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To gardeners, spring is the signal of something big to come. It kicks off our season. For the next several months we will primp and preen our beds to maximize their beauty and relish in their good looks. But as all our plants start waking up in April and early May, it can be hard to really focus on the \u201cdesign\u201d elements. Many of us are often just happy to see any signs of life, never mind if those newly emerging plants look good together. That\u2019s why today we\u2019re focusing on plant combinations (of two, three, or perhaps even four) that look incredible in spring when grouped together. There\u2019s a mix of annuals, perennials, and even a few shrubs in this array. But, when massed in close proximity, the effect is just as stunning as your peak season pairings. Many of you listeners asked us to broach planting design in an episode, so here we are, answering your call!

Expert guest:

Matt Mattus is a\xa0regional reporter for FineGardening.com. The author of two gardening books, he gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Danielle\u2019s Combos

Combo 1:

\u2018Mango Charm\u2019 tulip (Tulipa 'Mango Charm', Zones 3-7)

'Peach Flambe' heuchera (Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Zones 4-9)

\u2018Peach Melba\u2019 horned violet (Viola cornuta \u2018Peach Melba\u2019, Zones 6-9)

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Combo 2:

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3-8)

Fingerleaf rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia, Zones 5-7)

'Halcyon' hosta (Hosta 'Halcyon', Zones 5-9)

\u2018Nelly Moser\u2019 clematis (Clematis \u2018Nelly Moser\u2019, Zones 4-9)

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Carol\u2019s Combos

Combo 1:

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Zones 3\u20138)

Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana, Zones 3\u20138)

\u2018Toffee Tart' heuchera (Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', Zones 4\u20139)

\u2018Palace Purple\u2019 heuchera (Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Zones 4\u20139)

Japanese painted fern\xa0(Athyrium niponicum, Zones 5\u20138)

\u2018October Moon\u2019 Japanese shrub mint (Leucosceptrum stellipilum \u2018October Moon\u2019, Zones 5\u20138)

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Combo 2

\u2018May breeze\u2019 woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata \u2018May Breeze\u2019, Zones 4\u20138)

\u2018Wanda\u2019 primrose (Primula \u2018Wanda\u2019, Zones 3\u20139)

Creeping mazus (Mazus reptans, Zones 5\u20138)

\u2018Ogon\u2019 grassy-leaved sweet flag (Acorus gramineus \u2018Ogon\u2019, Zones 5\u20139)

Siberian cranesbill (Geranium wlassovianum, Zones 5\u20138)

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Expert\u2019s Combos

Melancholy toadflax or fairy lights (Linaria tristis, Zones 4-8)

\u2018Caf\xe9 au lait\u2019painted tongue (Salpiglossis \u2018Caf\xe9 au lait\u2019, annual)

Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii, annual)

\u2018Penny Black\u2019 baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii \xa0\u2018Penny Black\u2019, annual)

\u2018Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold\u2019 monkey flower (Mimulus \u2018Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold\u2019, annual)

Assorted pansies in browns, reds, rusts (Viola \xd7 wittrockiana and cvs., Zones 5-9)

Desert bells (Phacelia campanularia, Zones 5-10)

Belarina\xae Series primroses (Primula cv., Zones 4-8)

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