Foliage Follow-up: New Spring Growth

What's impressing me most in terms of foliage right now is the fresh spring growth on some of my deciduous plants.  The Japanese maples, in particular, can't be ignored.  I acquired 2 new Acer palmatum in February.  At the time of purchase, they both looked like sticks.  One month later, they're fleshing out nicely.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' in mid-February

"Mikawa Yatsubusa,' planted in my new backyard bed, photographed yesterday

Close-up of leaves on 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' at time of purchase

'Purple Ghost' one month later, planted in my side yard

The coral bark maple I planted in March 2011 is running a little behind the 2 new trees but its first new leaves began appearing last week.  The light green leaves stand out against the coral bark.

New foliage on Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'

However, the most exciting discovery was that the Itoh peony I planted last May has produced new foliage.  More Itoh peonies have recently appeared in the local nurseries, tempting me with their fat buds despite their hefty price tags.  So far, I'm resolved to ignore their charms until I see whether the peony I've already got blooms for me this year.

Fresh foliage on Paeonia 'Keiko'

I'm afraid that the tree peony I planted in 2011 is still a stick, albeit a stick with tiny pink buds.

Honestly, the plant is almost invisible in my front border

I'm not holding my breath over the prospects of the tree peony but, just this past week, I added another peony to my limited collection.  This one hails from the Mediterranean region and isn't supposed to need the winter chill peonies generally prefer.  It arrived from Annie's Annuals & Perennials in a 4-inch pot so it may be a year or more before its charms can be assessed.  (You can find a photo of it in bloom here.)

Newly planted Paeonia cambessedesii (aka Majorcan Peony)

In response to our recent rain, my grape vine has also produced pretty green leaves.  At this stage it seems possible to believe that maybe, just maybe, I'll get some grapes before those dastardly birds and squirrels strip the vine clean.

Grape vine climbing the arbor my husband built to support it

These are my contributions to the monthly foliage follow-up hosted by Pam at Digging.  Please visit her blog to see her foliage picks this month and find links to other gardeners' selections.