Look At Me Now

Yet another plant that was found growing in the yard when the house was purchased was the Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia). It was ignored and underappreciated, growing at the side of the house, but I did not have the heart to tear it out. It was trimmed (whacked down) every few years to keep the path to the front yard navigable, yet it dutifully kept blooming in spring.

Late last fall, a new deck was built at the back of the house. Step platforms in the side yard lead from the front, passing the spirea. Now that it has a new prominence along an enhanced path, it awoke this spring with long draping masses of flowers. I was previously considering a move to a less conspicuous place in the yard, but it is well-established in the present location, and can give some maturity to the side yard soon to be filled with rookie plants.

For The Record:   • Dry heavy soil   • Full sun in protected area   • No fertilizer or soil amendments Garden Calendar:   • Blooming: Dogwood, bridal wreath spirea, azaleas, allium, purple salvia   • Lifted emperor tulip bulbs