Sunday, April 21, 2013

A warm Spring kicks off 2013

The vivid color of Flair tulips were a nice addition this Spring. The stems are very short at first but grow to about one foot.
Dicentra Bleeding Hearts is always a welcome spring flower. It grows very fast, blooms and then dies back to the ground in the summer.










The Kerria Japonica just exploded with blooms this year. It grew to about 5 feet tall and is covered in flowers. Its in the rose family but thankfully has no thorns.
Thunberg Spirea (S. thunbergii) or Baby's Breath Spirea in bloom. We divided and moved a larger plant this spring so we will have plenty of wispy white plumes next year all over the garden. It has a very elegant and graceful appearance if kept trimmed.
The lemon scented blooms of magnolia Betty were a little less pink this spring but still very nice.
Chromacolor daffodil, with strong stems and long bloom life will always have a home in the garden. Give it some sun, let them naturally die back and you will be rewarded each spring.
Our Declaration lilac put on a show this spring. Lots of blooms and fragrance  This lilac was developed by the Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit of the National Arboretum in Washington DC. 
A cluster of peach blossoms in the wind. We have a cherry that finally bloomed this spring. Next season it should be showy enough to make it on the blog. 
Helleborus orientalis or Lenten Rose is full bloom. This image is a little bright because it was taken when the sun was hitting the bed. They started blooming in late winter.