From the metallic trill of the Cardinal to the rapid, cherry whistle of the Robin; to the hum and drone of the bee, to the rhythmic patter of rain; nature perfects her overture, each day adding a new sound, another layer until her melody is as diverse and lovely as she.

Mother’s Day weekend brought some fickle weather, ultimately ending on a warm and sweet note, urging us to plant our containers and pots. My daughter was infinitely disappointed and frustrated at the lack of shade-loving annuals offered at the local nursery, grocery and big box stores.  She has a penchant for bright and bold colors, and the selections all seemed to morph into a reddish-purple haze.  Gerber Daisies, Snap Dragons, Calendula be damned!  Joy was being sucked out of the moment quicker than you can say Petunia.  Alas, her spirit was lifted when we stumbled (i.e. gently steered her) upon the following:

Fuchsia

Exotic, lantern-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white bloom all summer long amongst chartreuse foliage and prefers the cool comfort of shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Impatiens

Low maintenance and offered in a myriad of colors, Impatiens bloom and grow at a rapid rate and hardly ever disappoint.  Prefers shade and moist, well-drained soil.  New Guinea Impatiens can tolerate some sun.

Tuberous Begonia 

Large, showy flowers in red, pink, white, orange and yellow   Some actually resemble roses while others look more like carnations.  Foliage can quickly sun burn, so full shade is recommended.  Some filtered sun is tolerated.  Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Coleus

Velvety, vivid foliage in shades of red, deep purple, chartreuse, deep green and bronze in different shapes and sizes light up the shade and draw your eye inward.  Prefers shade but will tolerate some sun.  Very low maintenance and grows quickly.

Bleeding Heart

Aptly named, delicate, heart-shaped blooms dangle from elegant stems.  They literally light up the dark.  Prefers shade and moist, well-drained soil.

So as you begin to plant up your containers, pots or beds, don’t shy away from the shade.  Embrace it with illuminating, colorful annuals, and let Sweeney’s light the way.  You’ll never be afraid of the dark again.

Plant of the Week:

Sedum Thundercloud

Clusters of white, star-shaped flowers bloom in mass amongst gray-green foliage, resembling puffy clouds in the landscape.  Flowers bloom June – September.  Prefers full sun and dry soil.  Grows in a mound 8-12″ tall and 8-12″ wide.

“Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into.”

-Henry Ward Beecher

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney