I try to buy shrubs that will earn their keep by blooming.
Some really lovely ones are out now.
The Abelia is not found in many gardens, but it should be.
Fragrance is so lovely, I just want to stand there and sniff, as if I can store up the memory of it.
Beauty Bush is another great bloomer. Some years there is winter kill, but the last winter was mild so the shrub was ready to go.
Not really a fragrance to speak of, but great impact in the garden. Smothered with blooms.
Of course, there are the weigelas.
These two finally had a show this year. Rabbits and snow were hard on them other years.
And the variegated willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is especially pink this year.
Every garden should have a few special shrubs.