Todays' photos are from Jeff Calton, who says, "Well, spring is definitely in full swing in Tennessee. The garden changes every day but it is still not alive enough for wide scale photos. Spring is all about the little things and the close-ups, I think. Here are a few shots of early April in the hills. In about one more week the moutains will be 1,000 shades of green and achingly beautiful." Oh Jeff, I can't wait for that green haze to show in the trees and for the daffodils to start blazing. Here, the grass is just starting to green up the tiniest bit and we're still in snowdrops. But at least it's progress! Thanks for a glimpse of what it will look like here in a couple of weeks.
You guys are starting to send stuff in, and it's FUN! I love opening my inbox each morning. Keep going!! Send in some photos! Email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
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Comments
Gorgeous, Jeff. You said what I've been thinking: early spring is really in the close ups and the new growth virtually exploding out of the ground. Kaguyahime was on my must-have list two years ago, and you have shown me (young grasshopper) that I have chosen well! So beautiful. I bought Sandy Claws this year. Promises to be a show stopper. The flowering plum/cherry whatever is amazing. Cheers to spring!
but Tim, didja spot the Agave?
I'm totally slipping. Victoria reginae, back right pocket, behind the rusty milk can hazard.
I'm impressed Tim... I figured it had to be in that photo, but my eyes didn't scroll the whole photo!
You always have the most exhilarating photos Jeff! Thank you for teaching me to appreciate all aspects of the garden. I love the way you look at all things, big and small. Can't wait to see more photos of your morning walkabouts and work adventures again soon.
glad you liked the photos, Cherry, but YOU have caused serious damage to my checkbook with your planters and plant suggestions :)
Ditto!
Woo hoo, Awake my soul and sing! Thank you Jeff for putting the smile on my face this morning. Sempervivum is so sweet.
glad you were smiling! that semp is the strangest little thing, changes color several times thruout the year and always velvety
I am such a fan of your multicolored euphorbia 'Bonfire'...how big does it get? For the past couple of weeks, I have gone on an 'Angelina' buying and planting binge 'cause Lowes had such nice quart size pots. Had to feel great to get the umbrellas back out and up just in case there is an opportunity to sit, relax and take a sip of a cooling beverage...ha, yeah, right...you know, what with all that free time you have since there is almost nothing to do in the spring!
Mike, the Bonfire (for me) gets maybe 12" tall, the clump is maybe 20" across,,, i planted 10 and have only the one, the others died a quick death soon after planting
Hmmm, 1 out of 10...not my favorite ratio of success to failure...ha, I think I'll just enjoy yours vicariously!
Oh no, Jeff! I was just out getting more sedums and other drought-tolerant things when I saw the E. Bonfire. It looked so lovely in your photo that I got it too. At least I only buy 1 of each until I see if they will die or be eaten. Here's hoping it will survive!
SPRING!! Looks awesome, Jeff. So refreshing. Your "Toyo Nishiki' quince is great - those variegated blooms are exciting. Quince have got to be one of the finest announcements of Spring's coming and arrival. It's all a great mix of plants in your garden. Thanks for the abundance.
that is the only quince i have but i'm so glad to have it,,, the flowers start white, then change to light pink before darkening to a deep pink tone. after the first few days there are all 3 colors on the shrub at the same time
As always, Jeff, great photos. Always love to see your interesting varieties. Love that Epimedium! Maybe this will be the year I finally get one. (Three!) Looking forward to more photos as the season progresses~
i wish i had enough of that epimedium to sell! i could make a killing
work on it, Jeff.
Hi Jeff, I agree that Epimedium X kaguyahime is a showstopper. That is after you bend over to look closely. I doubt non gardeners would enjoy the little treasures, but I love the first signs of spring. I really enjoy the mottled foliage and wondered if the epimedium retained that look or changed to green. I need to mark the spots where the ephermerals are in an attractive way, all those little white plastic markers detract from the garden. Any suggestions? Don't want to step on an emerging trillium.
It isn't always possible, but I try to place some larger stones throughout wider flowerbeds so that I can use them as stepping stones. That way I avoid stepping on the soil and potentially trampling hidden treasures.
the epimedium leaves stand about 10" tall with the flower scapes rising to about 18" so there is quite a drift of flowers. it stays mottled most of the summer but by august it's mostly green.
That sempervivum just begs to be petted.
I would so love to go on a morning walk at your place! Likeing your place under the unberellas with the flowing grass lawns. It does sound like a great place to see spring come into its fullness. Green and more green!
Jeanne, when you come for a walk,,, please bring me one of your red rhubarbs
There is nothing so exciting to gardeners as the first signs of spring emerging after winter. Jeff, you always have such amazing plants for the rest of us to enjoy!
May, i just KEEP draggin plants home to try, it's a never ending thing
Could that pulmonaria be 'raspberry splash'? Love all the photos!
just went out and checked the label,,,, the Pulmonaria is Bertram Anderson
Beautiful as always, Jeff. I will have to look for that Epimedium. I have several yellows but no pink and that's a beauty. Also the Sedum 'Coral Reef' - I've never seen that one before and I need to add it to my collection! Love your attention to detail. And don't you just love Tete a Tete? It's one of my favorite daffs, along with Thalia. Spring has been marching right along out here. The daffs and hyacinths are done, tulips, crab apples and lilacs starting. The asparagus is finally coming up! Yum! And the early rhodies and deciduous azaleas are starting to bloom. I love to watch the progression, from the first tiny green leaves in the woods all the way to full bloom. Enjoyed the byplay between you and Tim, but agave? rusty milk can? huh? So glad spring has finally caught on back east. We are finally getting snow in the mountains, and that's a good thing for the summer water supply, to say nothing of giving the skiers and area operators a break. Happy Spring!
Shirley, Tim and I have an ongoing "thing" aboug Agaves. in the Coral Reef photo,, almost hidden on the right side behind that rusty milk can is an Agave Victoria Reginae,,,,,,,,Tim spotted it AND identified the milk can
yes, I know. I was being facetious as well as blind. I finally spotted it! Thanks for the reply. I know you are a busy man, whereas I am happily retired. Spent yesterday afternoon tearing apart the root balls of a dozen or so cymbidiums that desperately needed it. A friend cum helper potted them in fresh bark for me, so we got it all done. What a job! Note to self: do NOT let them go like that again. I know I should be cutting back at my age, but I just can't help myself when I see another plant I want. So I hire help when I need it. I just made myself a list. I have 105 plants/bulbs to be planted, at present. Many will go in pots on the deck, others in the garden. Get busy, Self.
105? Wow, Shirley, I don't feel so greedy now! My wife came home through the back door mud room yesterday, grumbling that she can't get through for all of the plants waiting to be planted. Note to self: Shirley is my hero!
As always Jeff you show us how to look at our gardens more closely. Wonderful photos. I love the Epimedium; haven't seen that variety before They are such an unassuming plant until you get closer. At first I thought it might be a Hardy Fuschia!! Hope you get to sit on your patio soon.
i wish i could grow those hardy fuchsia here but i have never had success with them
Beautiful photos! Thanks especially for labeling -- but also thanks to you, I'm afraid that epimedium x kaguyahime is going to fly away from wherever it can be found. I'm going to start looking now!
that epimedium has been a show stopper for at least 2 weeks now ,,, it's a keeper
Goodmorning Jeff ~ A gardener never tires with the birth of Spring and your photos are wonderfully inspiring. I love the patio photo - soldiers short and tall just waiting for their leader to help them burst into bloom. It will be a beautiful spot I'm sure. Kaguyahime - one of my favorites!
Meelianthus, i wish those patio pots were filled already but it's still a bit early.
The fun will soon begin for you!
that viburnum is a fragrant variety but lemme tell ya,,, a little goes a LONG way
I had to read all of the comments first! Now I can tell you that I am joining the epimedium fan club for certain; I giggled at the thought of how happy your wife must be feeling now that the succulents have moved outside again and love your new word "purplier"! I'm impressed with Tim's superior knowledge and sharp eyes. In fact I've just had the loveliest half hour with you all.
My own garden boasts flowering pulmonaria (blue), masses of daffodils, poor little shoots of forsythia, burgeoning magnolia, the mysterious leaves of arum Lily poking through the very wet earth and what promises to be an absolutely gorgeous display of the spice bush viburnum. The list of exciting happenings is truly amazing and I love my walks to see each daily surprise.
So glad the East weather is improving for you all.
yep, Eddie, "purplier" is right there with curiouser and curiouser :) spring is a lot of work and things change every day and sometimes i'm late and see spent flowers and never their full glory. it's a race!
Oh! And thank you Jeff for the beautiful photographs and wonderful plants.
Love all your flowers and plants. What is the hanging pot with the coral reef sedum?
Elizabeth, the coral reef sedum is in the hanging pot
I think she was asking about the hanging pot itself. It is rather curious-looking. Is it something repurposed?
no, that was made by a college art major girlfriend so it's a rare antique now :)
We're in wet New Orleans for a very short binge eating trip so this is the first chance I've had to check GPOD. Great photos as always, Jeff! Everything is looking downright lush in TN my friend. We've had some unusually warm weather in Denver the last few weeks so my gardens are starting to 'green up' too, although not to the glory of yours! Heck, the last photo with your umbrellas feels downright summery! You've given us hope!
sheila, have plenty of beignets for me and a muffeletta too! is is crawfish season?
Beignets for breakfast and maybe a muffeletta to go! Crawfish are definitely in, but we went for grilled oysters at Acme for lunch today. I'm in heaven!
i still take my oysters on the half shell if i die,,,,,,,,,,,,i die
These were actually grilled in the shell... basted with a little butter, parmesan and garlic! Doesn't sound that good, but when served w/ french bread slices to sop up the sauce, man it was good ;)
What a delight to see all the treasures blooming in your spring garden, Jeff! Your pictures capture the intimate beauty of each plant so well. Love the pink on the vari. Solomon Seal as it pushes through the ground. I want to touch that fuzzy Sempervivum and smell the viburnum as it opens. Such a sensuous garden! My P. Hallie Jolivette is smaller but so lovely when it blooms ...and for such a long time....maybe 2-3 weeks. For everyone drooling over your wonderful epimedium, Plant Delights catalog has a wide variety of beauties with unusual foliage like yours. Here in Maine most snow is finally gone . The ground is still frozen, but the spring bulbs are in glorious bloom .Thank you for showing us what's to come....each spring day is so exciting!
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