Lthrum, Blackeyed Susans, Nikko Blue Hydrangea and Spirea. (Ardigo)

Bridgehampton - I have always delighted in winter's profound beauty. Everything so brilliant, and sparkling!

Beloved evergreen trees and shrubs cloaked with rich mantles of snow. The valiant sweet birdies that hang on for dear life onto crystallized iced branches chirping with delight about the new found cache of seeds. Footsteps in the freshly driven snow, how lovely.

However, right about now I think most of us are about ready to hang up our snow boots and gloves.

I know that I find myself happily imagining past and future spring and summer gardens, and feeling my spirits boosted.

Recently as I was looking back into my photo collection of spring and summer seasons gone by.

I found myself thinking that now is the perfect time to THINK COLOR!

Russian Sage in foreground, Black Eyed Susans, Lithrum and Scotch Broom. (Ardigo)

Having spent a good amount of time working in Italy, I came to love the abundant billowing fields of Lavender, Poppies and Heather. There was no question that I would duplicate these glorious color combinations within my landscape designs back home.

When possible I like to combine the windblown field look along with formally cut evergreens.

And other blooming shrubs. I also like to include many varieties of multi-colored ornamental grasses.

I find that the subtle varied hues of purple, blues and pinks are delightful when bundled together. Lavenders (Lavandula) such as Munstead Lavender are great for foot paths. For an even taller effect, some other great Lavenders are rather dry during the summer season. Please keep on a separate zone if possible.

Liatris, Gay Feather and Lythrum, Morden's Pink offer a vibrant almost Magenta color to your garden.

In the Periwinkle color group, there are two outstanding performers: Nepeta, Catmint, Blue Wonder, Walkers Low and Dropmore Purple.

Formal Evergreens combined with free form Lavender. (Ardigo)

Perovskia, Russion Sage, atripicifolia can grow as tall as four inches.

For added attraction later during the season, one cannot go wrong with an old favorite here on the East End; Rudbeckia, Black Eyed Susans. Bright yellow daisy like flowers with a big brown button center.

These happy and self propagating perennials that simply light up any garden bed or field.

Yarrows, either for yellow or pinks, Echinacea/Coneflowers, have varied shades. Most popular, Purpurea (purple) or White Swan. Gallardia/Blanket Flower and Fanfar are yellow orange and red. Salvia/May Night or Caradonna deep Periwinkle blues, and for single tone bright reds: Lobelia/Cardinal Flower, or Red Wing Flox.

All of my garden photos have information data stored as well. So when I see a particular color combination in one of my photo references I can always refer to my plant lists and any special notes that I may have added.

As I sat down at my computer I found myself navigating through my beautiful spring & summer garden photos and plant lists of seasons past. Seeing the profuse and abundant gardens of summer warmed my heart and made me smile. Yes, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"