homesgardens gardenspot
An explosive spring in Washington DC article and pictures by Derek Thomas
D
uring the last few weeks of March Capitol Hill gardens have been more like a melding of Rembrandt and Picasso; everything has looked wonderfully muted and intricately orchestrated yet some how perversely askew. This year we have enjoyed Bradford pears blooming with crabapples, tulips and daffodils exploding with bachelor buttons. Crocus, and hyacinth have emerged besides the fresh tips of Hosta. Colors have collided in combinations that are somehow reminiscent of a stroll down the paint color section of the local hard-
the Hill is not alone in the confusion. Dogwoods and cherry blossoms, usually at least a month apart, bloomed in tandem. The deciduous trees have seeded and are in stages of leaf growth that is usually held back for mid April. The viburnum and azalea bloom with the camellia in a once in a lifetime, usually reserved for some southern bells June wedding “got to have these three flowers together� floral arrangement, show. Many people have asked if the non-winter has caused all this confusion? Well in part the warmer than normal temperatures
Tulips and Late blooming daffodils combined in odd exchange of colors.
Dogwoods and redbuds usually a month apart collided. Bachelor button and tulips brought blues and pinks in unscripted perfection
ware store. Blues have transposed reds and violets interrupted whites. Spring’s often-frantic yet subtle display of grandeur has been a seasonal roller-coaster that has left even the most unaffected non-gardener questioning whether mother nature has gone totally astray.
The winter that was not
You would have to have been hibernating not to have noticed the quick, sometimes unsettling urgency of this springs sonata. A recent ride through the city proved that 146 H HillRag | April 2012
Jasmine and Laurel mixed tones and pastels
Our gardens exploded like and artists canvas dreamy and unscripted