Happy Friday GPODers!
Back in April I started a month-long roadtrip across the mountain west and southwest United States with my mother and our two dogs. What started as a trip out to Colorado to attend a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater slowly evolved into weeks exploring states and regions we had never visited before. As we drove across the country I was transfixed by the changing landscapes, as well as the different plants that were blooming during a time when Connecticut had barely shaken off winter weather. In true plant-lover fashion, I took countless photos of the plants I encountered and am happy to share some of my favorites here.
Our first stop was Denver, Colorado, and our first landing at a gorgeous and historic inn in the heart of the city was a warm welcome to the west. The Castle Marne is truly a one-of-a-kind accommodation that was built in 1889 and had us feeling like queens in this funky city. Along with the beds planted around the inn, we also had access to a charming courtyard that was a private garden oasis. The plantings certainly weren’t at their peak in mid April, with the earliest bloomers petering out and later blooms just starting to emerge. However, seeing certain plants blooming in April was still magical for this northeastern gardener.
Spotted on a walk to get coffee on our first morning in Denver, this bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, Zones 3–9) felt like a positive omen for the trip to come. My favorite part of visiting cities is the ease in which you can enjoy many front yard gardens on a quick stroll.
The beds around the front of Castle Marne were definitely in between blooms, and most of the irises had not yet opened (you can see some ripe buds in the background). However, this two-toned purple beauty was looking pristine.
The magic was really starting to happen in the small courtyard garden. Greenery was popping up everywhere, particularly on the trailing and climbing plants. These climbing plants made a world of difference in making this small space full of stone feel softer and more inviting.
Roses were also being trained to climb one of the walls, and I was astonished to see some early blooms already glowing in the afternoon sun.
Another climbing rose was erupting in these bright pink blooms. Only a couple of flowers were opened, but several buds indicated that the show was just starting.
It is only fitting that this castle has a knight at the ready! Garden art selection often fascinates me just as the plant selection does, and this regal statue was a spectacular surprise tucked away in a shady corner.
Lastly, I had to slip in this stunning flower-themed mural that was on the side of a restaurant near our accommodations. When we’re still waiting for our period of peak bloom, it is art like this that can add needed color and style to outdoor spaces—particularly in a city.
I hope you found some enjoyment in these very simple spring moments, I do understand that it is hard to capture the excitement I felt for these plants in photos. I promise that future installments from this trip will be lot more interesting and exciting.
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