Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring is peeking through the cracks. It’s been a strange winter, with almost no snow to speak of. I blame my pantry for that, since last year’s four-odd feet of snow inspired me to create the pantry, this year’s snow was likely scared away by the fact that my pantry exists.
Perhaps the same can be said for gardening. If I start to plant now, does that mean that spring is almost here? It certainly feels like it around my house. My winter viburnum is flowering, and one of my hellebores is in full bloom too. Last winter’s snows also inspired me to get more winter foliage and flowers, and I’m now reaping the benefits.
If you are aching for a little spring color, what can you bring into your home or grow in a sheltered area to enjoy a floral display?
Primulas and pansies are standard early spring fare. These plants are not extraordinarily hardy in bitter cold, but they are an excellent choice for that almost-springtime. We like to pair our early spring flowers with some winter vegetables. Flowering kale is a vegetable, but it also has beautiful purple and green tones. It looks lovely surrounded by primulas and pansies. Choose a planter box that is a bright blue to complement the dark leaves of the kale, or choose a curving metal planter to add interest and complement the curves of the pansies and the kale.
Forced bulbs are an indoor favorite. Force daffodils or an amaryllis for a touch of springtime even in the darkest, coldest weather. Place these in a cheery basket or a painted pot for added color.
For next year, plants like snowdrops are lovely early spring treats. If you’re looking for winter flowers, hellebores and viburnums are two of my current favorites. Hellebores come in a range of colors, from green to white to pinks and purples. The snowberry and the stunning purple pastels of the beautyberry are also lovely additions to the winter garden.
Do you have any late winter or early spring favorites?