During spring time, as the trees and the shrubs show their new pale green growth, the first border is composed of richly-colored bulbs and early perennials against a setting of green foliage and brown ground. Spring bulbs are perhaps the most important flowers in the garden early of spring. They are a welcome sight after a long winter. Furthermore, Spring bulbs are the earliest of all garden flowers. Some bulbs will last until early perennials start blossoming in May and June.
Some flower shrubs bloom early and provide the garden with rich colorful flowers. For instance, Forsythia and witch-hazel nut, flower a long time before most perennials emerge from the ground. As a matter of fact, between the middle of spring and the beginning of summer there are more shrubs and trees blooming than at any other time of the year.
Many of the early perennial flowers are perfectly suited for the garden shade. They benefit from the sun rays reaching the ground, under the deciduous trees which are yet to form their leaves. By nature, shade tolerant flowers blossom early during spring. For this reason, woodland gardens make the most vivid and picturesque of landscapes.
Nice examples of colorful spring flowers perfect for gardening are Iris, Bleeding Heart, Columbine, Poppy, Peony and Lupine. The iris has a wide range of colors from white to purple. The Bleeding Heart has a relative shorter life, but the striking pink bloom is excellent for the shade garden and the woodland garden. Columbine is richly multi-colored and easy to grow.
Green remains the dominant color in the spring landscape. There are few examples of brilliant plants with interesting foliage to choose from. Hosta has various shades ranging from blue-green to gold-green. Hosta makes a perfect backdrop for spring flowers. Additionally, Evergreens add color and splendor to the flower garden with stunning shades throughout the year. Spring flower gardens can be further adorned with an interesting mix of light and dark shades from variegated foliage, like that of emeralds and gold euonymus.
Spring bulbs, such as tulips, jonquils, bells blue and crocus, are usually planted in autumn and they should be growing as of March. They are well-suited for flower gardens, shrub beds and lawns as well. Spring bulbs are most effective when planted in masses.
Garden flowers which bloom early are short-lived. They lose their luxurious foliage very quickly, particularly poppies and lupines. Once you are done with the early blooms, you should grow annuals and late season flowers in your flower garden to keep it rich and colorful. Remember to clip the flowers as they fade over time.
To design your garden on paper before the digging gives you a useful guide while you prepare to plant. Early blooms may be a sure sign of spring. It is advisable to grow other types of flowers. This will help you keep your flower garden alive with colorful blooms from spring till fall.
