Not Enough Hours in the Day

Above is a nice photo of 'Jack Frost' false forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost') in bloom. Notice the wonderful silver patina on the leaves. Once the blue flowers are done, the veination on the leaves becomes more green but the silver persists thru the growing season. 'Jack Frost' is my favorite and when placed in the part-shade garden, it becomes a nice silver "beacon" of color. This perennial is highly recommended. 'Looking Glass' is another variety with a higher proportion of silver.

Today was insane with a productive Grumpy morning, potting up new

plants, a plant run to Jenka Blossoms (for tropicals), plant sale prep by Janice and Jenny, planting by Jerry and Larry running around doing odds and ends. We're trying to get ready for the Saturday circus and just might pull it off. Unfortunately, I didn't get much time in the garden but also had six weeding volunteers that did a bang up job in the shade garden. I keep seeing the things that need to be done but part of the "spring game" is prioritizing and essentially putting the blinders on as we move brush fire to brush fire. Foamflower (Tiarella) in bloom to the right. This is a good part-shade perennial (native to North America) that needs good soil, adequate drainage and plenty of moisture. There are many varieties out there. I particularly like the thicket of blooms. Ferns are still continuing to emerge. One of my favorites is below. The 'Lady in Red' Northern lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red') was a selection from the New England Wildflower Society and has very conspicuous red stems. I love this fern and plan on using it a lot. If you have the opportunity to use ferns, do it.