May 2011 Image w/ Bulb Rendering Including Allium 'Karataviense' (forground) and Nectaroscordum (background)
I spend a lot of time thinking of ways to add more color and a longer growing season to my garden. My back shade garden (mostly part shade with some part sun towards the front) is the planting bed that I am the most satisfied with right now. It has a pretty long season of interest and changes throughout the season, but I have not used bulbs in this area except for some snow drops that I have moved to this area over the years (from the lawn and other planting beds). I thought this year was a good time to try and some additional pops of color! I was originally inspired by this photo from Tovah at Plantswise.
Allium 'Karataviense' mixed w/ heuchera (coral bells)
I thought the combination of the shorter allium ‘karataviense; and coral bells was quite beautiful and unexpected! So when I ordered my bulbs this year I tried to think through this area is some detail. I’ve created several renderings over pictures of this garden to help highlight my new additions (since they are just bulbs in the ground right now).
Close Up of Allium 'Karataviense' in front and Nectaroscordum in the middle
To contrast the shorter allium I have also added some taller nectaroscordum to the middle of the bed. These have long stalks and the buds look interesting as well. The little nodding pinky flowers are quite unique.
Nectaroscordum from Brent and Becky's Bulbs
Allium 'Karataviense' from Brent and Becky's Bulbs
Also to add some interest to the planting bed earlier in the spring I have been working on adding more hellebores. Also I have added a bunch of Barr’s Purple Crocus (which the squirrels are not suppose to like). Here is a rendering of the garden earlier in March.
March 2011 w/ addition of Crocuses front and Hellebores middle
Barr's Purple Crocus
New Helleborus 'Golden Lotus' Strain of Winter Jewels (planted in Sept.)
This area is now all planted with the bulbs. Now I just need to finish planting my other bulbs in the front yard. Fingers crossed for a few more nice days!
