{Mazus Reptans Alba - Groundcover with Snapdragon Flower}

In early April we do have this striking groundcover, Mazus reptans 'Alba', blooming behind our gazebo. A carpeter from Asia with bright green leaves and tiny white snapdragon flowers. In German it is called: Himalaya-Löwenmäulchen weiß. This Himalayan native is invasive, but easily controlled. Showy white flowers, with a velvety texture and a deep yellow blaze on the lower petal, truly set 'Alba' apart from the lavender flowered species of Mazus and from other groundcovers. Very durable and easy to grow, with a prostrate spreading habit, trailing stems and rich mid-green leaves. Perfect among paving stones as well. The hyperlinks also show availability. This nursery even calls it a 'Classy Groundcover with interesting and unusual mini-orchid like spring blooms.

So let's have a look at this little gem: join me on a Garden Tour.

{Aesculus pavia -- Red Buckeye}

• Our garden does indeed have an endless variety of surprises; day by day! One walks and discovers new blooms that were not there a couple of days ago. 
• But by mid April it was this year the most yielding time of year, as far as blossoms. Exactly at the time we were about to leave for Florida. 
• BUT we took some photos before and one by one (by subject) you will get to see them here. Aesculus pavia by its botanical name or Red Buckeye by its common name is from the Family: Hippocastanaceae (horse chestnut Family). 
• They do produce large nuts but those are poisonous to humans if mistaken for true chestnuts! 
• If you click the hyperlink you get to see the nuts as well. Their blooms are so pretty in red; have a look! Join me for a Garden Tour.

• This photo I took on April 8.

• This was even taken before, on April 2nd.

• April 2nd

• April 8th

• The entire shrub, near our gazebo next to the wooden walking trail.

{Calycanthus floridus L. Carolina Allspice, Strawberry Shrub}

• Introducing one more member of our botanical garden. This one is a native that we purchased also from the former Caroll Gardens, Maryland. It's name is Calycanthus floridus L. or Carolina Allspice, Strawberry Shrub and in German it is called: Karolina-Nelkenpfeffer. 
• So now you all know! Deciduous shrub with 2" reddish brown, very fragrant flowers. borne at the tips of short branchlets in May and June. 
• Well, ours bloom in April... This is the old fashioned shrub from which Grandmother used the flowers tied in her handkerchief. 
• When squeezed, an unforgettable sweet fragrance was emitted. Attractive glossy, deep green, corrugated foliage. So here she is (it HAS to be a she...)... Join me on a Garden Tour.

• This photo I took on April 2nd of this year! Very early bloomer.

• This was April 27, 2010

• Pieter took this one on April 14, of this year.