March 26, 2021

Springtime Magic

tommies 1

We seem to be having an early, pleasant start to spring this year, here in Southern Wisconsin. It's been warm enough to encourage the first spring blooms, and cool enough to keep them blooming for many days. Some have been pummeled with rain showers; while those in bud before the rain continue the show.

Here's a mix of outdoor highlights.

snowdrops

The Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) started the excitement, and they seem to have an exceptionally long bloom time. They still look roughly like this photo, which was taken a couple of weeks ago.

tommies 2

The Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) followed soon after, and some are still blooming today.
 
crocus

Several patches of Dutch Crocuses (C. vernus) are also blooming here and there.

tete-a-tete

And the Daffodil (Narcissus spp.) parade has begun, starting with the tiny 'Tete-a-Tetes.'

daffodil

A few others are blooming, too, but their display will peak in the days ahead.

hellebore

Same for the Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis), most of which are just on the verge of fully opening.

We've had a nice mix of bright, sunny days and rainy, life-encouraging days. The sun has coaxed the indoor plants to grow and bloom, as well.

fuchsia 1

I've been thrilled to see that the 'Marinka' Fuchsias I overwintered are actually blooming already! I won't be able to put them outside until late April or early May, but they'll brighten the sunroom until then.

fuchsia 2

I divided and propagated the 'Autumnale' Fuchsias, so I should have plenty to fill more hanging baskets and planters. The foliage on this hybrid is ever-changing.

oxalis

The Purple Shamrocks (Oxalis triangularis) continue their long lives as great companions to the ever-growing and hardy English Ivy (Hedera helix), some of which even survived two weeks of polar weather in an outdoor pot!

kalanchoes

I saved two varieties of Kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana) that were included in condolence bouquets. They'll be happier outside in the summer sun, but I'm thrilled that they're actually blooming again.

gerbera

The Gerber Daisy (G. jamesonii) never fails to flower this time of year. The foliage is a little ragged, but wow--those blooms! The foliage will thrive outside this summer with its other potted companions.

It does appear we're on a slow, but steady trend toward warmth, and it's encouraging to know even more garden excitement is just around the corner. Many, many plants are emerging, but they will have to wait for a future post...

21 comments:

  1. Wow, you have lots of blooms. Love those fuchsias. It is looking a lot like spring here too.

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    1. I think I found a better spot for the Fuchsias. In the past they've survived the winter, but they didn't bloom as much indoors. Happy spring!

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  2. Fuchsias! Even in my climate I can't claim any of those blooms at this time of year. I'm glad you're enjoying a colorful early spring.

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    1. Yes, our climates are so different, for sure. This is early to have so many things emerging and blooming here. I'm just glad the cold weather is almost done.

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  3. Your fuchsias have impressed me! The color when it was outside last year was breathtaking, seeing it again after (during) the bleak days of winter is a thousand times more enjoyable. You have done an amazing job of overwintering plants - good job!

    I will not be posting any spring flowers. My son (the non-gardener, give me a robot to build guy) has begun picking me flowers when he comes home from work. Who said miracles never happen anymore. This is a kindness I wouldn't trade for a million dollars.

    Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

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    1. Thank you, Jeannie! I do have a special place in my heart for the Fuchsias, and they seem to like this location, especially in May through October. I was having trouble finding 'Marinka' at the garden centers, so that's why I started overwintering them. How kind of your son to pick flowers for Mom. :)

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  4. How are you growing the Gerberas? I love them but they always die on me pretty fast.

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    1. Well, they don't like the winter--even inside. But I think part of it is dormancy. They tend to shed their foliage over the winter, and then buds and blooms and new foliage sprout as the days start getting longer. If you do try them again, I'd say don't give up on them until spring or early summer. The roots might still be good, and they might spring forth with the new growing season.

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  5. Hello,
    A rabbit ate our crocus. I was so mad. I have a small crocus garden that I planted for my husband a few years ago. I just showed my husband a white one ready to bloom soon. We came home from our walk to find a rabbit in the crocus garden and nibbled crocus.

    Thank you for the lovely photos.
    Carla

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    1. Oh dang! Grrrrr... Don't get me started about rabbits! They are so nasty. So sorry about the crocuses; I think that's happened to me some years, too. But I've totally given up on tulips--except in tall pots that they can't reach.

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  6. A very impressive array of spring blooms, Beth. Well done -- especially with your propagating efforts. When I look at that fuchsia you inspire me to give it a try. Wishing you a Happy Spring! P x

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    1. Thank you, Pam. I was having trouble finding 'Marinka,' so I started overwintering it the next year. And then I discovered that I could propagate them relatively easily. :) Happy spring!

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  7. Wow, my daffs are just pushing up. I think I have all late ones. I never tried Gerber daisy as a house plant. What a great idea with those stunning flowers.

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    1. We received a wonderful Daffodil mix at a Fling from Colorblends, including early and late-blooming varieties. Some are still in the early bud stage. None of them were happy with the 20s last night, but they bounced right back. Amazing!

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  8. Beautiful Spring flowers!
    Have a blessed day!

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  9. Hurray for spring! A few bulbs are blooming and the helebores are coming to life, but no daffodils here yet. Spring blooms are always so uplifting after a long winter.

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  10. Magic indeed, spring flowers are so exciting.

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  11. Beautiful flowers and lovely photos, we have just had a few very hot sunny days which brought all the flowers on, then this its been freezing with snow and hail !

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