PRIMROSE WANDA

I have a few clumps of Primrose Wanda and as far as I'm concerned it's the easiest primrose to grow in the garden. Taking very little care I have it nestled in with several other shade loving herbaceous perennials. It starts blooming the end of February and will continue until the middle of April. There are several 'Wanda' variety colours, but I have found the red-purple to be the easiest to find and simplest to grow. Primrose Wanda is one of the hardier primroses and can be grown in many areas in the United States, but it is especially suited for the moist Northwest climate. Occasional dividing after blooming is recommended if clumps start to decline or to produce more.

DAFFODILS

The Daffodils in the garden are starting to bloom and the first ones to open are the 'Dutch Masters'. They always brighten up the yard especially with all our grey skies up here in the Northwest. I only have a few varieties in the mixed borders and I'll share them with you as they bloom. When I see them blossom it always reminds me that I need to get more of them :)

BOWLES' GOLDEN GRASS

The other day when the weather was so nice I took this shot of Bowles' Golden Grass ( Miliumeffusum 'Aureum'). It's taken a few years for the clumps to form, but they look great now and it was well worth the wait. This grass starts out rather upright and by midsummer will take on its more characteristic arching form. The colour changes also from chartreuse in spring to a bright lime green by summer and adds a wonderful punch of colour in the lightly shaded parts of the garden. Located next to broad leaf forms it really shows off its delicate texture and looks its brightest planted in amongst contrasting colours of purples, blues, and fuchsias.

ANEMONE BLANDA

Today was an amazingly beautiful day with a record high of 70 degrees (typically it's 55 degrees in early March). I actually got a chance to cut the lawn for the first time this year and have been diligently working on trying to keep ahead of the weeds. All the bulbs are up and always the first to bloom in my garden are the Blanda Amemones. I have them located in small clusters next to several of the garden walkways where I can easily see them and enjoy their diminutive form.
They spread, forming small delicate groupings and bloom for roughly 6 weeks. When planting them remember to place them in a location that goes undisturbed and has great drainage. The tubers look like small bits of bark and it is very difficult to tell the top. Soak the bulbs for a few hours, and last seasons growth scares will be able to be seen. Blandas come in many colours from whites, blues, and purples to pinks and lavenders.