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)