This Carol Mackie Daphne (Daphne burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’) graces the front entry way and provides breathtaking fragrance to passersby.  It is in full bloom several weeks later this year than is customary, and as always it is a welcome treat.  This shrub began blooming several weeks ago, appearing covered with white cotton balls, which have begun turning pink; and now the spectacular blooms are augmented by cream colored variegation on the nice green foliage that appears painted on.  The artistic foliage provides a colorful interest through the year.  While Daphnes are said to be finicky, with good sun, good drainage, and good mulch, this shrub can live a long happy life.  This shrub is surrounded by an array of pink blooms, from a baby Forest Pansy Redbud that is a star among spring sprouting foliage plants at its base, and the Kwanzan Cherry tree that is always the show-stopper.

Note that the Heath (Erica x darleyensis), which began blooming in late fall, is still displaying nice flower color, and the Mediterranean Pink variety matches well with the nearbyPJM Rhododendron, which is also blooming nicely this April.  The dwarf Fothergilla is now full of white blossums.  (We highlighted this shrub previously when it sported leaves on fire in the fall.)  While the pink and mauve displays are enhanced with a variety of similarly hued tulips and Chinodoxas, this little pocket of brilliant red tulips with black and yellow markings, seemed to appear out of the blue.