Iris tectorum

The Japanese Roof Iris is actually from China where it is widely distributed.  It is just finishing blooming and GBBD seems an appropriate time to take note of it.  It’s many bearded cousins are in full bloom right now and we have many different varieties — all with that delightful iris fragrance.  We’ve failed to weed them at all this year and they have simply blithely grown up right through the weeds.

One of many bearded Iris

As I noted in my previous post the herbaceous peonies are fully engaged right now.  None more spectacular for us than ‘Honey Gold’ as it recovered from this morning’s rain.

Peony 'Honey Gold'

The other group of flowers that is busting out right now are the roses.  We’ve never had so many happening at once.  The knockout Roses are just that and several of the David Austins are also in gear.

David Austin Rose 'Charlotte'

It was way too long a day for me to note all the flowers in bloom right now (I finally finished planting all the perennials that I had bought in various places) but just a few still worth mentioning.  The Persian Cornflower (Centaurea dealbata) is a delightful strong grower in full sun.  It makes a nice companion to the more common Centaureas.

Persian Corn Flower (Centaurea dealbata)

Years ago we planted Tradescantia that we obtained from White Flower Farm.  It has easily spread to various places in the yard and the flowers are always welcome.  The plants fit well with iris and day lilies and they are very hardy.

Spider Wort (Tradescantia)

Another strongly colored perennial is the Baptisia, in this case ‘Purple Smoke’.

Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'

Looking out over the yard the Kousa Dogwood fully claims one’s attention right now — though it’s best seen from above.

Kousa Dogwood

And then finally a couple of wildflowers to wind up this posting.  One of my favorites as a transplanted californian is the lovely California Poppy.  It’s persisted for about 5 years now after an initial wildflower planting.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

And along side the poppies are Mexican Evening Primrose (which look very poppy-like themselves).  They are also a result of the same wildflower mix and at this point, like the California Poppies, simply reseed themselves.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)

If you have enjoyed these flowers I suggest visiting May Dreams Gardens, the central site for Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day, to see what other gardens are growing…

Tree Peony with golden stamens

We came back from the first of two weekends in New York to find that the Itoh Peonies were well advanced and then by now reaching the end of their bloom.  But the herbaceous peonies are just getting started.  It made me stop and think about what a wonderfully long extended season the peonies have.  From the first glimpse of Molly the Witch in early april to the final Peony Honey Gold blooms will be over 6 weeks.  Just as with daffodils the choice of varieties lets you have flowers in bloom for a very long time.  And, like daffodils, the peonies are not troubled by deer which is a big plus in our area.  I’ve shared pictures earlier of the gorgeous big tree peonies but we also have a small tree peony which yields some of the richest yellows I’ve seen and comes 2-3 weeks after the big guys.

Very Double Yellow Tree Peony

I don’t know the name of this one, but I’m liking it more every year.  It’s about half the size of the other tree peonies, almost herbaceous in aspect, but that could be cultural — it sits under some pines that suck the moisture out of the ground.

The mid-season for us is mostly Itoh intersectional hybrids — the fortunate blend of some of the best characteristics of the tree and herbaceous types.  The famous one is Bartzella.

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella'

But I have to say I like some of the others much better.  Singing in the Rain has single petals and unique coloration that changes as the flower ages.

Itoh Peony 'Singing in the Rain'

Julia Rose is a wonderfully rose hue that blends nicely with the golden stamens.

Itoh Peony 'Julia Rose'

And Morning Lilac has much larger flowers with a prolific bloom.

Itoh Peony 'Morning Lilac'

We were originally attracted to Peonies by Festiva Maxima which we found growing abundantly at the house we once owned in Alexandria, Virginia.  It’s a classic white herbaceous with streaks of blood red in the center and scent that puts many flowers to shame. We moved it with us to Maryland and it remains one of our favorites.  It’s extremely hardy and a prolific bloomer that will flop all over with it’s many flowers — but hey, nobody’s perfect…

Peony 'Festiva Maxima'

A more modern herbaceous (in that it’s only 50 years old) is Honey Gold — big luscious white flowers with a cup of honey colored petals in the center.

Peony 'Honey Gold'

As I began to appreciate all these positive attributes of the Peony family I’ve become more interested in growing the various species from which these lovely hybrids have been developed.  Their variations in leaf and flower are interesting in and of themselves.

I’ve already mentioned Paeonia mlokosewitschii with it’s wonderful foliage.  Another that has bloomed for us this year for the first time is Paeonia Veitchii.

Paeonia veitchii

I think it makes a good argument for why the species types are worthy additions to any garden.

My wife asked how many peonies we have at this point so I just did a head count.  My tally is 33 different species and varieties and it seems like we’re just getting started.  Many of the species types have not bloomed for us yet so there is much to look forward to…

Tree Peony — White with Pink overtones

Well it’s very appropriate that this Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day leads off with a blossom that is two to three weeks ahead of schedule.  I went back to look through previous years and April 30 was the earliest I saw the Tree Peonies in bloom before.  Their flower size and wonderful foliage are always amazing if you haven’t encountered them before.  It’s been that kind of year with most plants well in advance of their expected performance date.  It’s been very dry which is the only thing which may retard some of the plant growth.  I know that I’m still waiting for some Arisaema’s to stick their heads up.

It’s always a pleasure when something new shows up on our hill, especially if it’s been here for some time without flowering.  This year I found that Gentiana acaulis ‘Krebs’ has put forth several incredibly blue flowers.  It’s been hidden among the species tulips and may have flowered in the past without me catching it in the act.

Gentian amid the tulips

Gentiana acaulis 'Krebs'

The blue is every bit as outstanding as one might hope for from a Gentian.  The markings inside the trumpet are almost like a digital code.  I can see that several little babies are in the vicinity which makes me suspect that it has bloomed before.  This is one plant that I’ve very happy to have spread.

Another beautiful blue is on the Camassia which is just starting to flower.

Camassia leichtlinii

This a particularly strong blue from a set of mixed Camassias that I purchased a few years back after seeing them for the first time at the Garden in the Woods in Massachusetts.  At the same time I was very taken with the little Iris cristata and came back with violet and white versions.

Iris cristata

They are a very strong and determined spreader with a continually expanding mat of iris plants.

Another choice little item that we brought back from Massachusetts is the common blue Forget-Me-Not.

Myosotis sylvatica

The odd thing about these little beauties is that they grow rampantly on the kids’ property in Boston but when we tried to transplant them here nothing showed up in the garden beds where we put them.  Nada, not a one.  And then this year as I was tending the flower bed I noticed that there were several Forget-Me-Nots growing vigorously in the grass.  Still nothing in the garden beds.  So maybe they just like a little adversity.  No matter.  We are happy to have them competing with the dandelions and buttercups.

Another little plant doing well right now is the Creeping Phlox.

Phlox subulata 'Candy Stripe'

We’ve always liked this little Phlox plants that remind us of the mountains but we couldn’t seem to find the right spot to show them off until last year.  Now they seem happy on the hillside next to the garage in a bright sunny spot that is actually kind of dry.

At the back of the garage the Fothergilla is in bloom.

Fothergilla 'Mt Airy'

I have questioned the garden space given over to this shrub but I have to admit the funny little white flower buttons are growing on me.

The Sieboldii Primroses are starting to bloom now.

Primula sieboldii 'Chubby-One'

This one came from the now unfortunately closed Seneca Hill Nursery.

Next to it sits a nice little spread of Lathyrus vernus.

Lathryus vernum - light pink

A little stroll in the woods produces one of the last of the daffodils to bloom — the wonderful little La Belle is dainty and charming but survives a rugged setting in the woods.

Narcissus 'La Belle'

And the Virginia Bluebells are just about done.

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia

While the Spanish Bluebells are coming into full stride blooming in many spots in the yard as well as where they have been scattered in the woods.

Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) in the woods

Also in the woods right now are Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Black Haw.

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Just a few others to mention in this compendium of April flowering.  I picked up a tiny little Androsace at Stone Crop’s Alpine sale last year and, most wonderfully, it has come into flower for me.

Androsace sarmentosa 'Rock Jasmine'

I’ve put this in a little dry sandy spot that I’ve labeled the stone garden and, at least so far, it seems to be working.

And while not in flower anymore, I wanted to share this image of the Himalayan May apple that I imported from Canada this year (Fraser’s Thimble Farms).  The flower was exotic but the leaves are equally so…  I’m looking forward to the fruit.

Himalayan mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum)

Iris japonica 'Eco Easter'

It is only appropriate that I begin this well overdue posting with this little woodland Iris that bloomed right at the Easter holiday this year.  It is a very hardy Iris that overcame being stepped on during deer fence construction to come back with lovely blooms.  It’s thriving in total shade and a relatively dry environment.

I have had so many postings that never got past being mental constructs the past few weeks.  It seems that every day has been beautiful sunshine (not much rain) with temps in the 60′s and 70′s and it’s hard not to be outside planting.  At this point I am nearly caught up with all the purchases for the spring and the plants that we brought back from Boston a week ago.  In many senses our garden is a joint project with our kids’ Boston garden.  We now have many plants that were originally started in Boston and for various reasons got evicted or propagated southward.  An example is this Lamium orvala which I had never seen before having it bloom in our garden this year.

Lamium orvala

Another surprise arrival is an Iris koreana, one of several small irises that I picked up at Stonecrop’s Alpine Perennial Sale last year.

Iris koreana

There were many other treasures found at this event which features plants from vendors like Evermay, Wrightman Alpines, and Garden Vision.  Some of the plants obtained from Garden Vision are in bloom right now.

Epimedium 'Domino' from Garden Vision

Epimedium 'Saxton's Purple' from Garden Vision

Epimedium 'Bandit' from Garden Vision

Note the exquisite foliage on Bandit.  Another Epidmedium that we’ve added from a local nursery is Purple Pixie.

Epimedium 'Purple Pixie'

Epimediums are hard to beat for sturdy reliable shade plants that have wonderful little orchid like flowers.  The leaf coloring can be especially intriguing with Epimediums.

To round out the description of some of the treasures in the garden right now, two favorites are the Anemone nemerosa ‘Bractaea Pleniflora’ and the Anemonella ‘Shoaf’s Double Pink’.

Anemone nemorosa 'Bracteata Pleniflora'

Anemonella 'Shoaf's double pink'

In just a few years this little Rue Anemone has grown into a delightful little mound of beautiful long-lasting pink blossoms.

Anemonella 'Shoaf's double pink'

Planted nearby is a little cluster of double-flowered bloodroot that are much longer lasting than their single-flowered cousins.

Sanguinaria canadensis 'multiplex'

And in the front garden we have the species tulip daystemon which continues to expand it’s cluster in the sunny space we have given it.  They open brightly in the noonday sun.

Tulipa daystemon

Tulipa daystemon

Our first Molly the Witch to flower turns out to be more pale pink than the yellow I was hoping for.  But the foliage is still wonderful and I will pretend I never expected a yellow flower.

Paeonia mlokosewitschii

I should also note that because of the mild winter the Euphorbias have been looking wonderful, especially this Blackbird by the deck.

Euphorbia 'Blackbird'

We came back from Boston with a new respect for the Corydalis genus and I’m planning to add more as the opportunity presents.  The first such addition is a hybrid, Blackberry Wine.

Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine'

I do have to mention two other things before closing.  The apple tree bloom has been amazing this year.  The trees are into biennial bearing and we have a cloud of white surrounding the house.  In particular the Mutsu, a personal favorite, looks ready to have fine crop.

Apple Blossoms 'Stayman'

Apple 'Mutsu'

And I will close with a walk in the woods that takes you to one of our most unusual daffodils, just perfect for a woodland scene.

Narcissus 'Arguros'

Rhododendron carolianum

Our weather has been so anomalously warm this year that we have blasted through springtime.  Many things are two to three weeks ahead of time, and worse yet, going so fast that it’s hard to fully relish them.  The daffodils are declining and the Rhododendron shown above is already finished.  We usually expect many weeks of daffodils from start to finish but this year we are getting them all at once.  We have been picking baskets of daffodils from the woods and hillside and bringing them inside for close enjoyment.

Hillside daffodils

Daffodil trio

Once inside the daffodils are providing the mainstay of flowers for inside viewing and fragrance.  Beth spends a good deal of time arranging the flowers all over the house.

Dining room table

Sideboard

Piano room

Kitchen

Camellia in the Kitchen

Orchid in the kitchen

Hellebores

On the Mantel

On the Divider

Downstairs Bath

Upstairs bath

Magnolia stellata 'Star Magnolia'

For this Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day it’s hard not to lead off with the star magnolia which presents not only it’s wonderful blossoms fluttering in the wind but an equally charming scent for anyone who takes the time to sample.  This is a very reliable early bloomer for us but in terms of timing it seems to be lagging compared to all the other plants competing for attention right now.  The temperature climbed to 82 degrees and almost everything is off and running.  Although I like seeing everything blooming I don’t like to blast our way through spring.  I’m praying for a little more cold weather.

A real star performer this spring has been the lowly Primula vulgaris which started blooming on January 27th.  It is still looking wonderful despite all the heat.

Primula vulgaris

Primula vulgaris and friends (Narcissus 'Rapture' for one)

We have at least a dozen of these primrose clumps and the plan is to start dividing since they all seem to do really well here.

The Hellebores continue to be at the top of their game.  Ivory Prince is particularly noticeable for the quantity of flowers and their variable appearance on the plant.

Helleborus 'Ivory Prince'

I just planted another six hellebores today that were brought up from Plant Delights in North Carolina.

Another couple of choice plants that jumped in the car in North Carolina were a false freesia

Anomatheca laxa 'False Freesia'

And a particularly pretty Corydalis

Corydalis leucanthemum 'Silver Spectre'

Our Spirea ‘Ogon’ is fully in bloom now — a solid blast of small white flowers.

Spirea 'Ogon'

The Pulmonaria has a particularly vivid blue when the flowers first open.  Then they gradually shift to red.  They also have a very extended flowering season.

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

And the violet variant of the blue chilean crocus (check out Telos Rare Bulbs) that I shared a few days ago had its first flower today.

Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. violacea

And of course it’s really daffodil time.  They are flowering outside in the hundreds.  We fill the house with them to absorb their fragrance day and night.  And they definitely are proceeding much too fast thanks to the heat.  Here are a couple to close this posting with.

Daffodil with pink cup (Pink Silk maybe?)

Narcissus 'Cassata'

I must confess that GBBD sort of crept up on me this month.  I’ve been so busy planting and transplanting since I got back from the south.  And there are so many other plants in flower right now.  Step on over to Carol’s post to see what other flowers people are seeing in their gardens.

Chilean Blue Crocus (Tecophilaea cyanocrocus 'Leichtlinii')

This is the third year we’ve grown the Chilean Blue Crocus and it’s still exciting to see it pop up.  Judging from last year it’s about 10 days earlier this year though each species seems to be reacting differently to the warmer weather.

I’ve been gone to North Carolina and Florida for the past week.  Making my annual trek to Plant Delights and spring training.  I brought back three boxes of garden treasures from the Plant Delights open house including this new Hellebore

Helleborus x hybridus 'Berry Swirl'

When I returned I was pleased to see that the season had advanced but I hadn’t really missed any flowerings.  Especially wonderful at this time of year are the tiny Hepaticas.

Hepatica nobilis 'Deep Red-Pink'

and it’s somewhat larger american relative

Hepatica acutiloba 'Large-form Pale Blue'

Speaking of tiny, this diminutive Alpine Draba came from a seeding that my son planted in Boston last year.  I tried putting two into a tufa stone (unsuccessfully) but the one which grew was planted in the garden on a slightly dry modest slope.  It seems to be very happy next to the Adonis and a dwarf daphne.

Alpine Draba (Draba alzoides)

Another gift from my kids at Christmas last year seems to have successfully returned.  It’s foliage is easily recognized as different than your normal hellebore.

Helleborus Thibetanus

Apparently this takes a few years to reach the flowering stage, but judging from the online pictures it’s worth waiting for.  In the meantime the leaves are quite pretty.

And after waiting a few years, the first buds are visible on one of the Molly the Witch Peonies.

Paeonia mlokosewitschii 'Molly the witch'

There are so many things blooming in the yard right now it’s hard to give them all appropriate appreciation.  Certainly all the crocus in the grass are worthy of more individual attention than they often get.

Crocus versus with almost tulip-like proportions

And the Glory of the Snow (chionodoxa) are popping up everywhere, often far from where they were planted.

Of course it would not fair imply that the only thing I look at are the little guys.  For instance the big Pink Camellia is covered with blossoms and hard not to notice.  Our camellia plantings are in for an expansion this year now that we have a deer-free zone…:)

Pink Camellia japonica

Hepaticas emerging

Every day now is an opportunity to walk around the garden (maybe more than once a day) and see what it stirring from winter slumber.  It has to be my favorite time of year.  Each of the little spring ephemerals has it’s own way of surprising as it sends up the first exploratory shoots.  The hepaticas with their hairy stems are especially charming to see.  The first off the mark is one of the very tiny Hepatica nobilis.

Hepatica nobilis 'Deep Red-Pink'

The startlingly red color more than compensates for the small size.

Trillium and trout lilies are putting up shoots and in the woods the little striped squalls are in full flower.

Puschkinia scilloides var libanotica

Also in the woods the wonderful early Daffodil ‘Little Gem’ is brightening up the forest path.

Daffodil 'Little Gem'

The Hellebores are continuing to amaze.  I plan to be shopping for more this week.  A very strong grower is Ivory Prince.

Helleborus Ivory Prince flower

Helleborus Ivory Prince Plant

Surprisingly the Fritillaria raddeana is blooming almost as it’s coming out of the ground this year.  I remember it usually being much taller before the flowers come out.

Fritillaria raddeana

And one of my favorite plants, the variegated winter daphne, is opening up its flowers.

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

This is a flower that I have never satisfactorily photographed.  I think it’s partly because I ‘see’ it also with my nose and that fragrance makes it beautiful beyond compare.  The plant is large enough to create a cloud of incense as you walk by.

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' plant

Fragrance, flowers, and winter-hardy evergreen plant.  What more could one ask for?