Gary Whittenbaugh gardens in Iowa, where he grows an astonishing range of rare plants. Iowa can be a difficult place to garden. With hot summers and cold winters, it is hardly the moderate climate most of us dream of. But Gary makes gardening in this climate look easy, and he definitely proves that you don’t need to be in England or the Pacific Northwest to grow cool plants beautifully. Gary shared so many great photos of his garden that we had to break them into two days. So come back tomorrow for more of this great garden.

Puschkinia libanotica (Lebanon squill, Zones 4–9). This was the first thing to bloom in the garden this year. And what a way to start the gardening season!

Daphne mezereum f. alpinum (February daphne, Zones 4–7). Called the February daphne for its early blooming habit, this shrub doesn’t flower quite that early in Iowa, but it still is one of the first plants to bloom. Excellent drainage is critical to keep this plant happy, as heavy, wet soils will cause it to rot and die.

Saxifraga ‘Rose Marie’ (Zones 4–7). This tiny little treasure for the rock garden needs good drainage, and when it’s happy it rewards the gardener with this sheet of sweet pink flowers.

Draba aizoides (Zones 4–8). Drabas are easy-going little rock garden plants, putting out lots of yellow flowers very early in the spring.

Rhododendron dauricum ‘RCG Purple’ (Zones 5–8). This small rhododendron makes a compact shrub that is evergreen in warmer climates and drops its leaves if it gets too cold. A vigorous, early-flowering species, it has been used in breeding many other rhododendron varieties. See seven mistakes to avoid when planting a rhododendron. 

Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Mahogany Red’ (Korean rhododedron, Zones 4–7) is an unusual deciduous rhododendron, and one of the earliest flowering species.

Daphne velenovskyi ‘Rubicon’ (Zones 5–7). This tiny evergreen shrub is native to the mountains of Bulgaria, where is sails through harsh, unpredictable, and rapidly changing weather. In spring, it covers itself with these pink, fragrant flowers. Like all daphnes, it needs perfect drainage to live a long and happy life.

Daphne velenovskyi ‘Old Port’ (Zones 5–7). This selection is a little larger and faster growing than the usual species, and just as beautiful.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

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