We tend to associate Japanese maples with vibrant fall color yet many varieties make a striking statement in spring also. New growth may be tipped with a secondary color or be much brighter than the mature foliage, suggesting new combinations to celebrate each season. Here are a few of my favorites.

'Katsura' maple (Acer p. 'Katsura'); opens in shades of soft yellow with brighter orange margins before fading to a delicate shade of light green in summer. A dense, upright tree to 16'. One of my favorites for large containers.

Katsura maple glows in shades of yellow and orange

'Ariadne' (Acer p. 'Ariadne') has marbled leaves in contrasting colors to the network of veins. New growth reveals yellow-green veining on a light orange-pink-red background. To 10' tall and wide.

The delicate, feathery foliage of 'Ariadne'

'Corallinum' (Acer p. Corallinum') offers distinct shrimp pink foliage before turning green for summer, some leaves showing lighter speckles. A dense, compact, slow growing maple to 10' high.

'Higasa yama' (Acer p. 'Higasa yama'), also known as the popcorn maple, this is a popular variegated form. In spring the buds unfurl to reveal pale cream tightly furled leaflets surrounded by brilliant crimson elongated scales like a two tone popcorn! A narrow, upright habit to 20' tall.

Who can resist the spring colors of the 'Corallinum' maple?

Nurseries will be stocking their Japanese maples this month. How many have you got room for? Remember that smaller varieties grow well in containers.

'Higasa yama' - a popular variegated maple.

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King County Master Gardener Foundation, Woodinville, WA
April 20th 10.30-12.00pm  Secrets to Success with Containers. Take your container garden designs to the next level as I share tips on how to create artistic combinations for both sun and shade. After planting two unique designs, I will also demonstrate the best methods for container drip irrigation to keep your pots looking fabulous even when you're on vacation. For registration and further details click here or contact Karen Hausrath .Open to the public

Learn how to combine color and texture

Molbaks Nursery, Woodinville, WA

April 30th 10.00-11.00am Designing Garden Memories. Gardens should be experienced, not just observed. Learn how to design a memorable garden journey with ideas for entrances, pathways, garden 'moments' along the way and destinations which lure you deeper into the landscape. Using beautiful photographs you'll gain confidence whether you need to add interest and a new look to existing gardens or start from scratch, no matter how large or small your space.1 hour PowerPoint presentation. Open to the public. Free. Directions.

Have you read my blog 'Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors' recently? If not you've been missing out! It's full of light hearted but informative gardening articles covering a wide range of subjects from using variegated plants to solving drainage problems. 

Can you spot the rain garden?

The most popular post in March was on rain gardens which you can read below;

Don't miss out - sign up today to receive my twice weekly posts automatically by email. Just head over to the blog and follow the instructions 'Subscribe by email'. Tell your friends and join me on a fun adventure.

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For those living in the Seattle area here are a few great seminars and workshops that you might enjoy. 

April 2nd noon-1pm. Planning the Ultimate Salad Garden - a seminar by Willi Galloway at Molbaks nursery, Woodinville. 

A great speaker; don't miss this one. Directions

April 4th 10.30-12.30am Creating Impact with the Best Trees & Shrubs for Western Washington. A seminar by my good friend Don Marshall as part of the King County Master Gardeners Foundation Speaker Series. Hosted at Molbaks nursery, Woodinville. Registration and details. Fee.

April 9th 1-2pm New & Notable Plants for structure & Form. A seminar by the Director of new plant introductions for Monrovia, Nicholas Staddon. A totally charming (and very British) speaker. Held at Molbaks nursery, Woodinville. Directions

April 13th, 7.15pm Landscape as Spirit: Creating a Contemplative Garden. Lecture by Martin Mosko at the Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle. Details Fee.

April 16th, 11-noon Creating a Cutting Garden; seasonal, local and sustainable flowers. A seminar and book signing by Debra Prinzing at Molbaks nursery, Woodinville. Engaging, knowledgeable and an all round lovely lady. Directions

April 22-23 & 29-30th, 9am-3pm Plant Sale! Dept. horticulture at Lake Washington Technical College, Kirkland. Fuchsia baskets, annuals, perennials, shrubs and veggies! More details or call 425 739 8279

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Waiting for warmer weather, lazy days and summer BBQ's? So am I but I also know that it is the busiest time of year for container garden design and I don't want you waiting for me. 

A gorgeous AW container featuring an 'Orange Dream' Japanese maple

To avoid that I have two wonderful ladies working with me again this year. Many of you have already met Angela Heise as this will be her third season with Le jardinet. A graduate of the  Landscape Design program at Edmonds Community College and with a background in all things gardening I am thrilled to have her as part of my team once again.

She will be joined this year by Deidre Wood, a certified professional horticulturalist like myself and a graduate from the Environmental Horticulture program at Lake Washington Community College.

As you can see, far from being just an extra pair of hands, these ladies are extremely well qualified, knowledgeable and have the same high standards that I hold myself to. I am honored that they will be joining me this year and look forward to introducing them to you.

It's going to be a great season!

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'In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.'  Mark Twain