Annual poppies combined with cranesbill, delphiniums and a golden-leafed caryopteris create a lively cottage garden effect.

When I bundle up in late winter and launch out into the gardens with my jars full of saved poppy and cleome seeds to scatter them about on the snow, this is exactly what I have in mind. Winters seem longer than ever and this Spring has felt like a true Spring, cool and long. The present rains are contributing magical performances in the gardens, for which we’re grateful. It’s a good year for the roses.

Honorine de Brabant climbing rose is a precious creature.

It’s always a challenge to create gardens that possess integrity, charm and romance. They can be either very high maintenance or easy-going low maintenance; it takes careful planning.  Pictured above is Herb Garden. Perennial herbs abound in this garden and it is relatively low maintenance.

Poppies enliven the driveway border at Stonewell Farm.

This border, which is designed to flower from April through October, demands attention throughout the growing season. It’s worth it! The annual poppy seeds that I sow in February make a big statement in June. They are so beautiful and delicate.

Shirley poppies and anthemis

Over the next few days, I’ll post more about our gardening schedule during this season. Cheers! Happy Gardening!