Spring flowers

Isn't this pretty?

Every time I have been to England, I am struck by the varieties of flowers that they pair together.It is so different than what you typically see in the U.S. I tried to copy some of that here using plants that do well in my area. The planters are the dark grey "stone look" kind. They are planted with purple violas, yellow tulips and ivy. I really like the way that they turned out. I have 2 of these so I set them on either side of the steps leading up the front porch. I set these out a week ago, and they've done just fine in the cold nights.

I can't get the blogger picture upload to cooperate tonight, so this is the only picture that I could get to post.

Today I picked up two different shades of a variegated evergreen for a backdrop against our deck. I plan to fill the entire area in front of the evergreens with loads of perennials. I also picked up a pretty good sized Carolina Jasmine vine for another spot in front of the deck. The flowers smell wonderful and I am hoping to have it climb along the deck. ANd again, I will plant loads of perennials in front of it.
Anniesue, I have no imagination at all myself, so I look at gardens that I like, and I try to copy them. I don't always achieve what I want the first time out, but I am finding that I am learning a lot along the way! Anything that I can't figure out, I always call Janelle or my mom and they have an answer.
What sort of spring planting or planning have you been doing?

Cheers!
Melissa