Weigelas!

Purchased in 2009 as 6-inch bare root sticks for $1 each via Gurney's. One in north bed, one in south bed. Pics taken May 9, 2011. I just read that if you prune after bloom you'll get a second flush as they bloom on both old and new wood. I'll give this a try this year.

Bumblebees love these!

South bed weigela, May 9, 2011. Need to prune for shaping.

North bed weigela close-up, May, 2011.

North bed weigela with rose Schneezwerg to the right, May, 2011.

Ninebark!

I got this at the local market in 2009. It was about 2 feet tall at that time. I fall in love with this all over again every spring! Surprisingly the Japanese beetles don't bother it despite it having burgundy leaves.

May 9, 2011

Ninebark next to Double Pink Knockout rose. May 9, 2011.

Mystery salvia

Purchased at Bluestone Perennials in 2009. I've forgotten the name. The color is incredible!

Mystery salvia, May 9, 2011

Full shot, May 9, 2011

Fur Monster!

RAWR!! I love stinky, sour dog fur! RAWR!!!

Blue Star Creeper, Laurentia Fluviatilis

Purchased from Bluestone Perennials in 2010. I honestly thought this wasn't going to come back. It's in a constantly damp part-shade area and got flooded several times last year. Not only has it come back but has spread into the shade garden.

Laurentia fluviatilis

Stepping stones are 12 inches square for scale.

Tomatoes, 2011

I finally finished up planting all my tomatoes this week. I purchased most as plants for 98 cents and a good friend gave me 3 she started from seed. Left to right they are Champion, Supersteak, Better Boy, Brandywine, Ingegnoli Gigante Liscio, Brandywine twice, and Brandy Boy.

Tomatoes, beginning of May, 2011.