Heavenly Scents, Part 1

I remember writing about my hyacinth not blooming well. I guess I just wasn’t patient enough because they are blooming now! And boy, do they smell wonderful! The person who lived in my house before me planted them. As you can see in the picture, they are a very pretty pink.

Hyacinth also comes in other colors. I’ve also seen them in blue, purple, different shades of pink and white. There are also other colors that I haven’t seen, like yellow and peach. I recommend it! Try it near a walkway, patio or bench where you can enjoy its fragrance. (If you are adding it to your landscape, you need to wait until fall to plant the bulbs.)

Spring Color

I think I love spring because of all of the color after winter. These are a favorite of mine in my landscape – creeping phlox. Every spring they are a carpet of purple white long before the leaves have even emerged on my shrubs or my other perennials have had a chance to grow. They come in other colors too. I’ve seen white and shades of pink as well.

If you need some bulbs for early color, try daffodils, narcissus, crocus, tulips or hyacinth. I have some hyacinth blooming right now too, but I think it is about done as it doesn’t flower very well any more. I must say the blooms it does produce still smell great!

New Bulbs!

I just bought 100 of these:



Anemones. Red anemones. I am SO EXCITED. Well, I am a little disappointed, because I wanted to plant ranunculus, but ran into some road blocks:

1. They are not really hardy for zones 5-6.
2. You have to buy a mixed bag, instead of buying a single color.
3. They are a little expensive for a novice gardener.

I won't give up on my ranunculus dream, yet, but this year's anemones will have to tide me over to next spring. I think they will look great with the sand cherries and tulips that are already in the bed.

Spring is Coming

I know it is cold and we'll probably get some snow before spring is officially here, but spring is on its way. I walked around my yard over the weekend and looked at my landscape plants. I noticed my daffodil bulbs are starting to emerge from the soil. I snapped a picture of the new foliage coming up. I also noticed the buds on some of the maple trees in my neighborhood were starting to swell. All signs that plants are starting to come out of dormancy. I love spring!