Hi GPODers!
Lee from the Mohawk Valley of central New York State always has something colorful and creative to share from his garden (check out some of Lee’s previous submissions: There Is Always Room for More, Lee’s Garden Through the Eyes of an Ant, Chasing Away the Winter Blues with Lee in New York, Early Spring Blooms from the Mohawk Valley, Flower Close-Ups from Lee’s Garden). I never tire of seeing his incredible flowers and wonderful garden art, but what I really appreciate is the insight and words of wisdom he often includes. In today’s submission showcasing his spring highlights, he gives some perspective on his approach to gardening and drops a couple of beautiful life lessons in there as well.
Yup, it’s 2025—one year older (just entered another “decade of years”) and (hopefully) one year wiser. Speaking of wise, I find it wise to get out there early and get things cleaned up and ready for the sprouts. I find this critically important due to my gardens not having open places for footing, so getting the turf cleared early allows me to just watch things grow.
I have coined myself a “mix-’em-up” and “crowd” gardener because I realize that the plant- and bulb-growers SUGGEST specific plant-spacing. I’ve heard many suggestions in my life, and some I listen to and some I don’t. This specific suggestion—well, I don’t.
As my gardens continue to be dynamic and ever-changing, they all do have one thing in common—all of the plants in every garden have lots of friends. Friends take up space, and friends don’t let weeds sneak in. Many of my perennials spread by themselves, and others I split and place the kids elsewhere.
Once mid-June comes around, any weeds are looking elsewhere for footing and I’m then into official viewing-only mode. Mulch ? Nope—I like the natural turf (where it can be seen, ha). Color schemes? I don’t really focus too much on that—I haven’t found two colors of blooms that I could say, “You girls don’t belong together,” and sometimes those “weird” color combinations make a sort of asymmetrical statement—like someone who is wearing a nice suit but has blue hair. I guess that I’m just a rebel when it comes to conventional, traditional gardening with ultraclean lines and spacing. All of my perimeter plants on the property lines are on their own, with ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris, Zones 3–7), wild daylilies, Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8), bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus, annual), wild phlox (which blooms well before “domestic phloxes”), wisteria, and the sweet, sweet smelling Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’, Zones 4–11).
With that said, here’s a sampling of my little world for spring 2025. As always, I wish the best, most enjoyable, and most “successful” gardens for everyone—just don’t focus too much on that “success” part—it’s all in the eyes of the beholder. ONE, and ONLY one will know when their garden is a success.
As always, peace from the Mohawk Valley in central New York State.
First up are Lee’s ostrich ferns with an incredible weigela in full bloom—potentially the cultivar Wine & Roses® (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Zones 3–9), based on the dark burgundy foliage and bright pink flowers.
Around Lee’s pool, some spires of lupine delight
A little earlier in the season, the lupines were just starting to come into bloom. The rest of Lee’s garden is looking lush and inviting in the background.
Speaking of early in the season, Lee included this shot of some of his stellar spring bulbs. We often showcase Lee’s tulips on Garden Photo of the Day (Lee’s Tulips in Mohawk Valley), but these hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis, Zones 4–8) are equally enchanting.
Along with the fragrant Hall’s honeysuckle that Lee mentions above, which has lovely yellow-and-white flowers, he also has a stunning orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa, Zones 4–9) that is covered in their more vibrant blossoms.
If we’re talking fragrance, mock orange always gets top billing. These cascading branches of white blooms are lovely, but you know their sweet, citrusy scent is even more intoxicating.
If you’ve enjoyed Lee’s garden in the past, you’ve likely been waiting patiently for some lily photos to make an appearance in this post. Lee has an incredible collection, and this variety is another standout. This vibrant but tiny variety might be the Lily Looks™ Tiny Orange Sensation Asiatic lily (Lilium ‘Tiny Orange Sensation’, Zones 3–9).
From a smaller, low-growing variety to this flush of pink lilies dancing along with pops of orange rudbeckia blooms, Lee finds room for a diverse array of garden treasures.
Lastly, another incredible lily, potentially the cultivar ‘Forever Susan’ (Lilium ‘Forever Susan’, Zones 4–8); lilies can bring some of the brightest, boldest color combinations to the garden, and somehow they look even more magical covered in water droplets after a fresh rain.
Thank you so much for another peek inside the wonderfully colorful world you have created, Lee! While you consider your approach unconventional, all we can see from your photos is enviable plant beauty.
What is your approach to gardening? Do you embrace the chaos like Lee, or does your mind go wild without a well-laid plan for each season? Let us know in the comments, or submit your garden to 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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