LOOKING UP
Horticulture|March - April 2023
EYE-LEVEL EARLY FLOWERS PROVIDE A FAST-FORWARD INTO SPRING
MEGHAN SHINN
LOOKING UP

At winter’s end, what could be more welcome than an explosion—even a rather quiet one—of flowers at eye level? Early-blooming deciduous trees and shrubs provide just that, energizing us gardeners when their branches, often still devoid of leaves, make true the promise of spring. Many times these woody plants are also a boon to emerging pollinators as they forage for nectar and pollen in the season of scarcity.

The early appearance of its flowers all but ensures a plant like eastern redbud or pinkshell azalea will get attention, but such plants deserve a carefully considered placement and companions. Make the most of them with a position where they’ll detract from gaps awaiting late risers or where they’ll complement other eager bloomers, like hardy bulbs and woodland perennials. A spot in front of a solid or dark backdrop—be it a painted fence, brick wall, evergreen hedge or the woods—can make the flowers appear more dramatic. As a bonus, this situation can also help moderate the temperature and shield the wind, making it less likely that lingering winter weather will ruin the floral display.

Here are 10 of our favorite woodies that bloom as winter yields to spring.

EASTERN REDBUD (Cercis canadensis)

Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HORTICULTURESe alt
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
Horticulture

GAGA FOR GALANTHUS

As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
NEW PLANTS
Horticulture

NEW PLANTS

Multiseason Marvels

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Horticulture

BLUEBERRIES & CO.

Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2024
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
Horticulture

AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT

How three great minds think alike

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Take It Indoors
Horticulture

Take It Indoors

Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
ROOTED IN PLACE
Horticulture

ROOTED IN PLACE

LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Horticulture

AT HOME WITH PLANTS

Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Horticulture

THE GARDEN GOES DARK

Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.

time-read
7 mins  |
September - October 2024
LOW-WATER WONDERS
Horticulture

LOW-WATER WONDERS

EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
Horticulture

Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right

The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024