In the backyard..in the garden..

Here are a few of the seasonal blooms gracing my gardens right now.

This Penstemon, or beards tongue, has dark green leaves with deep purple running down the center vein. It's white flowers are a stunning contrast for this perennial that blooms in late spring through July.

Honeysuckle vines are hardy, vigorous plants that require sturdy support.  This Pink Lemonade honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds for it's nectar, and then in autumn the berries are a source of food for wild birds.

I planted this Black Lace Elderberry in 2011.  The  fine cut, intense purple-black foliage has a similar effect to that of a Japanese maple and looks great all season.  The soft pink May flowers that fade to white as they age, give off a light lemon scent and remain for 3-4 weeks.  Birds are also drawn to the berries that form later.

Potentilla, or Cinquefoil, makes a lovely dense shrub that does best in full sun and is often planted in groups as an informal hedge.  In early spring, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems to make way for new growth and blossoms that emerge in late May and continue on through frost.