There are so many things I love about this tree. In summer it has large buds and showy white blooms, like those of a tea camellia. The seed pods that follow resemble small wooden roses, and they stay on the tree all winter, adding interest. I've collected lots of them to use as decorations. In between the flowers and the seed pods, is the fall color: vivid oranges, yellows, reds and pinks. After a rain, the tree almost looks like it is glowing. I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out where I can plant another one. 

"Lupine (Lupinus) are one of my favorite perennials for their unique flower shape. They always have a lovely cascade of color, and 'The Governor' variety is no exception! Royal purple blends into a creamy white, my favorite color combination."

Keep in mind, available varieties change weekly

The red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a PNW native shrub, so it performs very well in our climate with little effort. They are deciduous and put out bright green leaves as an early, and much needed sign of spring. Vibrant pinkish-red flowers follow quickly after the leaves, and attract hummingbirds to your yard, and small dark berries will bring other native birds after that. 

"My favorite veggie and flower growing guide! Very practical advice and lots of information from local garden authority Tilth Alliance. I enjoy opening it every month to review the timely chores and articles. It's a great book for beginners and experts who want to get better at seed starting in the Pacific Northwest. Many different subjects including edible flowers, worm composting, beneficial insects, and year-round gardening." 

"Brunnera became one of my earliest favorites when I created a woodland garden in my yard. I fell in love with it's delicate swaying blue flowers on tall spikes, which bloom profusely through May, but the heart-shaped leaves remain eye-catching through summer and into fall. Easy-to-grow, quick to establish, and drought tolerant! A very well-rounded shade garden gem!"

I LOVE ZINNIAS! I spend all winter plotting which zinnias I will grow and eagerly wait for the soil to warm up in the spring. They are the easiest cut flower to grow! The only thing they will not compromise on is SUN - grow them in a place that receives a full day of sun and they will bloom until frost. The hardest part? Choosing which ones to grow! Check out Langley Fine Gardens for the amazing selection.