Three Daffodils with Dwarf Mock OrangeDaffodils are scattered among dwarf mock orange in dappled sunlight in this spring garden combination by Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet. Three daffodil varieties are featured: mid-spring bloomer Narcissus 'Thalia' and late-season bloomers N. 'Geranium' and N. 'Louise de Coligny'. After bloom, the daffodil flower heads and foliage will be left to die back naturally for six to eight weeks. During this phase, bulbous plants recharge with energy to support the following spring's blooms.
Naturalistic Pick-Me-UpIn early summer, a basic perennial bed of Geranium, Euphorbia and Japanese forest grass needed a pick-me-up. Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet gave it a naturalistic makeover by adding plant partners that contribute a light layer of color, texture and height to the basic mix. Her additions included Allium unifolium, a low-growing pink allium; Smyrnium perfoliatum (perfoliate alexander), a lime-green biennial with attractive seed heads; and Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist), an airy annual with sky-blue flowers. Says van der Kloet, "The combined effect is nicely complex to mimic how wild plants intertwine, multiply and spread."
Alliums Ease into SummerIn late spring and early summer, 5-foot-tall Allium 'Forelock' is a scene stealer in any garden. "There's a nice contrast in height and texture between the tubular stems and dense flower heads of the tall alliums and the cloud-like flowers and foliage of the shorter perennials," says Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet. After the purple umbels fade, their long-lasting seed heads stay attractive and upright, typically not toppling over. Alliums perennialize in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Anemone Blanda Blue Shades and AstrantiaIn early mid spring, a planting of Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' (Greek windflower) is beautifully framed by the foliage of emerging Astrantia. Six-inch-tall Anemone blanda is prized for its blue or white daisy-like flowers and cute upward-facing leaves. "When choosing plants to pair with spring bulb flowers, look for compatible perennials that fill out early in spring and offer interest in color, texture and size." says Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet. "A good companion will also mask bulb foliage as it dies back after bloom."
Naturalized Woodland PlantingIn a naturalistic woodland planting, Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet features diminutive, heirloom daffodil varieties with small, nodding flowers in shades of soft white and pale yellow. Miniature daffodils with a similar look include Narcissus 'W.P. Milner' (pre-1869), N. 'Hawera' (1928) and N. 'Sun Disc' (1946). As companion plants, van der Kloet adds the brilliant-blue bulb flower Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' plus an appealing mix of early-blooming perennials, including: hellebores, Corydalis solida, Primula elatior, Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs. Moon', Arum, Anemone japonica, Rodgersia and Geranium macrorrhizum.
Layers of ContrastDutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet is known for artful, naturalized planting schemes and bold use of color. Here she pairs the elegant, large-flowered Tulipa 'Ballerina' (orange) and T. 'Queen of Night' (deep maroon) with dark-stemmed, white-flowered Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenwing', a hybrid of the wild flower cow parsley. The lacy foliage of 'Ravenswing' is green initially, then evolves to deep purple-black.
Tulips with Smyrnium and NigellaDutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet showcases magenta tulips in a sea of gold and green companion plants in late spring. "There's great contrast between the bright flowers of lily-flowered Tulipa 'Ballade' and the dill-like foliage of Nigella (love-in-a-mist) and the gold flowers and foliage of Smyrnium perfoliatum (yellow alexander). After bloom, the tulips and Smyrnium fade. At that point, van der Kloet pulls the fading Smyrnium, which sometimes self-seeds excessively. The Nigella continues to bloom into mid-summer, then sets attractive seed heads.
A Tapestry of Spring ColorDutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet combines an intricate mix of flower bulbs, biennials, perennials and shrubs in a spring garden designed to bloom in an evolving tapestry of color rom early spring into early summer. In mid-late spring, three varieties of daffodils and four of tulips are in bloom, along with wallflowers and Lithodora.
Pink Lily-Flowered TulipsJacqueline van der Kloet features two lily-flowered tulip varieties in a mixed spring border. The two are nearly identical in look with one major difference. Tulipa 'Jacqueline' grows to a height of 23 inches tall, while T. Mariette' tops out at 18 inches. Says van der Kloet, it is exactly that difference in height that gives the design a gentler look.
Spring Sequence in Yellow and OrangeIn spring and early summer, the colors yellow, orange and deep red set the tone in one area of landscape designer Jacqueline van der Kloet's garden in Weesp, NL. First, yellow crocus and early daffodils bloom. Then come early, mid and late season tulips, among them: Tulipa praestans 'Shogun', T. 'Yellow Purissima', T. 'Orange Emperor', T. 'Jewel of Spring', T. 'Flashback' and T. 'Ballerina'. Throughout spring and early summer the foliage and flowers of various companion plants add changing heights, colors, structures and textures. Companions include: Primula elatior, Milium effusum 'Aureum', Erysimum (wallflower) and Euphorbia characias wulffenii. Perennial geraniums contribute foliage first and flowers later.
