Cool Combos (a/k/a Garden Porn)

Who can resist gorgeous plants gorgeously grouped? Nobody! So enjoy what gardeners call porn — it’s suitable for family viewing.

Hosta, Green and GoldHere’s Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ still unfurling in late spring. Green and Gold, aka Chrysogonum virginiana ‘Pierre,’ is appreciated as a locally native groundcover that spreads and fills out quite nicely.

Sweet potato vine, Wave petuniaThe easiest annuals I’ve ever green are the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’) and ‘Wave’ petunias. They look good all season despite less than regular feeding on my part. This particular petunia also needs no deadheading — thank you!

Amsonia, iris, heucheraAmsonia hubrechtii just coming into bloom, with Heuchera ‘autumn Bride’ and an unidentified iris in front.

Hosta 'Frances Williams', ferns and azalea






A favorite for spring, here’s Hosta ‘Frances Williams’, one of the largest of the bunch, with white and red azaleas in bloom, and the subtle golden blooms of Celandine poppies.


Persian ivy, pachysandra, and morePersian ivy makes a bold frame for this cool garden ornament. Groundcover pachysandra and a (to be identified) conifer complete the scene.