Gardensavvy

Spring glory: Creeping phlox, grape hyacinth, blue fescue.

Along a retaining wall, these miniature daffodils create an intimate scene. So much pleasure in a square foot of space.

Along a path, especially in a front garden, groupings of different textures are pleasing all season long as blooms come and go.

Small plants, like Pulsatilla, can have a big impact in the right place.

Pleasures in the garden can come in many different sizes. And sometimes anticipation plays a leading role, as with the powerful growth of herbaceous peonies, promising exuberance for June.

Each spring one of the important gifts a garden gives us is the renewal of a sense of abundance. Gardens teach us about generosity all the time, but when patches of bulbs, planted in fall as little brown nuggets, burst out with vibrant colour in mid-March, it is a pure joy. This year I am extra grateful.