There is something to be said about making it through the winter in Minnesota with green leaves intact. This perennial is rather shocking in its large-leaved greenness when the beds are cleared of their winter coverage of snow and leaves. Many things about Bergenia are surprising–starting with its common name of Pigsqueak, which was taken from the noise produced when two leaves are rubbed together. It also has a large-stalked, showy flower that is our second perennial to bloom in early spring after the demure Pasque flower. The heart-leaved Bergenia has large, leathery leaves and propagates by rhizomes that slowly form clumps. They are relatively pest-free, though the vine weevil will eat the edges of the foliage giving it a notched look as seen in the third picture below. It is happy in most soils in part to full shade and has a beautiful fall color of reddish-bronze. The passage from bud to fully open flower took about two weeks this year with cool temps and cloudy, rainy days.
There is also something to be said about making it through thirty-two years of marriage with love and respect intact! We have weathered the surprises, the drought spells, the wrinkle-inducing stretches, and the just-get-me-through-the-next-day moments. We have also been incredibly happy with three amazing children, family and friends, animals to make our days, and the goodness and treasure of growing things together. Happy Anniversary to my Partner in Life!
Happy Anniversary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!