Focus on plants
Goldflame Spirea
(for sunny spots)
The
Goldflame Spirea or - Spiraea x bumalda 'Goldflame', is one of my favorite
spring shrubs for bright foliage color. The leaves of the Goldflame Spirea
start out as a bright orange – bronze, and then they mature to a yellow green
color. In the summer time, small pink flowers add additional interest. The fall
color is a red tint. The shrub looks best if pruned back (by - ¼ - 1/3 ) in late fall or early spring before the
leaves emerge. This is a low maintenance shrub that will get approximately 3’
high by 4’ wide.
Bleeding Heart (for shady spots)
The
Common Bleeding Heart or - Dicentra spectabilis, is an old fashion woodland
garden perennial that adds flower colors and foliage texture to the shade
garden. The tropical looking foliage
adds a lush feeling to the garden while the specular blooms add color and interest.
The flower, which resembles a bleeding heart- hence the name – will bloom in
early spring and will spread slowly to a large clump around 2’-3’ high and
wide.
