Happy Monday GPODers!
There are many gardens we’ve been enjoying on the blog for years now, and it’s always incredible to see the transformations that occur from season to season and year to year. Some of these gardens are relatively new, like this colorful paradise Lizzi Gualtieri has created in Walla Walla, Washington, which can make the transformations even more evident and exciting. Lizzi first shared her garden in 2022 after only being at the property for two and a half years (Lizzi’s Walla Walla Garden). Since then, we’ve gotten a two-year update and were treated to a tour of the front yard vegetable garden built in 2020 (Walla Walla Backyard Two Years Later, and Lizzi’s Front Yard Veggie Garden in Washington). Today she is back to share her vibrant garden in spring as it continues to grow and evolve.
After a very mild winter, we’ve had a beautiful spring show this year in Walla Walla, Washington (zone 7a). I wish I could attach fragrances to the photos because stepping out my back door I smell the wistaria, laurel, lilac and daphne in one glorious scent! The garden is only 4 years old but some of the flowering trees and shrubs were here when we moved in. There’s always something new going in and grass going away! I’m hoping this year that the backyard will feel more established and a little more like a green sanctuary.
The bright orangey-pink azalea was one of the existing shrubs so I don’t know its variety.
The ‘Alexandria’ brunnera (Brunnera ‘Alexandria’, Zones 4–9) is new this year with a hosta and ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris, Zones 3–7) behind it.
Northern Exposure™ Purple heuchera (Heuchera x ‘TNHEUNEP’, Zones 3–10) and lamium line the edge of a created dry stream bed that is currently full of crabapple blossoms.
‘Quicksilver’ hebe (Hebe pimeleoides ‘Quicksilver’, Zones 7–9) is marginal here but I have it planted in a relatively protected area with the ‘Golden Mop’ cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’, Zones 4–8). Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, Zones 5–10) and giant ‘Ambassador’ alliums (Allium ‘Ambassador’, Zones 4–8) are also in the photo.
Another view of the backyard with a dwarf blue spruce in the foreground. I love the variegated iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata’, Zones 3–9) for their foliage and the amazing scent of their flowers. Behind them is a quince tree that despite its small size is covered in blossoms and will hopefully produce about a half a dozen large quince in the fall. The weeping white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’, Zones 3–8) in the back is an investment for the future.
The Schipka cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, Zones 6–9) is another plant that can be marginal if not planted in a protected spot but it’s great for screening between houses. It’s planted in front of an ancient white lilac (Syringa vulgaris var. alba, Zones 3–7).
This photo doesn’t really do justice to the brilliant color of our giant red beech tree. The leaves emerge in spring an intense flaming orange and darken to burgundy by summertime. There is a weeping cherry and another ancient purple lilac in the foreground.
The wistaria draping over the back gate was here when we moved in so I don’t know its variety. It puts on its big show in spring before leafing out, but blooms continually until fall with shorter blossom clusters.
The labrador violets (Viola labradorica, Zones 3–8) and the creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia, Zones 4–8) were travelers in a potted Japanese maple that we brought with us when we moved here a little over 5 years ago. They’ve since naturalized all over the shady portion of the yard and I just love the color combination.
Thank you so much for sharing another incredible garden update, Lizzi! It has been amazing to witness the evolution of your space in the few short years you’ve been contributing. I hope we get to enjoy your beautiful garden as it continues to transform!
How is your garden transforming this year? Are you enjoying the normal growth that occurs during this season of change, or has your landscape been completely reshaped by fall planting? Let us know in the comments below, or consider sharing your spring photos with the Garden Photo of the Day. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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