I have made a plan to visit the gardens at The Coutts Centre regularly through this gardening season. I have felt, in the past, that I either missed certain blossoms in their prime by being too early or too late with my visit. So this year I plan on making the drive at least every two weeks and at times - weekly. We'll see what that does for my gallery of images from these lovely gardens.
My sister joined me and became my extra pair of hands. It's good to have another pair of eyes along as well, they might spot something your own have missed. It's also a good memory exercise to have someone along to ask what this or that plant is.
I continue to be amazed at the changes and additions to the grounds between my visits! This time I noticed a new shed was added and a solid path leading from a new parking lot was much appreciated. The greenhouse looks lovely now that plants are arriving.
There was a staff luncheon planned - what a lovely spot for it. Unfortunately for them, they were chased into the hayshed as the wind came up and the temperature went down.
Into a hayshed with chandeliers? I guess that's why it's called the Hayshed Pavilion.
The Lily Garden
fritillaria
In the garden by the barn, you will find several patches of fritillaria pallidiflora and in the garden on the north side of the house (the peony garden) are several patches of fritillaria meleagris as well as more pallidiflora.
Also in the lily garden...
You will find Muscari (grape hyacinth), pulmonaria (lungwort) and a particularly intriguing clematis called hairy clematis. I think it may just have been coming into bloom and I look forward to visiting it again soon to witness its changes.
The Rose Garden
tulipa tarda
I visited these gardens for many years before I first saw these beauties nestled away in a shady location in the rose garden. If you're looking for them, check the north side of the secluded, vine-covered arbour for this patch of loveliness.
While the garden waits to be adorned by its namesake - Rose, you can enjoy plenty of other plantings. The beds are covered in allium just getting ready to blossom.
The Peony Garden
I always think of this garden as the Cottage Garden and I was curious to see what I would find here. I knew there would be peonies later in the season but I never expected to see half the garden covered in Muscari. With an occasional pink tulip, it created a lovely scene to enjoy.
There were also more fritillaria and tulips to enjoy.
The Medicine Wheel
Growth was beginning in this garden but it will be a while before it becomes fully awake. Buffalo beans were abundant here - as they are throughout the foothills and the prairie.
The Native Border
A short while ago there was a large patch of scilla providing nourishment for the bees but now they are finished and the bees are busy elsewhere, there are plenty of options for them. New growth can be seen throughout the border, but what is it? Time will tell.
One of my favourite wildflowers is the three-flowered aven aka old man's whiskers or prairie smoke. I was pleased to see this cheery little plant making a home for itself here.
three flowered aven
Until my next visit - take time to smell the roses, or whatever is blooming for you.
Credits:
C.J. Bennington Fine Art Photography