Chanticleer ~ Oak Bed Woodland

Chanticleer's Oak Bed filled with spring delights!

I had lovely weather and lovely company on the day I visited Chanticleer last April. The sunny, warm spring excited hundreds of plants into bloom on the estate grounds all at once. It was a beautiful time to visit!

Here are my photos of the Oak Bed. I found the planting in this area captivating; so many woodland treasures were all nestled together. It had the effect of a patchwork quilt which the gardeners had been knitting together these past years.  Each plant so quietly beautiful, supporting one another. I hope you enjoy the view!

Gardening in Pennsylvania ~ GBBD May 2012

Our picket fence covered in a red Clematis 'Earnest Markham' and heavenly-scented dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis). Potted Allium 'Purple Sensation' on the steps.

There are tons of late spring blooms for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day in our Pennsylvania, Zone 5 garden. We are at least three weeks ahead of schedule, with many plants blooming now that usually do not have their day well into June. Most of the tulips are gone as of about a week ago, though the late single Tulip 'Cum Laude' is just dropping its petals this week. The phlox scents the whole yard right now.

One of my favorite large-flowered Clematis, C. 'John Warren' on the flower trellis in the Driveway Garden.

Tulip 'China Town' in Cherry Corner Garden

Tulip 'China Town' in Cherry Corner Garden with dark Heuchra 'Palace Purple' and variegated loosestrife, Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander'.

Another new tulip this year, Tulip 'China Town'. This one is in our Cherry Corner garden. (See map for garden location in our small town lot.)

Heuchra villosa 'Citronella'

Heuchra villosa 'Citronella' (a chartreuse foliage Coral bell)

I have discovered a new heuchra (commonly known as Coral bells), which is no great feat these days as it seems a new variety is coming out every other minute. But, I really like this one, Heuchra villosa 'Citronella', for numerous reasons.

Heuchra 'Citronella' has wonderful chartreuse foliage that will brighten up any combination. As I carried it around the yard looking for my chosen spot, I was having the problem of wanting it in several locations at once. Being foliage, it will sustain its place in a garden design instead of bloom-and-done. And lastly, it kept this same foliage all winter through, with very little damage. In fact, the photo above has only new growth in the middle of the plant, with the outer leaves remaining for last year. 

See it with beautiful Tulip 'Angelique' in our Driveway Garden.

Thanks to Christina for the prompting to post this one!