Foliage first.

Spring for many people means the exuberant blooms of daffodils, tulips and crocus. As much as I love these flowery spring harbingers, I am a bigger fan of the subtle foliage players in my garden. The ajuga with its dark pinks and purples can rival any tulip.

The screaming neon leaves of Spiraea ‘Candy Corn’ can stop traffic as well as any drift of daffodils.

The euphorbia, hellebore leaves and heuchera are as beautiful as any flowering bulb. Best of all these foliage stars will still be looking good a month from now, whereas the daffodil foliage will be browning and driving me crazy.