Paonia ostii
We were gone for a week in mid-April and as might be expected you will miss some things at this time of year as part of price of traveling. We bought the above Osti’s Peony from Wrightman’s Alpines as a very small plant in 2015 so this was first time we were to see it in bloom, and we almost missed it. Similarly a very dwarf yellow Rhododendron that we got just last year from McCue Gardens was already past its peak in flowering when we got back.
Rhododendron ‘Wren’
Another one we missed was the first of the Molly the witch peonies. However, the second one still had a flower bud opening. I keep planting them in the hopes that I will end up the yellow flowers the Mollys are famous for.
Paeonia mlokosewitschii
Similarly, but more unfortunate, the Dryas octopetala that had three buds had already finished blooming by the time we returned. We had planted seeds of the Dryas last year after enjoying them when we went to the Dolomites. Fortunately there were still a lot of flowers to enjoy upon our return. Especially a few more Peonies.
Paeonia obovata var. ‘Willmottiae’
Paonia perigrina
Tree Peony Light Pink
Another of Arisaemas has popped up.
Arisaema sikokianum
It is particularly striking with the bright white spadix.
Various of the Euphorbias are lighting up the garden as well as several dwarf Iris flowers.
Euphorbia polychroma
Dwarf Iris orange
In a couple of spots we have lovely little blue Corydalis flowers.
Corydalis ‘Eric the Red’ (named for the leaves)
Back in alpine bed, the Kidney Vetch that I started from seed obtained from BotanyCa is growing very strongly.
Astragalus vulneria v. coccoina
Nearby is a lovely white Pasque Flower that my son grew from seed obtained from the AGS seed exchange in 2012.
Pulsatilla hallerii slavica
And one last flower is the first Clematis of the season.
Clematis ‘Niobe’
And let me close out this post with the note that if you focus on foliage you are never disappointed by missing the flowers.
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’
Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day
Anemonella thalictroides ‘Green Hurricane’
April is when all of the spring ephemerals are peaking. The walk around the yard leads from one little charmer to the next. Of course there are also many flowering trees at this time of year, like the redbuds, the cherries, the crabapples, etc., but I tend to get caught up in these unusual flowers that are not easy to find. Even the standard Anemonellas are quite nice and they are spreading around the yard.
Anemonella thalictroides
The last of the Adonis is making its appearance.
Adonis vernalis
The foliage for this one is very ferny.
This is when trout lilies are peaking. They continue to expand their allocated space in the raised bed next to the deck.
Erythronium americanum
But their more usual relatives can also be found in other parts of the yard.
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Rose Queen’
One of the reliable flowers for the same week as the trout lilies are the bloodroots, and the longest lasting are the multi-flowered versions.
Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’
There are still a few Hepaticas to be found
Hepatica nobilis ‘Lithuanian Blue’
And the Trilliums are starting to appear. One of my favorites is Roadrunner.
Trillium pusillum ‘Roadrunner’
One of the Anemones is a very pretty light pink. They are great shade flowers.
Anemone nemerosa ‘Rosea’
Back at the alpine bed we have a wonderful display of Aubrietia.
Aubrietia ‘Blue Beauty’
Nearby there is a stunning little dwarf Aquilegia
Aquilegia flabellata ‘Nana’
On the sunny side there is a lovely Delosperma, Gold Nugget.
Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’
In the original Large Trough there is another Delosperma that is an appealing combination of red and white.
Delosperma alpina
In the greenhouse there is a new Hippeastrum in flower.
Hippeastrum striatum
And just to finish with examples of the flowering trees that can be found all around the yard right now.
There is in particular the Viburnum x carlcephalum which is a hybrid with Viburnum carlesi in it’s background. It’s the most fragrant Viburnum that I know.
Viburnum x carlcephalum
And then, of course, the Kwanzan Cherry that dominates our backyard.
Kwanzan Cherry
This is what is happening at our yard for Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day this month. What is happening in your garden?
Jewels of Spring
Hepatica americana pink
It’s that time of year when I wish each day would linger so that we can enjoy all the jewels of springtime that are popping up day by day. I’m so busy outside that I’ve not kept up with recording all the flowers coming into bloom right now. The spring ephemerals are always at the top of my enjoyment list. Many of them are small, transitory, and wonderfully beautiful. Hepaticas come to mind with their small hairy leaves and colorful stamens.
Hepatica japonica purple
Hepatica japonica red and white
But there are many competitors for my eye. Here are a few that have come in the last few weeks.
Chionodoxa forbesii ‘Blue Giant’
Chionodoxa forbesii ‘Pink Giant’
Pulsatilla grandis
Primula allionii ‘Wharfefdale Ling’
Geum reptans
This is a new plant grown from seed obtained from the Scottish Rock Garden Club seed exchange last year.
Corydalis kusnetzovii x C.solida ‘Cherry Lady’
A new addition from Augis Bulbs last summer.
Corydalis solida ‘Beth Evans’
Erythronium dens-canis ‘Rose Queen’
Jeffersonia diphylla
Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’
Arisaema ringens
Anemone blanda ‘Violet Star’
Spring Beauty ‘Clatonia virginica’
Fessia hohenackeri (note the stamens)
A favorite combo – Chionodoxa and Anemone blanda
Of course, even in springtime the greenhouse is contributing it’s part.
Ferraria ferrariola
Moraea sp. MM 03-04a blue
Tritonia ‘Bermuda Sands’
Scilla peruviana
A wonderful plant. I have some outside as well and last year they managed to flower.
Paradisea lusitanica
This comes on a 3 1/2 foot stalk. I’m going to try putting it outside this year. It’s marginally hardy in our area and it would be wonderful if it succeeds.
And then lastly the greenhouse provided a lot of color to the house
Clivia in the Entryway