This scene caught my attention a few weeks ago. The bamboo, boxwood and pansies all looked great, considering the dry and windy winter/spring we've experienced. These are all water loving plants in a hot (west facing) urban setting.  Obviously they are hardy, but what a missed opportunity to showcase more drought tolerant, sustainable plants.

Best plants. Favorite plants. Go-to plants.  This month's edition of the Garden Designers' Roundtable is all about the plants!  Be sure to visit our web site for a wonderful introduction to this topic and the links to today's participants.

Most landscape designers keep a mental Rolodex of plants on call for specific sites and uses.  This file is constantly being updated and edited as new plants are introduced to the market and others fall out of favor. However, there are some plants that I know I can depend on; they are hardy, relatively trouble free, and have multiple growth (cultural) or decorative qualities to recommend them.  So, without further ado, here is my list of go-to plants:

Deciduous Trees                                         

Deciduous Shrubs

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen Shrubs

Perennial Flowers, Grasses and Groundcovers

We've had every kind of weather this April but our cold hardy seeds planted in late March have grown into their first leaves. Things like radishes, arugula, spinach, peas and kale can all be planted outside early.


The garlic we planted last fall is going strong. Last week we nestled some strawberries in the garlic bed.


We've also made sure to plant flowers to attract pollinators to our garden.


Come join us at the garden! we are meeting every 2nd Sunday at 11am, next one is May 1st

Enterprising! Ribes aureum finds the sun...

Mid April finds a few more flowers blooming in my Colorado garden, although it's the greening of the landscape that is most evident right now! Here are a few bloomers to share with you:

These little species tulips bloom happily in the buffalo grass of my prairie garden

Don't forget to look inside your tulips!

I can't really capture the perfect blue of this hyacinth - nor the exquisite fragrance

Daffodils are pure sunshine!

'Cameo' quince buds ready to burst

Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance' is pretty brilliant in the spring as well!

Don't forget to visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens to find links to other gardens from around the world that are sharing their colorful blooms today too!

I love the subtle washes of color on this tulip!

A gentleman in my neighborhood worked for years as a plant propagator at a local greenhouse. Although retired now, he still can't resist spring's call to prepare plants (especially Pelargoniums) for the summer season! He wheels these carts out for a few hours each day to get the plants hardened off and ready to sell.

Girlfriends Night Out at Echter's Garden Center is a Party With a Purpose!

Join me on April 14th, 5:00-8:00PM in this beautiful, flower-filled venue to benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, supporting cancer research and treatment.

Local restaurants and caterers will offer wine and food samplings as you stroll through the greenhouses and enjoy live musical entertainment. Other businesses will showcase their jewelry, handbags and accessories, body care products, financial advise, travel opportunities, and more! I'll be available to answer your questions about landscape design, plant selection and care, and the latest garden trends for 2010. Door prizes and special discounts will be part of the fun.

Tickets are $15.00, with $10.00 of your ticket price going directly to the Vera Bradley Foundation. Echter's is also donating 15% of the evening's sales. Tickets are limited, so call 303-424-7979 in advance to purchase yours.

Bring your girlfriends for a special evening; you won't want to miss this Party With a Purpose!

Magnolia sp. (perhaps Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill?)

What's wrong with this photo?

variegated Vinca minor

The joke's on me! This morning, when I took this photograph, I didn't even notice the piece of twine there - a mere six inches from the camera. It wasn't until I downloaded the photo that it became obvious. Good grief.

Happy weekend, everyone!