Article Copied from the American Rhododendron Society Blog

Print date: 10/12/2024

Looking Forward to Spring

25 March 2020 @ 21:17 | Posted by Norma

Let's see... it's the middle of March, 2020, and everyone is trying to cope with the coronovirus pandemic. In my area, garden club meetings, plant sales and spring flower shows have all been cancelled. And, of course, the annual American Rhododendron Society Convention, scheduled for late April, has been cancelled too. These are all things I look forward to every spring.

But, there's still lots to anticipate. I've already seen Rhododendron 'Seta', 'Cilpinense', 'Cornell Pink' and 'Christmas Cheer' (see blog; 'Early Blooming Rhododendrons') in bloom at my house, and it looks like 'Mary Fleming' will open on the next warm, sunny day. Rhododendron buds are swelling and so are the lovely companion plants like Erythroniums, Trilliums, and Bloodroot.

I am lucky enough to have a warm, protected deck and I like to bring containers up to enjoy from my kitchen window. I mix and match the display depending on the state of blooms, and it usually ends up being a riot of colour. The picture below is from my deck in mid April, 2019. I'm already looking forward to this year's display as I expect it to be every bit as bright and cheerful. So, since we're all staying home for awhile, we can putter around the garden and enjoy our own gardens' private spring shows.