Spring Shuffles & Fresh Blooms: This Week in the Garden

This week marked a turning point in the garden as spring momentum picked up and the roses officially took center stage. I planted the last of my bare-root roses—always a milestone. Among them was Donahue, one of David Austin’s newest introductions, and a new-to-me beauty called French Lace, whose soft ivory tones I’m already imagining woven into future bouquets.

With the roses settled into their forever homes, I turned my attention to garden cleanup. I finally trimmed back the last of the dead perennial growth I had intentionally left standing through winter. Those fading stalks and seed heads weren’t just garden leftovers—they provided critical winter habitat for beneficial insects and invertebrates. Leaving them a little longer each year has become part of my commitment to more regenerative, pollinator-friendly gardening.

As things warmed up, it was time to divide and conquer. I split some of my tried-and-true perennials—geum, sedum, and catmint—giving them fresh soil and more breathing room while spreading their cheerful presence to other corners of the garden. These are the kinds of tasks that feel deeply satisfying: taking something well-loved and letting it multiply.

I also gave the rock garden a bit of a refresh, tucking in some perennial grasses for movement and texture. There's something grounding about the subtle sway of grass blades in the breeze—it brings softness to all the structural stone and anchors the more vibrant plantings nearby.

And in a more strategic shuffle, I relocated a few established peonies to open up space for the new roses. As much as I adore my peonies, the rose collection is expanding, and with each new addition, I find myself designing and redesigning beds to accommodate their sprawling elegance. Peonies don’t love to be moved, but I took care to give them rich soil and afternoon shade in their new homes. Fingers crossed they forgive the upheaval.

There’s still much to do, but this week felt like laying the groundwork for summer’s bloom-heavy glory.

These spring transitions—between dormancy and life, between old plantings and new—always remind me how much gardening is about both patience and constant change.

Here's to fresh roots, full blooms, and the slow, steady magic of the growing season ahead.