Chanticleer ~ Bell's Run Creek in April

Fothergilla gardenii in Bell's Run Creek planting for April

Chanticleer's spring show includes formal tulips displays, but it also extends to every stretch of their woodland. Here near Bell's Run Creek, spring gets its color from woodland Phlox, Fothergilla, Primula, Camassia, and pretty shade plants and trees of every kind.

Chanticleer's Dogwood Corner

Chanticleer in April: Walk through the dogwood trees.

My series on Chanticleer continues this week with a look at a garden that epitomizes all that is nice about April!

Spring would not be spring in North America without our native dogwood tree, Cornus florida. Dogwood trees are found in the wild at the edge of the woodland, reaching their branches through dappled sunlight. Chanticleer has sited these dogwood trees close to a woodland, following nature's example (which is usually the wisest idea for any gardener!). Shade plants surround these trees; you might find a few new plants to add around your own dogwood tree for next spring!

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!

Chanticleer's Clematis macropetala Blue Bird

Clematis macropetala 'Blue Bird' at Chanticleer in April

Chanticleer in Wayne, PA has many beautiful plants for its spring show: tulips, daffodils, roses and annual pots galore.  Clematis macropetala 'Blue Bird', though, is the only Clematis that I saw that April day. But what a beauty!