A greeting for this special day

Mayapples in April

April is behaving like April. By that, I mean the weather is closer to the normal patterns we’d expect for this time of year. But because we had an extended stretch of summer in March, the plant growing patterns are way off base.

In a normal year here, the Redbud tree would bloom for about a week in mid-May, around prom time. This year it began blooming toward the end of March, so it has given us a vibrant show for nearly three weeks.

The Daffodils I planted in the fall have been blooming that entire time, too.

Crabapples of all shades are in their prime.

Other lovelies in full bloom include Lamium, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, blue and yellow Wood Violets, and Vinca.

I wasn't sure the Dicentra would survive several nights in the high 20s without cover, but they're coming on strong now.

Some blooms are past prime, but still sweet, including the Flowering Almond.

Many flowers—most way ahead of schedule—are just about to pop. The Mayapples emerged in mid-March, and are now about to bloom.

Others gearing up for bloom time include Dwarf Korean Lilacs, Trilliums, and Lily-of-the-Valley.

It’s a strange spring. But it sure is putting on a fabulous show! Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens for hosting Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day on the 15^th of each month!

The garden blogger’s balancing act

I set a goal for myself at the beginning of the year to avoid posting mediocre photos on my blog. I decided to stretch my skills and work toward higher-quality shots. I think I made a little progress, but then I slipped several times—particularly in my last post. The photos are out of focus and grainy.

My excuse is that I ran out of time. I probably should have posted some old photo from my files with my Easter greetings on Saturday, but I wanted to include a photo that showed what was happening in my garden on Easter weekend. I should have set up a backdrop, carefully placed the arrangement, and made sure all the shots were of decent quality. But I had a house full of guests and about an hour to download photos and create a post.

And therein lies the challenge, the balancing act: As garden bloggers, do we always post perfect shots, perfectly framed, and perfectly lit. Or do we sometimes settle a little bit to convey the immediacy of what’s happening now?

I’m finding that higher-quality photos require an increased time commitment. Duh. And now with Pinterest, I don’t mind if people repin my photos, but I’d like to direct a little traffic back to my blog. That means every photo needs a watermark, which takes yet a little more time. And then I want to make sure the photos are placed effectively, adding more time.

I don’t want this post to turn into a whining session, because all garden bloggers face these same challenges. My point is to discuss the fact that sometimes we slip a little bit. And it’s OK.

Most of us aren’t professional photographers, landscape designers, gardeners, writers, AND social media experts. We’re garden bloggers. We might excel in one or two or three areas. We’re talented at several different things—but not experts in all of them. It’s OK! It’s the combination of these different things—sometimes of exceptional quality and sometimes of average quality—that make up an interesting, evolving, and wonderfully imperfect blog.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t strive to present the best prose, photos, and presentations possible. And we should always try to stretch and improve. But don’t feel inadequate and let it hold you back. I want to know what’s going on in your garden in your little corner of the world! And I hope you’ll forgive me for my imperfect posts, too.

I wasn’t planning to include any photos with this post. But then I saw the Crabapple tree in full bloom and realized I wanted to share a snapshot of its beauty. Because of cooler weather and several nights in the high 20s, many plants and trees are frozen in bloom. The Redbud has been blooming for two weeks!

And I wanted to let you know that my Easter bouquet is even prettier today—nearly five days after I arranged it. Here it is in all its imperfection—on the back porch where it greets visitors…with the wood pile, ash can, and cobweb-covered barbecue grill in the background.

Holley at Roses and Other Gardening Joys has awarded me the Sunshine Award, and I’m truly honored. I hope she’ll forgive me for breaking one of the rules. I’m supposed to select 10 additional bloggers to receive the award, but I just can’t do it! There are way too many excellent garden bloggers! Any of the blogs listed on my blogroll or faves listed on Blotanical can claim it.

But I will answer the questions included with the award:

1. What is your favorite color?

Aqua

2. What is your favorite animal?

Cat/dog

3. What is your favorite number?

17—I have no idea why.

4. What is your favorite nonalcoholic drink?

Strawberry-Mango Fruitista

5. Which is your favorite—Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook for fun, Twitter for work.

6. What is your passion?

Um, I think it’s obvious.

7. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?

Giving

8. What is your favorite pattern?

Huh? I don’t know. Depends on whether we’re talking clothing or drapes.

9. What is your favorite day of the week?

Saturday

10. What is your favorite flower?

That’s impossible, but Stargazer Lilies, Trilliums, and Zinnias come to mind.

Thanks Holley, and thanks fellow garden bloggers!

A fresh start

Even after Jack Frost

attempts to spoil the show,

still, fresh flowers

bring joy

to the new day.

Happy Easter!