• Lily of the valley is a spring perennial.lily of the valley image by Olena Turovtseva from Fotolia.com
  
  Most of western Washington state lies in USDA Hardiness Zone 8. That means a long, temperate spring for a great variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, especially in coastal areas like Aberdeen, Seattle and Tacoma. Great forests and national parks in inland regions boast a huge diversity of trees. Apple and cherry blossoms are rampant in the spring, as are a wide variety of perennials and shrubs. Choose a palette of colors and textures to revive your senses beginning in April, as winter fades in Washington.
  
  

Bulbs, Perennials and Ground Covers

• Plant bulbs in fall in western Washington for an explosion of color beginning in April and continuing well into May. Beds of snowdrop, narcissus, jonquil, hyacinth and tulip bloom in succession during the spring months. Perennials like iris, day lily and peony will add height and drama in late spring, and multiply rapidly through root division if left alone. Plant a few sprigs of lily of the valley near stone steps or walls and enjoy their incredibly strong fragrance beginning in late April. Myrtle, English ivy and vinca will thrive in moist, shady areas, and will also bloom in spring.
  
  

Ornamental Shrubs

• Research and plant native ornamental shrubs to make bold statements in your spring landscape. Rhododendron, huckleberry, Oregon grape, Pacific dogwood, wax myrtle and lowbush penstemon are all native to western Washington soils. Amend the soil to increase acidity to a pH of 6.0, and try mountain laurel, japonica and azalea for vibrant pinks, purples, oranges, crimsons and creamy whites from late April to early June.
  
  

Flowering Trees

• Fruit trees abound in western Washington, and also bloom in the spring. Plant Granny Smith, golden and red delicious, Jonagold and Braeburn to get the full spectrum of apple flavors, and try ornamental or edible pear varieties for their fragrant spring flowers. Stone fruits like cherries and plums will also do well and bloom in spring. Be sure to plant fruit trees in threes to ensure pollination and a crop. Otherwise, you will only get flowers in the spring, and no fruit in the summer and fall.