Clematis 'Rain Dance' Ornamental Bark One of my favorite sights

One of my favorite sights of spring are the redbuds in bloom

or use it as a specimen tree against white or neutral-colored walls and fences—the contrast makes those hot pink flowers absolutely sing

Monarda make great companion plants for other pollinator friendly flowers and look great situated among ornamental grasses

or a blanket of flowers in a garden bed or along a wall

In cooler areas

Clematis 'Rain Dance' Ornamental Bark One of my favorite sightsUnlike their climbing cousins the bush clematis keeps a lower profile, but what they do share are the prolific and unique blooms. Dark purple buds open into blue purple, bell shaped flowers that face upward and outward to create a showy display. After flowering, attractive star shaped threadlike seed heads emerge creating a showy display among the still profuse flowers. These are stand out plants in the garden that, with a little care, will reward you