Many of us who live in climates featuring extreme seasonal swings often joke about the many "seasons" of spring--from fake spring, to "spring of deception," to real spring. I think we've made it to the last stage. We'll still be cold a few times in the next few weeks, but I'm officially packing away the parka and the snow boots.
And the garden is signaling it's time to move on and grow!
The stars of area gardens right now are the Crabapples (Malus spp.). They seem to suddenly explode with lush flowers and intoxicating scents.
The stars of area gardens right now are the Crabapples (Malus spp.). They seem to suddenly explode with lush flowers and intoxicating scents.
A few blooms of various Hellebores still hang on--especially those in colder, shadier areas.
The Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) in the woodland resemble a convention of umbrellas. As they flatten out in the next few days, apparently that's a sign it's time to hunt for Morel mushrooms.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)...sigh...I wish they could bloom all summer. Their time is too fleeting.
Same with the Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). They're great companions for the Virginia Bluebells, as shown in the top photo.
Finally, for this "Six on Saturday," I'm including a nod to the Barrenworts, in this case, Epimedium x warleyense. I have several Barrenwort varieties, but this one seems particularly happy with the garden's conditions.
That's it for this week for my "Six on Saturday," a meme hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations. Head on over to his wonderful blog to visit gardens around the world.
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Fellow blogger, Donna Donabella, and I co-wrote the book, and its readers are truly part of the story. The paperback will be out next week! We're both so thrilled: Our collaborative effort of several years is now a finished product. Visit Golden Dragonfly Press or my previous post to learn more!
Love the barrenwort - I did not know that one. It is lovely! My Malus is also blooming its socks off!
ReplyDelete"Blooming socks off" is a great way to describe the Crabapples in our area right now. And the scent is so wonderful, isn't it?
DeleteI wish I had Bleeding Hearts! It reminds me of grandmothers garden :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it, too. It's a great garden staple, it behaves itself, and it's so lovely.
DeleteThe Mertensia virginica is completely new to me: what a beauty, enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I started these Va. Bluebells from seed. They took a while to establish because the rabbits ate them down to the ground for a couple of years. But I put some light fencing around them, and for several years now, they've been lovely in late April/early May.
DeleteTrue spring is here, as you say, and the bleeding hearts are a sign of it. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty photo is the one with the epimediums.
Thanks, Fred. Yes, the Bleeding Hearts are certainly a good indicator. They are so graceful, aren't they? The Epimediums are very rewarding, too.
DeleteWhat a nice patch of mayapples. They look very happy! Apple flowers are my favorite. I try to enjoy them every day while they are around.
ReplyDeleteThe Crabapple blooms seem to burst just as the hummingbirds get here. I haven't seen any at our feeders, but it can't be long now--they've been reported in the area. The Mayapples are fun plants to observe through all their stages.
DeleteWell, it definitely looks like 'real' spring to me! I particularly like the mayapples shot. They look like little umbrellas awaiting their gnome visitors. :) Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: I know...I imagine little creatures under the Mayapples--having a little convention or something. 😉
DeleteI love the Virginia Bluebells. I've not heard of them before.
ReplyDeleteMy only complaints with them is that they have a very short bloom time and the rabbits eat them. Otherwise, they're perfect. 😉
DeleteOh, the Barrelwort blooms are so cute. You have morels growing right in your garden? That's exciting, what do you cook with them?
ReplyDeleteI know; aren't the Epimediums special? I have a couple of other varieties here, too, but the x warleyense seem particularly suited to the conditions here. They grow well in partial shade and they survive the harsh winters very well. I wish we had morels. The conditions are right for them, but I've never found them here. Aren't they tasty?!
DeleteSpring has certainly arrived with you and everything is looking so pretty, especially your Dicentra and Epimedium.
ReplyDeleteThe Virginia bluebells are lovely. I can imagine that they look really good in combination with the bleeding heart.
ReplyDeleteLove the Hellebores and Dicentra!
ReplyDelete