Spring Has Sprung! 2007
People say to me, "I want to see your garden when the flowers bloom - let me know when". That puts me at a disadvantage and in a dilemma: What is it exactly that they want to see – daffodil Narcissuses, Jonquils, Eranthis, snowdrops, snow flakes, crocuses, tulips, Forsythia, peonies, Dame's Rocket, irises, daylilies, Hydrangeas, Viburnums, Spireas, columbines, Hostas, resurrection lilies, asters, etc., etc.? Those are strung out over several months in a silent, gentle succession.
Husband/Best Friend/Chief Photographer suggested I send regular email messages telling what is in bloom at that time, and then people can make their own decision about visiting, so, that is what I will do for local friends. I liked the idea so much; I am expanding it to the web site… in case anyone reading here is interested.
(What's In Bloom)
First a little background:
Typically, the quiet succession of bloom begins in February; however, the autumn of 2006 and the winter of 2007 were not typical. Due to abnormally warm temperatures in November 2006, Forsythia shrubs (those yellow-blooming shrubs named for Dr. William Forsyth) bloomed in November! I was interested to see what would happen come spring (more about that later).
Also, it triggered early awakening of the Eranthis (yellow) (you might know them by the name "winter aconites") and snowdrops (white) causing them to bloom for the first time in January -- instead of February as usual. In January they had a rough go of it what with all the snow and fluctuating temperatures, but they slugged through and bravely bloomed in sheets even though a bit subdued and peaked looking.
During the last of February and first part of March a scattering of crocuses bloomed, so their visit is over for this year. There aren't many - just the ones the chipmunks and squirrels have not found --- yet.
The crocuses in the photos below are set amid Eranthis that have already bloomed. Eranthis foliage reminds me of tiny umbrellas or parasols that have scalloped edges. In these photos they are already going to seed. The ovaries are little pointy things pointing upward. They will swell, turn brown, then pop open and scatter the tiny seeds. Teeny, tiny foliage is visible that has grown from seeds dropped last year. Over time the plants form small bulbs. Eventually, the foliage turns brown and unattractive. While it is seedy it can be carefully removed and placed where one would like to start a new colony; the seeds will fall, tiny plants will grow and slowly form their little bulbs. I say "carefully" because the roots and little bulbs might come up with it if you give it a yank. What you are after in this situation are the tops with any clinging, remaining seeds. It tries my patience to endure the untidiness until it pulls away easily.
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Crocker Croft is awash with yellow and white.
In bloom now:
Both yellow and white Narcissuses (daffodils)
Forsythia (Yes! It is blooming again! And, blooming much fuller and better than I expected.)
Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry) (shrub form) is always much appreciated by the hungry, early wild bees; and has been in bloom for a month now so it is almost finished. It is a large, old shrub with small yellow blossoms and a subtle presence. It can be seen at the far right-hand side of the photo above (the second one up). Seen in that photo, it no longer looks "yellow".
4 or 5 small specie tulips hidden away are demurely blooming if you know where to look.
There is one lonely looking Helleborus foetidus (Bear Claw Hellebore)with green bloom in the Shade Garden. I think the others didn't make it through the winter. Moles tunneling through the beds didn't help a bit!
The white and yellow scheme is punctured with small stabs of blues and purple - violas, a few pansies, Vinca minor, and, the small bulbs - Siberian squills (the blue in the first photo at the top of the page), Ipheion, grape hyacinth, Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow), Striped Squill (Puschkinia, pronounced: push-KIN-ee-uh), and Iris reticulata.
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As the crocuses wilt and die away, the Iris Reticulata is just getting started. |  |
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Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow) seems to spread by seeds, also, and forms colonies in a few years. |  |
| Even the moss on the timber and brick edgings is blooming in the cool damp of early spring. You may have to enlarge the photo to be able to see it. |  |
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Please, if you visit, don't expect the "garden" to be a finished product. Construction seems to be the most lasting "perennial" I have.
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