Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has finally arrived at Eastlake Victorian! This past week has brought warm weather and more blooming plants. Here's a look at what we have blooming this week in the garden.

The King Alfred Daffodils are almost done blooming.

The Blue Jacket Hyacinths are emitting their beautiful fragrance, perfuming the whole yard!

The Royal Star Magnolia has taken a beating this past week, as heavy rains tried to knock the petals from our little tree.

Vinca vines, always filling in the empty spots!

The PJM Rhododendron is right outside our door, making me happy whether I'm coming or going!

Grape Hyacinths. You have to put your nose right on them, but they do smell like grapes!

Siberian Bugloss. It does well in shade or sun, and has skipped around the yard on its own, but is never invasive.

Oh no! Dandelions already! Husband Terry has gone out to try and tackle them.

The old Saucer Magnolia has seen better days, yet today the blossoms look as though they will put on a nice show this year!

The Bleeding Hearts are almost open!

View from the back of the yard.

Our brush pile and compost heaps.

A few years ago, I dug up a long stretch of grass in the middle of the side parkway. I've been planting wildflower seeds every year, with hit-and-miss results. I'm thinking of putting in something more permanent, and can't grow anything over about 3 feet tall (as there is an intersection here, and we can't block the view). It gets about a half day of sun. Any suggestions?

The old Forsythia has been very disappointing the last few years. We've tried cutting it back, and not cutting it back. The blooms are pitiful, so it's got to go. But I think I'll try to take some cuttings and grow a new plant before I kill the whole thing.

At least I've gotten some cuttings full enough to bring indoors. They last so long, and the bright yellow makes me happy!