Early April and Spring is in the air

I know that Cherry trees get all the love in Spring but I believe you can make a strong case for Peach trees in peak bloom. The color is rich, lightly fragrant, and it lights up the garden while the deciduous forest in the background is still barren.

Forsythia is a striking Spring bloomer. We trimmed it back this season and it has filled in quite nicely. They can get a little scraggly so pruning the runners helps keep it looking full. This plant is in the olive family but produces no fruit.

We planted a Magnolia Betty three years ago and it just stood there, almost dormant. This year it woke up, bloomed nicely and is now producing new limbs to about 5 feet.

The Bridal Wreath Spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia) is another Spring beauty. Pictures don't do it justice. We have one that is 6 feet tall and about the same wide.

Daffodil Chromacolor has been a solid performer since we planted them a few years ago. This variety has even out performed the classic yellow Dutch Master. The blooms last for several weeks.

Yellow and Red Emperor Tulips and Dutch Master Daffodils. A classic combo. Orange Emperors are starting to bud in the right foreground.

Lucky Strike Tulips and Misty Glen Daffodils. Lucky's start out with yellow edges and mature to bright white. Like Red Emperor they glow in the sun. Lucky's are also very inexpensive in bulk. The bulb is small so you can really pack them in tight.