An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

March 15, 2010

Bloom Day - Better Late Than Never

Spring finally got here this week, a little late, somewhat disheveled, and without all of her makeup on - but I couldn't have been more glad to see her. I have always had a remote fear that would make for good eco-science fiction. What if spring didn't come one year; the trees didn't leaf out; the flowers failed to bloom; it never got warm? What if one of earth's oldest cycles was broken? That's a show I don't want to see.

For this month's Bloom Day the normal cast of March characters is still missing a few key players and there are several holdovers from previous shows that refuse to leave the stage. But as it is said, the show must go on, and the curtain is rising whether the cast is ready or not.

Debuts

Narcissus

Narcissus 1


Narcissus 2


Narcissus 3

Asarum splendends (Chinese Ginger)

Asarum splendens


Edgeworthia chrysantha (Rice Paper Plant)

Edgeworthia chrysantha


Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Gem'

Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Gem'


Camellia japonica 'Magnoliaflora'

Magnolia japonica 'Magnoliaflora'


Camellia x 'Crimson Candles'

Camellia x 'Crimson Candles'



Encores

Helleborus orientalis

Helleborus orientalis 1


Helleborus orientalis 2


Camellia japonica 'Les Marbury'

Camellia japonica 'Les Marbury'



Stage Hogs
Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'


Viola Delta Tapestry Series

Viola x Delta Tapestry Series


To see what is on other gardener's stages visit the director of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - Carol at May Dream Gardens.

31 comments:

  1. Love that orange and white daffodil. What is the name of that one? Those doubles don't always do so well for us, but I'm willing to try!

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  2. As much as I like the showy daffodils and camellias in this set, I have to say my favorite is the ginger. When I lived in Blacksburg, woodland walks would often take us past big banks of ginger. Early on, I taught my daughters to dig through the detritus to find the flowers. YOur photo brought back many fond memories.

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  3. Nice selection of camellias. I didn't know that ginger bloomed this early.

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  4. So glad your Spring is disheveled and without make-up. Means I fit right in.
    Those camellias so lovely and flourishing.
    You are lucky.

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  5. Such a lovely Spring showing here.

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  6. Your flowers are so beautiful! I am glad spring is finally getting here; I was beginning to wonder...

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  7. She must have sneaked on some make-up while you weren't looking.

    I am drooling over the second daff. Gorgeous. That purple Hellebore too.

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  8. Lovely! I'm not sure I'm going to post one...everything looks the same here as it did in my last two posts! Nothing much to report on. I would like to move a little further south.

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  9. When spring is late it's even more welcome. Your camellias are lovely. I almost planted Nuccio's Gem last year and seeing yours, now I'm sorry I put a different white one in instead (Camellia x "Winter Snowman" and it blooms in November :(

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  10. Think you are still about a week ahead of us, if not more. I am enjoying the fragrance of my Edgeworthia --which is by the front door. Just heavenly.
    Your Camellias are beautiful. I am hoping for a slow day to go to the Botanical Garden in the next week or so.

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  11. I'm all for better late than never. My problem is how late we are up here! Probably nothing til April.

    Your daffs are super.

    Christine in Alaska

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  12. WOW, as always your photos are breathtaking. You could almost make me into a Narcissus lover with those first few images. But that ginger...the danger garden needs one of those spooky blooms!

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  13. Beautiful, Les! I especially love the daffodils ... and the camellias are lovely, too. This is the third GBBD that I've had to punt. Lots of promising buds out there, but not an open flower in sight. <>

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  14. Les, I am blown away by your photos. Spring may be a bit disheveled, but I am having a tough time telling that from your photos...Really a lovely post Les and Let's all cross our fingers that some warmth and sunshine returns to the Middle South!

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  15. aloha,

    you have alot of beautiful blooms coming from your garden today and it looks like alot of sweet smelling blooms also...thanks for sharing....i totally love that second orange/white daff - stunning!

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  16. Your science fiction is pretty much historical fact - 1816 - The Year Without a Summer, when Mt Tambora erupted, sending ash into the atmosphere blocking out the sun. It was so gloomy and cold, Mary Shelley was inspired to write "Frankenstein." There were snowstorms in June in New England.
    But enough of that! Your images are beautiful. I love seeing shots of Camellias.

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  17. Wow! Les you have a lot of gorgeous blooms and you have captured them beautifully! I love the dark Hellebore! Lovely!!

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  18. Ah, what a great start to the spring. Those camellias are really striking! And that split-collar daffodil seems awfully early. The one that I have that looks closest to that is 'Edinburgh' and it bloomed on April 9th last year...

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  19. Your Edgeworthia is well planted with that holly behind it to pick up the yellow color echo, Les. Finding the right spot for it can be a challenge. Your daffs make me happy, but sad since ours have not opened yet, sob! Your nightmare scenario is playing out here and it is the scariest thing. Pinch me please, so I will wake up and spring and it's warmth returns to TN.
    Frances

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  20. Les, I thought your ginger was a frog statue at first. My eyes, not your photo. I love that narcissus with the orange, broken cup. Do you know the cultivar? Happy Bloom Day, my friend.~~Dee

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  21. Spectacular photos - what is the daffodil in the second photo? I'd love to have one of those. It is very beautiful.

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  22. and it all looks so dewey and ready to be out there showing off. The ginger is my fave, too. A little like mystery cave.

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  23. I echo Comp and Phillip! Beautiful Daffodil photo. I'm curious about the name as well. Randy

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  24. Happy bloom day Les. You have a very nice spring showing! H.

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  25. To Everyone,

    Thanks for all your comments, I really appreciate them. I apologize for not responding individually, but for those of you interested in the orange and white Narcissus, I believe it to be 'Cum Laude'.

    Les

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  26. Wow! Quite a show you have going on!

    Of course, lol, you would recognize asarum (over at Randy & Meg's)!

    I'm expecting to see my Cum Laude open today...just a bit behind yours...I am eager for the daffodil parade to get in gear here.

    I remember you commented about the regional this summer...sigh...I just might miss that one as my DH will be getting back from overseas...just about that time. Much as I adore daylilies and gardening in general, he gets first place!

    Although...if he gets in earlier, he might be game...hehe...but I won't know until close to the date...

    Love all the camellias! That Les Marbury looks outstanding (great name, too)!

    Enjoyed my little visit!

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  27. Spring never skips its turn, as evidenced by all the beautiful "characters" in your garden.

    donna

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  28. Spell binding flowers & photography.

    Also, I appreciate your Library of Congress Flicker....I had no idea such a wonder existed.

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  29. Gotta Garden,
    I think you helped me ID the Cum Laude last year. Sorry you may not come down this summer, but welcome homes are more important.

    Donna,
    Thanks for coming to the show.

    Magnolia,
    I love old photos, especially when they have been tinted.

    Les

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