First Bloom of Spring

It's the first day of spring and I have spent the day in the garden cleaning up. I have crocus blooming! I spotted this crocus bloom on March 18, one day later than last year. Today I noticed more crocus blooming in the back.

Spring has officially arrived! Daffodils, species tulips, and reticulated iris are also sprouting. So far no sign of the snow drops I planted last year but they are in a shadier spot. Still, I wonder if they have made it.

I have only just begun spring clean up, but here is what is already starting to come up in my garden so far:

Achillea 'Coronation Gold'
Black-eyed Susan
Bee Balm
Bleeding Heart
Campanula 'Blue Clips'
Cerastium 'Silver Carpet'
Chives
Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster'
Helenium
Lamb's Ears
Penstemon 'Jingle Bells'
Obedient Plant
Rhubarb
Rudbeckia Maxima
Sea Holly
Sedum 'Angelina'
Sedum 'Blue Spruce'
Sedum 'Maestro'
Solidago 'Fireworks'
Viola (actually blooming!)

I have to add this little note: I apologize for not visiting some of you in awhile. I have taken a part time job at our local library (in addition to our business), to better fund my artwork and garden. I am still adjusting to my new schedule and hope to stop by and visit with you soon. I meant to do a little catch up this weekend but the sun was out and well, I couldn't resist being in the garden. I hope you are seeing signs of spring in your garden, too.

First Spring Blooms 2010

Last year I marked on my calendar that my first crocus bloomed March 25. This year my first crocus bloomed March 17!

I love the brilliance of these white petals against 

the velvety leaves of the lamb's ears.

 Like drops of sunshine they pushed through the mulch and leaves.

Peek-a-boo through the thyme.

The bees found these first blooms among sedum angelina irresistible.

I love reticulated iris and so does this bee.

Each fall I will plant more and more bulbs. It sure makes for a wonderful surprise come a long awaited spring. This year I plan to add snowdrops, scilla, more crocus and reticulated iris.