Betty Hall Photography

Creeping Phlox

I recently took my small point-and-shoot camera to the backyard, looking for possible signs of spring. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a number of plants have remained green throughout our prolonged winter.

I was especially glad to see the Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) looking healthy through patches of snow.

The dense foliage creates a ground cover tough enough I can walk on it. It keeps weeds down and spreads slowly, but is not invasive.

There are already tiny buds and, with a little luck, by the first of April it will become a mass of color as in this image from last spring.

It grows especially well on the rocky, sunny slope that leads to our rain garden and has proven to be drought tolerant.

With its evergreen foliage, colorful spring blossoms, and ease of maintenance, Creeping Phlox is an effective ground cover and one of my favorite native backyard plants.

I was also glad to see my first backyard honey bee (Apis mellifera) on February 16. I know spring isn’t here yet, but I trust it’s on the way. I’d be glad to hear of any signs of spring you’re seeing.

Backyard spring wildflowers

It was great to go out in the yard today and find several colorful blooms, including these familiar wildflowers – click any image to see it larger.

I hope you’re enjoying some warmer weather and longer days, and also finding signs of spring.

Non-native Tulips

There’s a lot happening in the backyard these days. However, it’s the redbud and tulips that are attracting attention. I’m taking a fair amount of ribbing from friends about my non-native tulips. Nevertheless, I’m enjoying them immensely. They were planted, at my request, by my good friend and landscaper, Beate Popkins.

Carolyn Summers’ recent book, Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, is an excellent resource and I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in landscaping with native plants. I like her idea that “the ultimate landscape goal is a stunningly beautiful garden with an abundance of native plants along with occasional non-natives that have sentimental or historical value to the gardener.” I focus on native plants because they are attractive, hearty, and provide important food for wildlife including birds, butterflies, and other insects. I’m also glad to include some non-natives. These tulips and native creeping phlox seem quite happy together.

Some non-natives are invasive to the point of crowding out native plants. Summers suggests a good motto for responsible gardeners is “What grows in my garden stays in my garden.” My tulips will not stray and I enjoy their bright colors and graceful form.