Spring Shrubs:
So many beautiful shrubs and trees appearing in the nurseries right now. I get a little plant nerdy this time of the year. Many an afternoon I have found myself standing on the edge of someones property taking a picture of a beautiful specimen.
If you find yourself looking around to put in a few of those spring blooming beauties here are three standards for the CNY area.
Rhododendrons: Beautiful large petal spring flowers. Shrub that will last for many, many years offering flowers, and a pretty shape if pruned selectively right after flowering. It tolerates most conditions, but likes shade. Make a great border plant.
Azaleas: A sub genera of the rhododendron, but smaller, more delicate. Some varieties can withstand zone 4, but most are zone 5. They make beautiful spring focal plants, and will grow well in that difficult area next to, and sometimes underneath larger trees. Just make sure they get enough water.
Forsythias: My favorite. Especially when they are let go, and grow like crazy along a border. They can be controlled and shaped though. Selectively trim, right after flowering. They tolerate most any planting area, and are hardy and cold tolerant.
Well thats all for now, there is a beautiful flowering pear down the street I must go get a picture of!
Julia