Beahive, Aaaw sweet pea and blossom are so cute and the spring show in your yards amazing! :)
Tab, your picture is beautiful, and I agree that it looks like a professional designed it. Not just that photo, but all the ones you've posted. :)
Here's my weeping pussywillow just leafing out and an inherited Rhodie, which I severely pruned the summer before last. It looks much prettier in person and it is photo shopped because I could not get my camera to get the colors right! (and they still aren't quite right)
Signs of spring- What do you have blooming?
Ooops, here it is.
Bea, Your climate is so different than ours -- we could never have all those different kinds of bulbs in bloom at once...it's strung out over 4-6 weeks, at least.
If you see Dryad on here, she has the same kind of dogs -- she has 3, but they look like yours (she's a landscaper, so spring is her busy time)
Tab, I love your pictures, too!!!!!!! LOVE them! But I am fast becoming intimidated! I know you are picking and choosing your best angles and vantage points, but really, they are insanely beautiful and so polished!
Gus, Does everything there match perfectly? LOL! I am getting a complex, and then KarlyRed adds hers, too. Sheesh peeps!
I do not have purple, lavender, mauve or pink or raspberry or lilac or any of the colors posted above except Bea's lovely pic!
I need something ORANGE that is blooming RIGHT NOW in the midwest. LOL! That would look soooo attractive with the Alium!
I have the most beautiful full grown orange Exbury Azalea blooming and it needs a color echo. It is, as the catalog stated, "as high as a tall man and as wide as a fat one."
Tab & Geminii, I am at least a week behind you, so you'd have to thinnk of what bloomed last week -- a hard thing to do, but Gus, I am 5 days ahead of you, so what's blooming there that can take dry sun in the spring and dry shade in the summer? :))
I can take a pic of the azalea, but all else in the background will be boring pine trees. :)
Suzy
What wonderful flowers, Bea. I love how everything is booming at the same time, and your fur babies are too cute. One of my dogs started out as Blossom but by the next day she was Daisy. Crazy Daisy Duck.
Great choice of Iris with your Japanese Maple.
Suzy, allium need a few more days but so do the self sowing Siberian wallflower. These wallflowers were winter sowed last year and have opened a little earlier.
Lovely garden maozamom. My tulips and daffs are done for the year. Right now the Standard Dwarf Iris and anemones are suppling most of the color. Tall bearded Iris have big buds and the first scapes are showing up on daylilies, so lots of color soon. Columbines should start opening this week too.
Susan
The white blooms are the anemones. SDB Iris are Splash of Red and Ruby Eruption.
This message was edited May 9, 2008 9:54 AM
Bea, I want a little brown sweet pea like yours , do you have any for trade? ^_^
Suzy,The only thing I have blooming that will fit your criteria is the ajuga it will grow just about anywhere. This one is in my front yard.
I am sure there must be some annual that will fit?
Gardengus.. sorry no extra Chihuahua's hanging around.. :)
I was cleaning out the north bed and look what I found. My corydalis I thought it was gone ,didn't have a single plant last year and now two nice ones,in bloom too.
I was wishing I had some wallflowers after seeing maozamom's earlier photo. While I was out cleaning beds in the rain I found this . Is it a wallflower?
That's a wallflower. Now would you wish that I has a million dollars?
I am sure I am only allowed one wish per century or so I guess I should be more careful.
LOL! Mao, I love the wallflowers, and I grew them last year -- I probably had 14 or 15, but they wouldn't stand up once they got tall. I guess there is not enough sun here for them, or not enough sun where they were planted.
I asked in the annuals or perennials forum what to do with wallflowers that were laying down. Whether to cut them back or not. No one knew, so I cut back half (they all died) and I waited for the others to bloom, but they died in sympathy for their brothers who were cut down in the prime of life...it was very sad.
Suzy
That is so very sad. Cut down in the prime of life. Literally. I'll have to remember that you can't cut them back.
Gardengus, if you only knew then what you know now.
Thank you all so much for your kind sentiments about our garden. I started gardening about three spring times ago and I've been trying to plant for color coordination and also consecutive bloom in the same garden. I'm finding it a bit challenging to work it out so I appreciate your encouragements! Of course, Illoquin is right--I do edit my photos so they appear better than real life!
Here are a few photos from this a.m. of my garden (before the camera gave up on me)...
My siberian iris started blooming yesterday but I didn't get a pic yet.
(I'm starting a fairy garden and the castle in the pic is for that.)
Suzy, I was going to suggest Siberian wallflowers too. They're blooming so nicely here (the region, not my yard-darn it!) now. Perhaps orange pansies would do the trick? I have some with 'Eye of the Tiger" Dutch Iris growing through them- can't wait to see those bloom!
These are hybrids, so who knows how it will turn out, but I'm saving seed from these if you'd like some.
I could have sworn I had a better pic of these, but good enough to get the idea. I'm thinking these little violas will be more likely to come true from seed. The orange and plum would look pretty with purple alliums.
Oh, this is the thread where you were discussing the purples and oranges, Illoquin--so I will re-post the Monet Garden pics here (that I mistakenly posted on your seed swap thread--There are some really pretty pictures of ihis garden in this link...
http://books.google.com/books?id=Y-76SYLDM7YC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PPP1,M1
Monet uses the Wallflowers, too. I don't know a thing about them, so will google for info. They seem like an excellent filler flower for around bulbs and iris...and I am always looking for those...
BTW, I have a very nice ajuga called 'Bronze Beauty' (I think) that puts up lovely purple flower spikes. Of course, you have to have it in just the right spot or it can get away from you quick! http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/search.html?mv_session_id=dAvWVDCb&co=yes&ma=yes&mc=1&tf=name&to=f&rf=*&sp=results_pics&st=db&fi=products&mv_value=nametype%3Dscientific&ml=45&mv_value=srchtype%3Dkey&from_search=1&sf=%3Acode%3Aname%3Acommon_name%3Ashort_desc%3Adescription1&se=ajuga&su=1&op=rm&sf=is_coupon&se=1&su=0&op=ne&sf=disc&se=0&su=0&op=gt&hide=1&submit.x=14&submit.y=7
And metallica crispa is nice too.
For a good read on the different wallfllowers available (and the differences between the english and the russian kinds) and how to use them in the garden have a look at this RHS article. http://www.rhs.org.uk/publications/pubs/garden0904/wallflowers.asp
Now, to find a good source for different Wallflower seeds mentioned!
Beahive--love the colors especially Post #4926182
and naming that cutey Blossum--how sweet!
Here is my front bed this morning. Happy Mother's Day everyone!
What a beautiful garden for Mothers' Day! Love the color play!
Thanks Tabasco! I admire those monochromatic gardens, but I just can't stop myself from planting lots of colors. ; )
cactus, I think you've got that about right according to my taste! It seems like all the colors, shades, tints, hues (and so on?) in blooms and foliages are in balance (to my eye, at least)
(I'm just learning about color theory so I don't know much, though!)
Sheesh - I had the Siberian wall flowers. Killed them all, but not after they had taken up a year of prime position on the patio as I waited for their biennial blooms. Tab, I didn't click on the link yet, maybe later tonight, but I think my answer was that they were Siberian wallflowers and not bred for our hot summers. The varietal name was Glastnost. It sounds Russian. :)
CP, That picture is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! I saw in another thread where you were questioning if you had a Cottage garden, and the answer is of course you do!
This is the first year in the history of my gardening that I didn't have a huge bouquet of flowers for my mom. There was just nuttin blooming!
Geminii, I have Johnny Jump ups but they hardly count. :)) If I had known last fall how the sping 2008 would be, you can bet I would have either started a bunch ofr more likely bought a few flats of them. I think I get it wrong every year....buy a bunch, have a hot spring; don't buy any, have the perfect cold and chilly and LONG spring. I can't win! LOL!
Suzy
Yes, I hesitated before I bought my pansies and violas ('etain') because they usually get scorched, but I'm thrilled for the long cool season this year. They are pretty with the allium, late little daffs ('baby face' or some name like that), the variegated liriope, and short bearded irises, even the ajuga. I have to find some nice white stuff to go in with them and bloom around this time to brighten things up though. (I'm researching for that, now.)
Illoquin--do you not have tulips in bloom? Are they finished? Lilacs? Columbines? Iris? Bluebells? Are you strictly a daff and annuals (and a few perennials) grower? I doubt it...?!? I can't imagine that you don't have some flowers for a nice Mothers' Day bouquet!? That's not right, at all!
Today I'm going to try to plant out some of my seedlings that are out on the driveway getting drowned in their little peat pots. I think they all look like they need emergency room care these days. I can't believe I wasted all that 'smothering' I gave them in the past couple of months with this turn in the weather...
CP, I agree with tabasco, and think you've got it just right! All your garden pics make me drool! I LOVE the way you've concentrated on peach and peachy pink tones that pulls the house color into the garden, and all your accent colors work beautifully. You've created a wonderful oasis there.
Suzy, we get hot, humid summers here too, but I do see Siberian wallflower blooming in peoples yards close by. They do stop blooming in early summer though, so probably not something to take up "prime space" with since they're probably ugly the rest of the time.
Thanks for your kind comments. Tabasco, I don't really think about it but I won a blue ribbon in elementary for a floral art piece and took some painting classes in my 30's so maybe I just don't realize I am using color theory. And gemini sage, you have my number. I picked that stucco color because peach is my favorite color. I was at a Michaels on Saturday and saw a wonderful collection of stamp pad colors. First they were in a flower shape and the one I picked naturally looked like my flowerbeds and was called Arboretum! It was the one that had a peach color in its selection. Suzy, I know my front courtyard is a cottage garden. I patterned it after all the ones I grew up with here in NM. ; )
We plant Johnny Jump ups and pansies here in the Fall. They give us color all winter and then turn to toast about the end or May. But I had foot problems last year and didn't plant any. I usually have some come up from seed, but our winter was very dry so I will just wait until fall this year! Can't see planting them for only a few weeks bloom.
Beautiful cactuspatch! Looks like something out of a gardening magazine.
My Anemone sylvestris are doing wonderful this year. Usually I have white candytuff that blooms at the same time but I think my plants finally got too old and gave up. I was able to save a few pieces of them so hope they will do better next year. The anemone are nice because they have attractive seed heads after blooming and bloom again in the fall most years.
Here is a shot of my back yard. All that's blooming now are the short bearded Iris, the anemones, some creeping phlox and one IB Iris is just starting. I am going to divide and add more of the SBI for next year because it really brightens things up at this time of the year.
Susan
This message was edited May 13, 2008 10:58 AM
First Columbine to open. I need to check the tag yet to find the name.
susan
This message was edited May 13, 2008 12:58 PM
lincolnitess - Pretty! What an amazing backyard garden you have!
My columbine has buds but no blooms yet. It looks like it should be the next to bloom, though.
Lincolnitess, That's a pretty purple little iris with the yellow splash on the falls. My garden needs some things to bloom now, too! Our Iris Society always has a lot left over at their sale that go on 1/2 price, just in case they'd have it, do you happen to know the name of it?
The only color here is the Heucheras, Myosotis, and the azaleas.
I have those Anemone sylvestris blooming, too, a perennial that earns its keep! I planted them in a great little spot, but it has late blooming daffodils right near it. They are white, round and have a yellow center. So disappointing. I can't tell where the anemones stop and the daffodils start. TOO much of a color echo, LOL!
I had my first Columbine from seed bloom today and am ready to rip tham all out. What a waste of space. It's William Guinness aka Magpie; a giant Columbine with wee little flowers at the top. Definitely not worth the space IMHO, unless I see some hummers sipping, in which case I will be magnanimous and revisit the situation. LOL! (For those who don't know, I am an annual gal, and a perennial has to be pretty special for me to keep it the second year, though you'll see a lot of orders in the coop forum from me, most of them get tossed or given away.)
lincolnitess, lovely yard could be a gardening mag too! I love the winding paths. That is a lovely columbine. My red one is blooming more daily. I have not had luck with them in the past. I think I needed more shade and since I have lived here 8 years maybe I finally found a spot for them. I like perennials or things that reseed without my help. I don't care to try things that need special care. Easy and carefree is all I grow! LOL!
I've got some bloom coming on now...and a lot of weeds and no-IDs that I'm wondering about...yank 'em as weeds or nurse them along and grow a fabulous flower? Just don't know. I guess being able to tell the difference comes with years of experience! )-:
lincolntess, I love your anemone sylvestris--I did not realize they bloom in stpring time...They would be pretty planted with siberian iris, I bet....
Illoquin, you are quite tough about what makes the grade in your garden! I am experimenting with several kinds of columbine this year. I didn't order the Guiness, though, as I tend to agree with you on that one. The hummingbirds like the native red ones, I've read. They never check my blue ones.
Our iris are in bloom, both some bearded and siberian. And I have a little white flower planted around them and I'm not quite sure what it is...perhaps Alyssum maritime...? Anyway, I think it's quite nice for a background filler.
The family went to the Reds baseball game tonight, so I had time to weed out the Obedient Plant that is taking over my butterfly garden. Now I have some space for my wintersowed seedlings! More planting, pinching and shovel pruning tomorrow. Spring has sprung!
Oh, Tab, all those white flowers are just beautiful. Thanks for showing them. I just love white flowers, they always look so clean and fresh to me. I have a beautiful white cluster climbing rose, and when it blooms, it's absolutely the prettiest thing in my garden. : )
~Lucy
Tab! All the whites are fantastic! I just bought 6 white bleeding heart plants, but I don't actually have anything white except that Ornithogalum, and I'm not quite sure where to place them. (they were only $1.00 each, and I figured one can never have too many bleeding hearts!)
Suzy
Tab, I love all those white flowers! I really should plant more in my garden. (I did add phlox paniculata 'David' this year, which is a white. Can't wait to see David all grown up.) And is that a white clematis? Very cool!
I hear that the white bleeding hearts aren't as hardy/vigorous as the old fashioned pink ones. What's your experience with them? They look so pretty!
Thanks for your kind thoughts on the white collection from the garden. I don't have much experience with the white bleeding heart--I got it last year from a very nice DGer here in the ORV. I wish I had more of them as I love the bleeding hearts. Someone suggested I may have it in too much sun, in which case I will have to move it. Maybe I'll search the $1 tables at the garden centers. Or did you get yours at a garden club sale, Illoquin?
Is that an Ornithogalum in my collage? I wasn't sure if it was some kind of white allium or an O. I've planted skads of both and have had so few survive my gardening! And I think O. is supposed to be so invasive, is it not?
I am still on the search for more whites that bloom in May. I suppose I could go for a white azalea or viburnum. Maybe a white forget-me-not? Is there such a thing? And I read in the RHS Wallflower trial article I posted somewhere recently that there is a whitewall flower and seeds are available from Chiltern. I've tried White Camassia and they fizzled on me. I think too much summer watering. I can't do roses here--too humid and the deer. Boo hoo.
Rainy here today. It's killing all my seedlings that need to be planted out into the garden. )-:
Tab, They were from that Yahoo coop, so I have to pay some postage on them. White Dicentra exima would be blooming now:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/135511/
It also blooms all summer long. It is not as prolific as it's deep pink cousin, so if you need 1, buy two.
Very early peonies would be open now down there, too. I don't have a name of an early white, but I'm sure there are Peony finders online. I have never see a butterfly or hummer on them, but that's now to say it doesn't happen.
Ask Neal, but I think Dutch Iris (bulbs) should be blooming soon, and there are whites available.
White Hesperis is starting to bloom here right now, so it would have been in bloom for you this past week. It looks like a big ole Phlox, and I really like it, but they say it's invasive. I'm thinking I can use some for cut flowersd and deadhead the rest. Likewise white Lunaria. Has been in bloom for 2 weeks now.
My last thing is Eringeron which is starting to bloom, and also Lily of the Valley. If it's too invasive, then there is a variegated one that is really pretty.
I know somebody who has Ornithogalum covering everything in Batavia, Ohio. If he saw your photos he would tell you to rip them out right now, before it's too late. He would subject you to 15 minutes of horror stories about this plant. To save you, I would say, use them for cut flowers (that close at night and in low light) and do not let them go to seed. You really will be sorry.
Suzy
Yep, Dutch iris just started blooming here. They are a delightful presence in the garden that takes up practically no space. I did notice Ornithogalum in your pics. I'm not sure if its the same species or not, but it does look like what comprises at least 50% of the lawn here. Regretfully I left quite a few in the garden and they're quite out of control. Areas where I used layered cardboard and organic matter for new beds are quite full of the stuff too.
A couple of weeks ago I went to the University of KY arboretum and saw a display educating people about exotic invasives. Well, everything on their display is in this yard! English ivy, wintercreeper euonymous, Ornithogalum, mulberry trees, Japanese vining honeysuckle, and bush honeysuckle. Only the ornithogalum and bush honeysuckle are at "problem" status at this point, but they're biggies.