Last updated on May 18th, 2015
KA-BOOM! My garden exploded last weekend, when a heatwave roared through the Hudson Valley. Suddenly the crabapples are cloaked in shimmering snow, the tulips are holding pale purple cups, the Dicentra is bleeding pink and white hearts, and…well, why not join me for a refreshing drink and a mid-May stroll?
The drink in question is a gorgeous green smoothie…
Enriched with a healthful splash of lemon vodka.
Or not.
Swoosh! We are standing in the Boxwood Garden. The shrubs, which I grew mostly from cuttings (here’s the how-to) will be sheared and shaped by a professional next week. (Update: Mission accomplished!) Meanwhile, the fountains are flowing, and the pair of weeping ‘Red Jade’ crabapple trees are dressed for a white wedding. Cue Billy Idol.
Did you know that we received these trees as a wedding gift in 2008? I kid you not, they came with a card that said: “I thought I should give you crabs for your special day.”
Are you sure you wouldn’t like a little vodka in your smoothie?
Walking west, we arrive at the Serpentine Garden. Here, on the first terrace, and dangling over a field-stone wall, are a pair of quinces. Would you like to meet these flowering shrubs?
Here’s ‘Cameo,’ a thorn-less quince with fully-double blooms of apricot-orange.
Cameo’s thorny mate, ‘Crimson and Gold,’ produces red, single flowers, and lots of fruit. (Cameo produces fruit, too, but not in great abundance.)
If we climb the steps of the Serpentine, we discover a riot of spring color on the second terrace. Sprouting from a sea of periwinkle-blue Vinca minor is Malus ‘Sargent,’ a dwarf crabapple, with pale-purple Tulipa ‘Alibi’ at its feet.
Vinca minor is a fast-growing, weed-suppressing groundcover. I grew my patch entirely from cuttings.
Here’s a closeup of ‘Alibi.’ It’s a tall, early tulip.
Speaking of tulips…on the Serpentine’s third terrace is a clump of species tulips. These are the tiny ancestors of the tall, familiar “Dutch” types. The white-edged yellow variety is called ‘Dasystemon Tarda.’ It has a sweet scent. Species tulips can be easily forced for winter bloom indoors.
Between the Serpentine’s second and third terraces, and in the shade of a Yoshino cherry tree, is a curved cement bench. Shall we sit for a moment?
Here’s what we see when we look up. Yoshino’s flowers are almond-scented.
If we look to the right, we’ll notice the Phlox subulata is beginning to bloom…
While on the left, we’ll see just how steep the Serpentine Garden is.
If you have a hellish hill on your property, you might like to do as I did, and make a garden there.
As we exit the Serpentine, we bump into the hemlock-framed swimming pool. We opened this “cement pond” last weekend.
And guess what?
The water is extremely cold.
Yes, I could buy a solar cover for the pool. But in Kevin-land, style always trumps practicality. A solar cover would eliminate the fun of seeing trees and classical statuary reflected in the pool.
And besides…
I’m a polar bear!
Just north of the swimming pool, and marked by a rose-covered arbor, is the Woodland Garden. Shall we take a quick peek? (If you’d a more detailed look at the Woodland, be sure to read this post.)
Say “hello” to the Virginia bluebells…
The dazzling pink Bleeding Hearts…
A large assortment of ferns and hostas…
The frog pond that I cleaned out just in time for your arrival…
And the PJM rhododendrons, which are happily perched at the edge of the garden, above a Hudson River tributary.
Well. I hope you enjoyed this short walk in the garden. I certainly enjoyed your company!
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Feeling hungry after the above tour? Chew on these:
Kale Pesto – My Way
A Better Foccacia
Rigatoni alla Salsiccia e Panna
Bill says
Wow! Your gardens are absolutely gorgeous. Here in the Mohawk Valley, our rhododendrons and hostas are a little bit behind your guys. Our crabapple trees are in full bloom, and the blooms on our lilac bushes just emerged after the heavy rain showers yesterday. I could smell them as I drifted off to sleep last night.
cathy says
We just moved into our shy acre property in Jan. Some of the Iris I brought with me are blooming. The previous owners were not gardeners so I have been cleaning up. We discovered a lovely layer of 4 different kinds of moss under the creeping buttercup weeds, the grass that doesn’t want to be there and some other kind of spreading grass/weed. So I spead most of my outdoor time pulling weeds to uncover the moss. We just planted 10 kousa dogwoods over the weekend. We are fortunate here in Washington State to have Rhododendrons. And we have 6 large ones that are blooming. Your garden is lovely. Thanks for the tour
myrtle miller says
Gardenias grow in my garden probably because they were planted when they were refurbishing the apartment. Out of consideration for any future plants I gave my neighbor my shovel and flower seeds and bulbs I had purchased. Sick people and animals tend to get better when I’m around. Plants not so much… My Dad came from a family of farmers and on my mom’s side almost everyone had gardens. My dream is to be a farmer so the garden tours are always a treat.
Durf says
Your gardens always look perfect! Do you have a gardener? Is his name Kevin? I’ve got azaleas ready and almost-ready to pop, viburnum, lilacs, vinca, and violas.
myrtle miller says
You should get some of those little houses that bees live in not the ones beekeepers have but little houses made for bees and place them all over you’lls garden. Bees are currently facing CCD and could use all the help they can get.
Rosalie says
I imagine heaven to be something like your garden. I’ll take the smoothie, please…with the lemon vodka!
Arlene says
Oh Kevin what a difference in a few short weeks. We are enjoying the same resurgence in our gardens in the NW. We so love Spring. Thanks for the tour and sharing. There will be many happy days ahead.
Mary in Iowa says
Blooming: Irises–both Siberian and tall bearded; Dame’s Rocket, white and lavender and wondrously fragrant; Vinca; Early Peonies; Bridal Wreath; Coral bells; Apple trees; Bleeding Hearts, pink and white; Cranesbill Geraniums, both pink and blue; Violas; Stylophorum; Dogwood; Rugosa Roses; Annual Lobelia and Impatiens, both started inside; Blueberries and strawberries; Violets, dandelions, sweet clover. Ferns and hostas are up and lush. Astilbes, Palace Purple Heucheras, Lupines, Delphiniums, Hydrangeas, Peonies are all budded and getting ready to show off in another week or few. Last weekend, transplanted a goodly number of winter-sown seedlings and 8 new roses along with lavender to replace what didn’t make it through the “polar vortex” of 2013-14. With a 60 x 100 city lot, my gardens don’t begin to compare with yours in your more natural setting. I sometimes look at your photos just to dream.
Robin says
Southern Indiana – redbuds are just finished. We’ve got some late bluebells going along the creek and the iris are just starting the Big Show. I’ve even seen a couple of white daisies. This part of May is the blue and white season for my garden. So pretty.
Glenn says
I love polar bears (lol) .Do you prune your ‘ red jade” crabapple trees or are they naturally low?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Glenn – There is nothing like an ice-cold swim to make you feel alert! As for the red jade crabapple trees, they are natural “weepers.” I never prune them.
Mary in Iowa says
Your New Dawn rose at the entrance to the woodland garden appears to thrive in what seems to be a fairly shady spot. Do you have to prune to achieve good bloom? I’m thinking of training the one I just purchased up into the dogwood tree in an area that gets only a few hours of sun a day. I won’t be throwing caution to the winds and climbing the tree to prune the rose. Maybe back when I was a young chick in my 60s, but now? Nothing’s for sure, of course, but it’s not a likely scenario. New Dawn will have to figure out how to perform on her own once she’s airborn.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Mary – My ‘New Dawn’ faces south and receives many hours of full sun. No pruning except for dead wood, and I’m much too lazy to deadhead spent blooms! Not sure how the rose would perform when trained up a dogwood tree — maybe too shady?
Mary in Iowa says
Thanks, Kevin. I guess I’ll find out. It’s listed for partial sun/shade. The dogwood is a fairly open tree. I had 2 William Baffins on arches about 8′ from the dogwood for 14 years until they started a campaign for world conquest (25′ x 15′), suckered from their own roots, tore the metal arches apart so the roses tied to them were holding them up instead of the reverse, and had to be cut to the ground last year. If anyone wants an indefatigable rose for partial shade and vigorous, disease-free growth, Willie’s their man. Hardy to zone 3 with no winter protection. Fantastic variety. We’ll see how New Dawn does.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
Very nice !
What a lovely way to start Sunday.
Thank you Kevin.
Barbara says
Lovely start to my day. You’ve done a lot of work to create this garden and a lot of upkeep and it is beautiful
Amanda says
Started my first ever garden this year in large part due to the inspiration from this site. Your garden tours always give me a huge dose of virtual serenity, so I’m trying to create my own (MUCH more modest) real-life version!
Pam says
Thank you for the tour, Kevin. Just stunning! Wish I was there in person. Living in Florida, I miss the north’s spring time beauty. And I’ll take it with vodka, please. 😉
Cheryl hodges says
In Northern Montana, grain country with wind most of the time I try to make my yard a peaceful and lovely retreat but it’s a battle. Your yard, home and yummy food gives me goals to work toward Kevin. I always look forward to your newsletter to imagine what I work to have.
As it is our home is a retreat for our children and a wonderland for our grandchildren. Horses, chickens, peacocks and little ponds hidden here and there calls to them to come to Grandma and Papa’s house.
Thank you for your inspiration to make Our Little Farm even mor enchanting.
Susan says
Thank you Kevin.
Your gardens are stunning.
I must come for one of your tours someday.
Central Iowa Susan says
Ha! My zone 5 central Iowa gardens practically exploded with blooms this past week as well. I was away for a week and came home to many pleasant surprises. I do, however, envy the extent and variety of plants you have.
Have you tried false indigo (baptisia)? It does well in zone 5 and does well in cut arrangements as well.
Sheri says
Thanks for the morning laugh about your Red Jade crab apples! LOL! Funny friend and I’m sure a hoot at a party! Your Quince is wonderful! I haven’t acquired any for my garden but just picked up 4 Jostaberry – Orus 8. It’s a cross between a black current & gooseberry. There are thorn-less verities.
Joyce Hausmann says
Where is the dog? I do believe that she should go on walks with you. Hope all is well. ; Love the tours and opportunities to learn more.
Peggy says
Living in the high desert of Northern Nevada I to say I enjoy seeing your gardens is an understatement. We are building a new home with a view of the Sierra and hoping we can find some little areas for shady retreats.
Thank you Kevin.
ps the radish recipe is a must try!
Leslie says
Wow! Makes me want to live in the east! But, I could show you some gorgeous cactus flowers!
Your place is beautiful! What a labor of love! I do have a patch of Phlox..it is spreading. How does one separate Phlox?
Jamie Smith says
Hi Kevin, all your plants are looking great! I have a question for you about your vinca minor….a friend of mine wants me to mow over it with my lawnmower so it will become more dense, have you ever done this or would you recommend this? Thanks & again I say your plants are looking great!
Blessings,
Jamie
Rhonda Strahler says
Your delightful friend sounds a great deal like one of mine – you never know just what is going to flit out of that brain!! (That’s one reason we are good friends!) Thanx for the tour – it was wonderful
Rae Fuller says
Love your garden! Thanks for sharing it with us and taking us on a lovely tour with beverages.
Patricia Yerian says
Kevin,
I absolutely love your website and especially your garden tours. I wish I could see them in person. Although I am not a true gardener I am learning so much from you. Need to try the newspaper trick. And I have to say we transplanted some Virginia Bluebells from the wild into the back part of our wooded yard. They are thriving and spreading and make a wonderful hiding place for the fawns that are often born in our yard. Thank you so much for all you share with your readers.
sue chiafullo says
Wow Kevin! Your garden looks absolutely stupendous this year! Must have been that extreme winter!
Debbie says
Hey Kevin,
What a spectacular show!!!! Here is sunny, hot and humid Florida we have such different varieties of flower plants. Your gardens are beautiful….thanks for the walk!!!
Jeannie Alvin says
Blessings, dearest Kevin, for taking us to some heaven on earth!!! Scene after scene transported me! Flowering plants are really miracles to me. So are veggies, by the way, for a city woman turned gardener in retirement, I am amazed at how a tiny seed can grow into an edible plant in a few short weeks. I knew this intellectually, of course, but there is nothing like the experience itself of planting the seed, and later eating the fruits of my labor, with the help of the sun, the good earth, and life itself!
On a mountaintop in Panama, where the weather is fairly cool almost always, the rainy season is just beginning. The fruit tree seedlings I grew from seeds are now out in the field behind my home, flower seeds are planted, and an almost daily afternoon rain takes care of the watering. Sunshine in the mornings gives me time to work in the gardens.
Veronica Pruitt says
I am always heartened when I read here that you start so many hedges, bushes and ground cover (vinca) from cuttings! It gives me hope that I can do the same. Thank you for your lovely newsletter!
Margie S. says
Kevin ….where is your ‘Forest Pansy’ (I think that’s the right name) redbud tree? I didn’t see it on this tour, I hope it didn’t winter-kill. I almost bought one last spring but first I went home to see if I had a place to plant one and when I returned to the garden center they had sold all three of the ones that were in-stock…. rats! Oh by the way, I love the ‘Cameo,’ thorn-less double flowering quince with those beautiful apricot-orange blooms! Where did you get yours? Thanks for making my day brighter!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Margie S. – Sadly, my ‘Forest Pansy’ is struggling to recover from the cruel, cruel winter of 2014-15. But I hope you are able to find this redbud tree. Its rich, purple flowers make a stunning spring picture!
Ann Koutrouba says
Here in Sacramento, CA, we had an “explosion” of blooms. Every plant was amazing! Never in all my years as a gardener, have I seen such beauty! Must be the drought…
Melodi says
Green Smoothies are also wonderful with Champagne added.
Janet metzger says
Back in Dallas.z. New neighbors have commandeered the yard. Maybe it is time to buy a house so that in3 years I,too, could have At least as bird bath! Your May garden is lovely!,,,,
janet
Sherlie Magaret says
Beautiful spring garden, thanks for the tour.
Louise McGrattan says
Hello Kevin. Thanks for the spring tour of a garden that survived the 2014-15 winter. We had 15 white-tailed deer and 2 black cats come to visit our yard this winter. The deer strolled through several times a day and ate whatever they could reach. The snow was so deep in the back yard (over 5 feet) that they ate the tops of the apple and witch hazel trees. They even left poop in the bird bath. They tasted everything I had within reach before the snow melted and they left. The 2 cats have continued to visit and we have named them Skiddy Kitty and Floki. I am now in the process of rebuilding all my gardens starting with the soil and I think I will plant vegetables and annuals so that I can till the soil and plan for a year or two.
Vera says
Thank you for showing us your stunning garden!1
Judy Hines says
Kevin, am writing again to let you know about Candy Onions which are so sweet you can eat them almost as you would eat an apple. Don’t know if you can get them where you live, though.
CheyAnne Sexton says
just gorgeous. Love how the lilacs and the phlox are all filled out. That looks like a sweet little watercolor to me. I also love the Cameo Quince, how beautiful.
mary says
So beautiful! What inspiration.