It only took three years but finally, they've "come into their own." In all fairness, it's hard to know how Astrantia major 'ruby wedding' would have performed last year if the baby bunnies hadn't found them first. Before I knew it, they had mowed them closer to the ground than my lawn mower ever could have done. After that discovery, wire cloches were put into place to make sure the plants weren't lost and looking at the results this year, I'd say "good move."
My little clump is situated near the pond (under the Bur Oak) ~ in the photo below you can see them behind Primula japonica ~ the red blots dotting the background:
Then there's the photo below, included primarily because I liked the effect (it's good to have creative license from time to time):
A quartet of blooms behind a burgeoning Allium schubertii bud. (they better enjoy the attention now because as soon as 'schubertii' opens, they'll be totally upstaged!)
Finally, (don't say you didn't know it was coming) it's impossible not to include a good macro:
What's not to love, right?
Here's something else I'm loving ~ favorite peony 'Bowl of Beauty:'
Just beginning to bloom. Now there is BLISS on a stem!
Kathleen your peony is so pretty but I really love your Astrantia. What a beautiful color.Gorgeous images as always.
Posted by: Lona | June 05, 2011 at 10:52 AM
BEAUTIFUL - I absolutely love that Peony Kathleen. I think it's every bit as gorgeous as the ones we saw in Boulder - maybe even prettier. I may have to get that one someday. I am already planning where I am going to dig out more grass for my next flowerbed!
Posted by: Dana | June 05, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Wow is all I can say, I need to add this plant ASAP. :)
Posted by: Racquel | June 07, 2011 at 05:42 AM
How pretty! I love the color of the Astrantia. Actually I love all of the flowers in this post. The primroses are exquisite.
btw, I love your new header photos too!
Posted by: sweetbay | June 07, 2011 at 10:09 PM