Not every gardener chooses spring as the primary season for their garden. There is still summer and fall, a pivotal time in the garden for layers, textures and color. It seems narrow minded to ignore spring and jump right into thoughts of summer. How can one deny such a grand season when warm breezes blow in from the south and flowering trees, bulbs, and perennials ooze with beautiful blooms. This is especially true when a spring garden in Virginia is more remarkable than gardens in many parts of the world. The facts show that it is just about impossible to avoid spring. Eighty percent of all plants purchased are in the months of April and May. A shopper usually goes for the flowering plants, alas the plethora of azaleas. Even as April passes and May arrives, the Virginia gardener has flirted with warm days, some even hot. The arrival of summer is in late June, but it often feels like summer way before. Summer can be hot and droughty, but the right plants can coast through. Again we are blessed to have three very distinct seasons in Virginia, which is not the case in say, England or Canada. My point being, maybe more of us should shop for summer, better yet, fall. Let's hear about how your garden is its best in high summer or "I have a fall garden". Spring will come, you will go shopping, just buy something not in bloom, a gift for summer and one for fall. When the garden gets over its spring fling, there will be something to look forward. Shop for one, or all of these exceptional perennials and wonder the path less traveled. Be a rebel!

Good for Summer: after iris, peonies, and clematis
1. Sedum 'Matrona' (sun)
2. Crocosmia (sun)
3. Aster divaricatus 'Eastern Star' (sun, partial sun)
4. Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' (partial sun)
5. Hakonechloa macro 'Aureola' (shade, partial sun)

Good for Fall, after daylilies, lilies, and rudbeckia
1. Korean mums (sun)
2. Aster 'Raydon's Favorite' (sun)
3. Helianthus salicifolius (sun)
4. Begonia grandis (shade, partial sun)