 |
| Hyacinthus orientalis, which has looked the same for more than one week. Cayenne pepper rabbit-deterrent spray has worked so far, but I'm getting tired of spraying around this cutie after every rain. Time to plant some Daffodils nearby. |
The robins are mating, the cardinals are overly chirpy, and the mourning doves seem happy and contented ... they must know something we can't see. Spring is taking her good time this year, and the humans are getting restless.
Of course, it could be much worse.
I'm not even going to mention the "s" word, although you'll briefly see the white stuff later in this post. Fortunately, we do have a few blooms and foliage making an appearance, so I'm linking in to Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up.
The Crocuses (passé for gardeners in warmer climates, I realize) are lasting a record time this year. Usually they bloom and fade in a few days. This year, because of our cool temperatures, they've been blooming for more than a week.
Believe it or not, those photos show the same Crocuses, shown in chronological order as photographed over the course of a week. Yes, I captured the photo with the white stuff on Sunday, April 14 -- the same day as the last one, when the high later in the day was 54F (12C).
Other "early spring" bloomers are hanging around longer than normal, too.
 |
| Galanthus nivalis, April 8 |
 |
| Galanthus nivalis, April 14 |
 |
| Helleborus orientalis, April 8 |
 |
| Helleborus orientalis, April 14 |
 |
| Helleborus orientalis, April 9 |
 |
| Helleborus orientalis, April 14 |
Don't you just love the way Hellebores look like human hearts as they emerge from the mucky earth?
The Daffodils are waiting in a state of suspended animation, and showing signs of stress.
 |
| Narcissus (mixed) with closed buds for more than two weeks. |
 |
| Narcissus 'Little Gem' struggling to find enough sun to green its foliage. |
Others in a holding pattern are wisely staying tightly furled.
 |
| Syringa meyeri |
 |
| Syringa meyeri |
Hehe ... take that, pesky rabbits! These Lilac buds are beyond your reach!
The most hopeful signs of the growing season ahead are the plants just emerging from the cold soil. The following three captured my attention and seemed excellent examples of fascinating foliage.
 |
| Hemerocallis |
 |
| Sedum 'Autumn Joy' |
 |
| Lupinus polyphyllus |
We have so much gardening to look forward to! Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens for hosting Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, and Pam Penick at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up. Check out their blogs to find out what's blooming, emerging, and thriving in gardens around the world.
Signs of spring are good news in this lingering cold year. We usually get warm so quickly that I skip planting spring bulbs so it's nice to see them on your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shirley. I so enjoyed my visit to your post tonight! I've only been to San Antonio once, but you've convinced me I need to get back there soon. Your garden is lovely!
DeleteYour photos make the waiting game look so appealing, Beth--lovely! The emerging sedums are one of my favorites; I remember the first year I noticed them--I thought they were little cabbages. This year it seemed like my crocuses didn't last that long; whether it was our up and down weather or I was too busy at the time, I don't know. Glad you are getting to enjoy yours.
ReplyDeleteI do believe spring has arrived here finally; the temps keep fluctuating and I'm sure there will still be some frosty nights, but at least no mention of s*** in the forecast. Hopefully, spring is wending its way north to you!
Thanks, Rose. I thought last spring was the weirdest one I'd experienced, but this one is running a close second -- the ultimate extremes! People in our area who experienced drought last summer are now flooded with cold water. Very strange.
DeleteGreat photos! That dark red hellebore is lovely. I suppose we should be happy that our early spring blooms have lasted so very long. But, as you say, the humans are restless! I hope your daffodils bloom for your soon!
ReplyDeleteHellebores seem to be a common favorite of gardeners the world over. I know they're not native here, but I can't imagine a garden without them. Yeah, the Daffodils are having a dud year. They're just so anxious to bloom, but it's not quite warm and sunny enough. Argh.
DeleteEarly spring looks lovely in your garden. I enjoyed looking at the crocuses, snowdrops and hellebores. I am sorry you are tired of snow and hope it melts soon. Here spring came early and fast, and a lot of blooms (lilacs especially) fried in just a few days...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Masha. Fortunately, the white stuff melted very fast! I will be visiting your blog lots in the weeks ahead -- I can just imagine that the Roses must be heavenly about now!
DeleteBeautuul . . . just beautiful . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynne. Plants that bloom in late winter and early spring are incredible, aren't they?
DeleteWonderful captures of crocuses! There is something magical about watching a plant emerge from the earth and create such gorgeous blooms. Spring was long time coming here too but when it did it really got rolling. Happy GBBD!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin! They're still blooming away, and now there are more in the same clump! We're "hanging in there" up here in the north country. Not patient, but anxiously awaiting the mild weather. :)
DeleteSo much potential, almost-but-not-quite. Love your crocus photos, isn't it wonderful to have them sticking around for longer, at least there are some good things about the prolonged cold spell.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. Yes, the Crocuses are incredible this year. If we ever get a warm spell, everything else is going to pop into bloom!
DeleteThe extended cold period certainly helped some of the spring bulbs hang around for a bit longer than is consider normal - thank goodness, if it hadn't been for the Hellebores and Crocus, many of our gardens would be rather bleak places.
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloom Day!
So true, Angie! Things are continuing to look bleak for us here in the north until next weekend. Oh well, I guess I'll get some indoor projects completed.
DeleteOur crocuses are also very long-lasting this year, so at least there is some benefit to the cold weather.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that when I visited your blog--you have so many! I don't remember Crocuses ever lasting this long!
DeleteHere's hoping the "s" word comes to stay very soon. Your pictures are wonderful. I was thinking how odd those Hellebores buds looked and you are so right, they DO like like human hearts!!
ReplyDelete"Sun" yes! The other "s" word, no. I've had enough of the white stuff! The Hellebores are unlike any other plant. I remember how I fell in love with them the first year I planted them. Now I just need to add more!
DeleteHi...I was actually thinking of the "s" word...spring!! NO "s" word that is white!
DeleteAh, yes! Bring on more spring! We're getting there ... slowly but surely. :)
DeleteBeautiful pics of crocuses and galanthus!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aaron! I'm suppose southern gardeners are getting tired of Galanthus photos, but mine are in a cold spot so it takes a long time for them to bloom. I'm just glad to have anything blooming during this chilly April!
DeleteDare I say, "Brrr" ...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Spring will be truly arriving in your garden very soon.
It's great to see so much life springing forth!
Cheers to you, my gardening friend;-]
Alice
[[aka Alice's Garden Travel Buzz]]
Yes, "brrr" is appropriate. I can't believe plants actually thrive in these conditions. Apparently, it's perfect weather for Crocuses! Thanks, Alice. :)
DeleteOh my snow...yuck. You are in suspended animation. It has warmed this week and the daffs are starting with the hyacinths. I am sending warm waves of sunshine your way...hurry and catch them!
ReplyDeleteYeah, that was a shocker on Sunday morning. But it melted by midday. And, yes, please continue to send the warmth over here to the Midwest! ;-) (If only it worked that way!)
DeleteIt's been a strange spring here too. I think we are supposed to get another cold front - high in the 60's on Thursday! Beautiful shots you've captured of your spring blooms. Sending warm thoughts your way :)
ReplyDeleteYes, while you are getting the 60s, we will have the 30s. Ugh. I'm hoping that will be the last day of cold weather for the season. Thanks, Cat. And I appreciate the warm thoughts!
DeleteIt's wonderful to see that spring is arriving at another bloggers place, I am counting them as they show up.
ReplyDeleteGreat flowers, love the colors, and the shots.
Jen
That's a good idea, Jen -- tracking the progress of spring! It's a very hopeful exercise, even if it's slower than "normal." Thanks!
DeleteBeautiful photos. Slow season, but all is on the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. Things are looking better for next week. Yay!
DeleteSpring is taking a long time to get to you, isn't it? Should be spectacular when it finally arrives, I imagine, as everything tries to grow and bloom at once to make up for lost time. Those crocuses are gorgeous. I planted some for the first time this year, but I expect ours will come and go in a flash compared to yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been very frustrating -- especially after last year's mild spring. I'll look forward to seeing your Crocuses while I'm seeing the first hints of autumn.
DeleteI never realized how much hellebores do look like human hearts until you mentioned it. So very true! Hang in there!! Spring has to show her face. She can't hide forever!! :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement. ;-) Things are looking better for next week. And the Hellebores will still be blooming!
DeleteYour spring blooms make me miss my garden even more. Between the freezing cold & now all the snow, there is no winning this year. Luckily I can see them blooming in your garden and others. You have lots going on for bloom day & your photos are great. I can't wait until I can take photos of flowers again instead of white snow!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathleen. I hope your snow melts fast (maybe it's gone by now?), and you have an incredible spring! The forecast for next week is great, so maybe yours is, too?
DeleteSpring is wonderful when it finally arrives and everywhere is bright and cheerful now!
ReplyDeleteYes, there's nothing like it when it finally arrives. I'm envious of your climate, Autumn Belle!
DeleteWow, you have a lot of flowers coming up, lucky you! We are getting hit with more snow today in Mpls, another 6" possible. Man, this is a tough spring! I did a post a few weeks ago showing signs of spring, but now all that lovely growth is covered by snow again. Winter go away already!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Gosh, Amy, I can't imagine that much snow at this point! Good thing you do winter sowing. Soon we'll both be so busy with garden chores!
DeleteThis winter and spring certainly has been unusual, for many of us! Not sure if crocuses for almost 2 months in my garden makes up for 4 months of freezing cold weather - but it has sweetened it a bit!
ReplyDeleteI hope those rabbits are soon going somewhere else to feed - haven't you got a farm or something similar near you so they can go and dig up newly planted vegetable seeds?? Hope they leave your lilac in peace for now! Mine is also in buds, just tiny though, it normally is almost finished flowering at this time. Strange spring....Here's to a completely normal summer! Take care, have a lovely week-end. Helene.
Wow, that is incredible. My Crocuses are finally fading after two weeks. Hopefully the Daffodils will burst out tomorrow--we're supposed to have a mild day. Yippee! The rabbits seem to have moved on from the Lilac now since the snow has melted. There are poky evergreens around it and they can't reach the top branches. Can't wait to visit your blog again--your garden must be gorgeous about now!
DeleteYou are a bit behind us. I hope we are both finished with that white stuff now. We finally had a warm day, and are expecting a few in a row, and then some 50s.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you have some blooms. I love your hellebore photos!