I have mistreated the variegated Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas ‘Variegata’) too often to expect its forgiveness, but after multiple transplants, the small tree appears to be recovering despite my efforts. The dogwood (commonly called a cherry due to its red fruit) was once in ground far too damp, then too shaded before landing in a third less than ideal position, but finally with drier soil and half a day’s sunlight.

Today, the abundant blooms are welcomed in this slow to get started spring, and a considerable increase from past years. I expect this will lead to increased vigor and a fuller head of foliage in the weeks to come. If this success continues, annual pruning will be required since it is in close proximity to an ‘Oshio beni’ Japanese maple. Despite the error in planting too closely, the contrast of foliage between the substantially white, variegated dogwood and crimson leafed Japanese maple should be splendid. If the overly vigorous distylium fades beneath this canopy, all the better since its unruliness requires more attention than I care to provide.

The winter was cruel to the Japanese aucubas (Aucuba japonica, below) scattered through shaded areas of the garden. While this Virginia garden nears the northern limit of its cold hardiness, low temperatures have never been an issue. Instead, with a month long cover of snow, deer have stripped most aucubas of foliage despite my typical routine to spray a repellent in late November. Spraying through the growing seasons is not necessary, except when little forage is available in the dormancy of winter.

A few aucubas escaped the feeding of deer, but others should recover quickly, though these could require a second year for full recovery. If I remember, I’ll pay greater attention to my repellent spraying in the next early winter.

For whatever reason, in autumn, I began noticing handfuls of seedlings, all with varying degrees of yellow speckled leaves. Several aucubas have been here for decades without seedlings, and while there is no need for additional plants, I will be watching for variations as some are permitted to stay. Of course, this is one of many curiosities of the spring garden.