What's Blooming: Spring Bulbs

My Spring bulbs are emerging at a somewhat slower pace after chilling temperatures following unusually warm temperatures. This year I am noticing the yellow and blue contrast that I've somehow managed to sprinkle throughout the gardens. This year I realize that instead of adding more bulbs this Fall, as I do every Fall, I need to focus on adding native Spring Ephemerals instead. Although the Daffodils and Forsythia are the quintessential yellow Spring cheer, ironically, sadly they are useless to busy bees. The Crocus blooms that usually keep my bees busy, did not seem to last as long with the rollercoaster warm and cold spells. Fortunately(?) I do have an advancing army of Wild Violets and Strawberries, and the Forget-me-nots are just beginning to open.

Coltsfoot, not a true native, but a plant who set roots here with early settlers most likely for medicinal uses, also adds a very early splash of yellow. I will have to make time to observe whether or not my bees visit these flowers. It is a member of the Aster family so possibly. I live with it because I most likely will never be able to get rid of it.

The young Serviceberry should bloom any day now. Its tiny white blooms will compliment the Forsythia. Hopefully in a few more years, Spicebush and Pagoda Dogwood will also add to the Spring show – if they survive bunny's ravenous appetite! I need to invest in more chicken wire.

The brilliantly blue reticulated Iris 'Cantab' are finished - almost missed them and didn't even capture a photo this year. Iris 'J.S. Dyt' is still blooming but I just can't seem to capture a worthwhile photo to share of this tiny, deep violet reticulated iris. Muscari blooms are just beginning to mushroom.

I do not know if the Anemones, Chionodoxas, or Scillas offer anything for the bees, but they sure are beautifully blue and I hope they form nice drifts over time.

The Wild Tulip mix I planted last fall has survived bunny, chipmunk, skunk and squirrel! They are just beginning to pop up in front and the boldness of their blooms is surprising. More should bloom in the backyard gardens soon.

Bloom day is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens the 15th of each month.

POP!

What's poppin'?

 
The garlic I planted last fall is poppin' up! Both the soft and hard neck varieties and it looks like every single clove has sprouted. This is the first time I have planted garlic. I will keep you posted.

This lettuce has popped up from last year! It survived the winter without any protection other than it's old leaves. This makes me very excited about what I can accomplish with a hoop house or row cover come this fall.

My first daffodils have popped open. I plan to keep planting more each year. These are supposed to naturalize.

This is a Northeastern wildflower I have identified as Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, that decided to pop up in my flower bed along the north side of our garage / workshop wall. It was a nice surprise to see her bright yellow blooms.