautifully on the leaves.

Silver Mound

Extemely hardy in an arid climate.

I get lots of compliments on this shrub.

Bleading Heart

Gorgeous flowers in the spring.

Periwinkle

Fantastic ground cover ~ spreads everywhere

{even places that you don't want it to go}.

Peony

Before

Peony

Gigantic blooms ~ mine often flop over.

Clematis

Great cover for a trellis or arbor. 

Blooms all summer.

If you would like the variety or latin name for these just let me know and I can get them for you.  Back in University I studied Plant Biology and can still quote the Latin name for some plants quicker than the common name.  Oplopanux horridus had always been one that stuck with me.  It's the highly toxic Devil's Club. 

Thanks for visiting! 

p.s. I had to call my Mom for some plant ID help. 

"Mom, what's that purple flowered ground cover again?"  LOL