Shows new shoots of Virginia bluebells emerging purple in the spring

Signs of Spring

Author: Amanda C.

The weather’s been warm enough this past week that things have started growing quite nicely. A quick rooting around at the Alcove to see how things had wintered showed the Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginiana) I put in late last season had survived and were coming up, with leaves and flower buds showing in shades of violet. Very exciting, because they were dormant when I planted them (they go dormant early), so there was no real way to tell if they had survived until now! Some of the violet colour is probably from the cooler weather – there were other purple-tinged shoots of things in the garden – but soon enough it will turn to green leaves and pink and blue flowers.

 Some of the other garden inhabitants were enjoying the warm weather as well. While I was checking under the leaf mulch for new shoots of things, I came across several seven-spotted ladybugs, awake, and clearly ready for another season of their aphid-fighting duties after their winter’s rest.

Shows new shoots of Virginia bluebells emerging purple in the spring

The purple shoots of Virginia bluebell leaves and flower buds emerging from the soil at the Alcove Garden in April

Photo: Amanda C.

Solomon's seal in flower

Understated But Sweet

Author: Amanda Carrigan

Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is in flower right now in the maple bed and the left corner of the rear bed of the Alcove garden. The tall arching stems are a nice accent in a shady space, and are very easy to grow. The flowers are understated, small cream to green bells hanging under the arch. A little unexpectedly in such a quietly coloured plant, the flowers have a sweet scent that you will notice if you are nearby.

Solomon's seal in flower

Pairs of bell-shaped flowers dangle under the stems of Solomon’s seal in late May.

Photo: Amanda Carrigan

prairie smoke in flower

Subtle Colour

Author: Amanda Carrigan

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) has spikes of creamy flowers out in the maple bed. Across the way, in the sun bed, are the nodding pink heads of prairie smoke (Geum trifolium). The pink is actually the calyx of the flower, and the white petals stay almost completely hidden inside. Some of the flowers have been pollinated – you can tell which ones, as they change from nodding to upright, and the stamens start to elongate. These will become the fuzzy seedheads which give the plant its common name.

prairie smoke in flower

Prairie smoke in bloom at the Alcove garden.

Photo: Amanda Carrigan

small fuzzy silver leaves of wild ginger show above the soil

Beginning Spring, April 15th

Author: Amanda Carrigan

The early understorey plants are starting to wake up. A close look at the ground in the maple bed and the rear bed reveals signs of life – purplish nubs of bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and the fuzzy leaves of wild ginger (Asarum canadense) showing.

small fuzzy silver leaves of wild ginger show above the soil

The silvery young leaves of wild ginger emerging at the Alcove Garden in mid-April.

Photo: Amanda Carrigan