Springtime Six: Flowers and Foliage

Spring isn't speedy this year in my part of the world, but it's slowly and methodically moving forward. Every year is different, and I'm trying to enjoy the labored unrolling of warmth and little bits of beauty. I'm joining in Garden Ruminations' Six on Saturday meme to share this week's highlights.

First, we have the Daffodils (Narcissus spp.), shown above, beginning to show their stuff. The collection I have combines a mix of varieties from Colorblends and other beauties added over the years. One of my favorite things about Daffodils is that rabbits don't eat them.



Second, the Tulips are getting ready to bloom. These are 'Red Riding Hood' Tulips (Tulipa greigii). Unfortunately, rabbits DO eat these beauties, so I've had to place them behind fencing, or mix them in with rabbit-repellent powder and/or Alliums or other plants the little hoppers don't like.



Third, speaking of Alliums, the 'Summer Beauty' Alliums (A. tanguticum) have emerged around the mailbox. I have some new Tulips planted among them...fingers crossed the rabbits will leave them alone.



Fourth, I have a tiny grouping of Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) tucked in a small corner of a shady bed. They bloom later than most others in the area. And in my garden, they seem to be the only Aconites that survive from year to year. Maybe I need to try an entirely different spot, with more sun for an earlier display.

Fifth, the Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) are about to pop, which is definitely a favorite event for me in the spring garden. :)



Sixth, the larger Dutch Crocuses (Crocus vernus) are joining the tiny Tommies (C. tommasinianus), and all their colors are bright and cheery.

It's a colorful, happening time in the garden. For horticultural highlights from around the world, head on over to Garden Ruminations for "Six on Saturday."

Six Saturday Buds and Blooms

I was thrilled to see many pollinators enjoying the flowers during yesterday's warm weather (high of 76F/24.4C). I'm joining in Garden Ruminations' Six on Saturday meme to share some of the garden highlights. Many plants are emerging, but today I'm only including things that were blooming yesterday or just about to bloom. The biggest hits with pollinators were the pollen-rich Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) shown above.



I have several types of Snowdrops in the garden, and while the plant labels are long gone, I think these are Galanthus woronowii (left) and G. nivalis 'Flore Pleno' (right).



Some of the Mini-Daffodils (Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete') are about to pop.



As are the various Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis).



This particular Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) always has just a tiny bloom every year; I'm not sure why, but it's cute. It will break bud soon, too.



Finally, the Siberian Squills (Scilla siberica) weren't open in the morning, but they began to bloom after the bright, warm day, and they'll continue their show in the days ahead.

Head on over to Garden Ruminations for garden highlights from all around the world.

Think on These Things

Every year about this time, the Dwarf Korean Lilacs (Syringa meyeri) perfume the neighborhood, and the butterflies really start to congregate in the garden. I've seen a couple of monarchs and several tiger swallowtails. This female swallowtail had my heart aflutter because it was right outside the kitchen window and I was able to grab my camera fast and get a few shots (though through a screen). Something didn't seem quite right, though.



It wasn't until I downloaded the photos from my camera memory card that I realized she had two severely damaged wings. Her tails were completely gone. Wow, something must have tried to take a bite?



Yesterday was a very sad day for so many reasons. The country and the world are sick and hurting and grieving. It's been hard to move forward.



This persistent, beautiful survivor provided a sign of hope.



On a difficult day, it was helpful to think on this simple thing.

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"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."    ~Philippians 4:8 KJV

The Window Boxes of Charleston

As we face the reality of a very cold start to April here in the Midwest, I'm remembering our recent trip south. We spent the middle of March in Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. We pretty much hit the peak of Azalea bloom, and I've never seen healthier, larger Azaleas--blooming just about everywhere we traveled. More about that later.

Of course, the camera and the mind are full of photo and blog post ideas, but I thought I'd start with a quick look at a few of the window boxes in Charleston. They were bright, pretty, and inspirational, and they complemented the city's unique, and mostly historical, architecture.















It was a fabulous vacation, and I wish I was back in the South. Thinking about it warms me up a little. More to come on both Charleston and Savannah.

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On another topic, I'm offering readers two great gardening books: "Vegetables Love Flowers" and "Shakespeare's Gardens." To read about them, check the "Products" tab at the top of this blog. Leave a comment on this post, and let me know which book you're interested in. I'll draw two names: one for each book. Good luck!

New Perspectives for Wednesday Vignettes

Carya ovata framed by Syringa vulgaris

Do you ever see a scene in a totally different way? The other day as I was washing dishes, I looked out the window and noticed the Lilac shrub in the distance framing the unfurling Shagbark Hickory foliage. The soft peachy bud scales were glowing in the low light and the magenta Lilac flowers created a complementary halo for the new Hickory leaves.

Springtime is full of magical scenes and new perspectives. Wednesday Vignettes are hosted by Anna at Flutter & Hum.

Garden Lessons Learned: Wait for It, Wait for It!

Prunus virginiana

Something about this spring has had me on edge.

I'm not sure why--could be family events, personal thoughts, or other factors completely unrelated to gardening. Nothing major, just a strange sense of joyful anticipation mixed with minor anxiety.

But some of my thoughts, as always, have centered on the garden and the weather. Making peace with this edgy moodiness is the biggest lesson I've learned this spring.

As I reflect on "Garden Lessons Learned" during the past three months, the biggest one is to simply take it all in and accept that Mother Nature's miracles will happen on their own time.

Trillium grandiflorum

Like the appearance of the Trilliums: If they don't pop up after the first few warm spells, don't worry. They might know something you don't--like, perhaps there will be a few more frosty nights before the warmth settles in for the season.

Asclepias tuberosa

Same for the Milkweeds. Once they emerge, the Monarchs can't be far behind. And we don't want Monarchs freezing because they made the trip too early.



Hummingbirds will find their way back to your garden. Give them the blooming plants and the nectar they need, and they'll find their way back to you.

Hesperis matronalis

You know you're going to have to pull invasive plants like Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket. Wait until the plants are a little larger and after a good rain (but before they go to seed). They'll be easier to pull. Plus, the Garlic Mustard tastes great in salad, and the Dame's Rocket is lovely in a vase.

Lablab purpureus

Grow Hyacinth Bean vines from seed. But don't put them directly in the cold, wet ground. Grow them in pots under a coldframe, instead. They'll warm up and grow into healthy, solid plants ready for planting in the warm, late May soil.

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

When Magnolias, Crabapples, and Lilacs are all blooming at the same time, don't be sad that springtime is passing. Instead enjoy the magic of the moment.

These are not so much lessons in patience, which is a given, but lessons in watchfulness and mindfulness ... enjoying and observing what's happening now, instead of anticipating what you think should be or will be happening very soon.



What did you learn this season? To join in the "Garden Lessons Learned" meme, simply write a post or share one you've already written about lessons you've learned during the past season. Then share your links or simple observations in the comments. I'll keep this post up for a few days, and it will be available always under the "Lessons Learned" tab at the top of this blog.

Please also join in Donna's Seasonal Celebrations at Gardens Eye View! Feel free to join in with a post that fits both memes, or separate posts for one or both of them.