THE POWER OF THE PLANT

In my opinion, the astilbe is one of the hardiest and prettiest perennial in my landscape. Each year in fills in fuller than the previous and it's colorful plunes last up to four weeks. The green foliage remains all summer long. The astilbe thrives in full sun and tolerates a dry soul now and again. Of course it's best if watered daily especially during the hottest summer months. I have a grouping of three light pink astilbes and a single white plant and a single deep pink.

Late spring bloomers are making their show as the early spring blooms die away. I love watching the layers of blooms, some overlap and some wait to make the show all on their own. As the last anemone flower fades away the astilbes are growing strong stalks which will make a spectacular summer display, the coral bells and climbing hydrangeas are now in full swing while my hydrangea bushes are all waiting for an early summer bloom. I have given the chrysanthemums their first trim as to avoid an early bloom. I work with mostly perennials and in choosing wisely, I have constant blooms from early spring through late fall.