What's New for May 2008

It's all too easy to have a bad case of blossom blindness this month. So many plants are in bloom that garden viewing can be almost overwhelming. Now is the time to exercise your best critical judgment about what you need and really have the space to plant them. Once that decision is made the fun of choosing begins.

In May most of the so-called hardy rhododendrons are in bloom; so with camera, notebook and pen at the ready, begin your trip around the nursery's acres. Red is probably the most popular color for a big rhododendron. I will mention some of my special favorites here so you can check them out for yourself. Starting in April and continuing into May are Grace Seabrook Taurus, Vulcan, and Ibex. Leo and David follow with darker red Jim Drewry and Queen of Hearts as well. Noyo Chief is a winner with superb foliage as is Rubicon. Any of these would be a sensation in your garden. If you are a beginning gardener, do try The Honorable Jean Marie de Montague. Almost as easy is Fireman Jeff. For a couple of shorter growing reds do check out Elizabeth and Ostbo's Elizabeth.

Some nice red azaleas shorter companions would include Stewartstonian, Ward's Ruby, Red Poppy, and Vivid. And for the adventurous gardener, you might be interested in LOM or Super #2.

Next month will feature the late blooming reds and next year, I'll give recommendations of outstanding pink selections.

Companion plants for these red bloomers are many and worthwhile. Kousa dogwoods have their own climax in May and help prolong the dogwood season. It's hard to get too many dogwood blooms. If you haven't chosen all of the deciduous shrubs and trees for your property, you might want to look over viburnums, styrax, redbuds, and for fragrance, philadelphus is wonderful. Ask for the plant that will fit the space you have available- they come in all sizes and it's easier to get one that fits the space rather than spend too much time pruning and too little time enjoying your garden.