out like a lamb

Here is a glimpse of what the end of March looks like here:

Clematis armandii

We’ve encouraged the Clematis armandii to grow under the roof of the front deck. These parts are in full, fragrant bloom. The parts that have remained outside, where it is colder and wetter, are still in bud, thus extending the season for this star of the early spring garden.

C armandii in Carlton

It can’t hold a candle to the two plants covering this pergola in full sun in Carlton OR.

Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’

As it emerges, the Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’ forms these little rosettes (its most charming phase, in my opinion)

Forsythia

On Bloom Day, the Forsythia was still mostly in bud. Now look at it!

pussy willow

Pussy willows have gone from furry to fluffy…achoo!

Rhododendron PJM elite

The first Rhody to bloom is always PJM.

Rhododendron ‘Janet’

This year ‘Janet’ is giving it some competition.

‘Janet’ up close

Here’s a closer look at ‘Janet’. Now there’s a pink I can get excited about.

Ribes

Volunteer Ribes pop up all over the place.

white primrose

I don’t know what it is about white primroses: they seem to remain relatively pristine,

blue primrose

While the blue ones are quickly tattered, I presume by slugs and snails.

potted up corokia, etc

Some of the plants recently acquired need to be viewed close-up to be appreciated. The Corokia cotoneaster is featured in the oval pot, with Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Pam Harper’ at its feet. The round pot, upper left, has two blue star creepers (Laurentia fluviatilis) and one Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’ setting the stage for Nandina domestica filamentosa…almost invisible here, but I have high hopes for it.

lily turf from Home Depot

This pretty little silvery lily turf turned up at Home Depot…really the only thing that spoke to me there.

Easter brunch in Carlton

But now back to Carlton, where our hosts, Susan & Gilbert, set this lovely table under that clematis-clad pergola and served up a memorable Easter brunch. Can you believe that sunshine? What better way to bid goodbye to March and wish you all a Happy Easter.

13 thoughts on “out like a lamb

  1. I always fill with anticipation when I see the buds swelling on Forsythia. And then it blooms, with such fragrance and poof! It’s done. March has been kind to us this year. It’s been a very pleasant gardening month. Cheers, Jenni

  2. Alison~Tired and happy is the perfect state for a gardener.

    Jenni~I hope you come back to see this, as I had no luck leaving a comment on your blog. Here it is: “Kids, dogs and gardening…all great ways to make connections. Thank you for stopping by my blog and connecting with me. I went to high school in West Linn, but have not been back in years.”

    Mark and Gaz~Yes, the pergola is fabulous. Wish I could get R to put on his carpenter hat.

    Heather~Hear Hear! Great friends, great food, great day.

    Peter~Thanks!

  3. Most intrigued by the Janet rhodie!! That isn’t Janet Blair is it??? I think I need it for my family garden. Very pretty.
    I love the Ophiopogon japonica ‘Pam Harper’ and I know Pam. What a treat for her to have a plant named after her.

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