spectacular spring

What a gorgeous time of year -here is a selection of pictures taken a couple of days ago.  It is such a wonderful time of year when we go from the drab of winter to spring cheer

The hosta garden areas seem to have benefited from the colder winter

see how well hostas adapt to pots -they don't have to compete with all the tree roots and they do get a little colder in the winter in the south

and another view.

Next is the rock garden -I adore those mini daffodils and the species tulips are perfect little jewels at this time of year.  This is the fifth year they have returned -species tulips make great perennials and the gregeii tulips also come back really well -mmm need to take a picture of those too -will do that later!

not a great picture -sorry you can't see the vibrancy of these beauties

The lily bed is full of species crocus first then tulips and scilla siberica -the dying leaves will be totally obscured by the growing lilies

More tulips -mmm -the color didn't cone out too well here either -it has to be the blog!

"A host of golden daffodils"

Here is a better picture of the Rijnveld's Early Sensation

The minute the snow melted and the air was warmed with sunshine the daffodils started popping out everywhere.  The Rijnveld's was actually a little later than usual -I suppose after so many nights of frost this winter they decided to wait -but more and more are opening up daily.  Such a cheerful sight from the deck in the mornings.  The crocus opened up again after the snow and the snowdrops just kept right on blooming. Even now there are still a few last snowdrops around.

Now we have a few hyacinths opening -lots of daffodils including pretty Tete a Tete

and  the 'wild' jonquil types are opening out too -see below.

Aren't they just gorgeous???

Spring? -or the calm before the storm!!!

Two beautiful days gardening as this long winter drags on.  It seems we are getting another winter storm tomorrow and Wednesday.  Still in the midst of all the chaos to come, as it will -the south is definitely set up to cope with snow! Here are a couple of shots to chase away those winter blues and remind us of the promise of the fairy child's gift of spring.

Daffodil Rijnveld's Early Sensation

Species Crocus Bluebird

Those early daffodils are always so delightful and that splash of yellow so cheering.  And as for the species crocus -so so sweet  The snowdrops are still blooming to and the first winter aconite - or Eremurus   The species tulips are also showing their tips above ground.  Can't wait for them.  I planted more this year.  They come back for several years too.

 

oops not Eremurus but Eranthis! What was I thinking???

Super snowdrops

What a gorgeous little clump of joy nestling in the shelter of the camellia bush.  These giant Galanthus are a delight after the cold winter days of this winter.  60 degrees forecast tomorrow then back to 19 overnight Tuesday and another cold cold week.  Goodness this is a strange year.  The poor plants won't know whether to start growing or stay in hibernation!!!  Though I have to say there are green spears of daffodils appearing all over the garden as well.  Tough little things huh?  And so cheering to see.  The promise of spring.

Spent some time on the sunny rock garden planting mini daffodils and tulips -a little late really for those minis as they usually bloom so early but that's ok they will still bloom -they will just be a little later this year.  The tulips are fabulous and perennialize much better in the south than their bigger showier cousins.  They work really well in the outdoor slightly larger fairy gardens too - they are sooo cute.

It was great to get out into the garden after so many wet or bitterly cold weekends too.

Lycoris time

Goodness the first lycoris, (spider lilies and naked ladies are other common names for this plant) are blooming already and we have only just finished planting the last of the dahlias!!!!

Back to the lycoris -the yellow ones are just gorgeous this year, the pinks are doing well -no sign of the reds yet -but I wasn't really expecting  to see any for another couple of weeks.  We still have new season lycoris bulbs -so give us a call on 1-800-999-0567 Marlboro Bulb Co  or see www.marlborobulb.com or email info@marlborobulb.com  

May Already??

Goodness is it really so long since I added a blog?  Sorry! So much happening in the garden too -including endless weeds.  The iris and hostas love all this rain.  What a wet cool spring it has been.  At least the daffodils and tulips really lasted well this year.  I went to visit friends in Delaware a coupleof weeks ago and also took the opportunity of visiting Longwood Gardens-haven't been in April for a long time -the gardens were stunning.

  Now back home and the lilies are getting tall and lots of new growth is appearing everywhere.

The Allium Siculum

 is stunning this year.  It is also a plant that cuts well for those flower arrangers out there!  Will also be rehearsing for The Red Velvet cake War opening May 31st.  I will get to that weeding sometime I suppose -it will still be there, that's for sure!

Well its time for the paperwhites to come into their own indoors.  Of course here in the South we can also plant them outside after they have finished blooming and after the last frost  in April here-they will then bloom outside in a sunny sheltered spot later next year -around mid Nov/early December.  These shown are our Super Paperwhites -they have bigger bulbs, bigger blooms, more stems per bulb and less fragrance than the usual Paperwhite Ziva  They are so lovely -try putting them in a Chritmas pot and surround with white chips for a surreal snow scene. 
Of course the Amaryllis are coming along too -but more on those another day -though we do have some stunning double pink and white Amaryllis Blossom Peacock -an unusual variety as it has a little FRAGRANCE too!  So call us while we still have some -1-800-999-0567 or email info@marlborobulb.com