Usually spring unfolds slowly here, but this winter's cold has delayed the early bloomers and pushed them back so they now compete with more timely blooms for attention. No matter, they are all welcome sights.
Here are a few Narcissus, some of the names are known, some are not.
Forsythia x intermedia ('variegata' ?)
I think this is Narcissus 'Ice Follies' and behind it the most florific Hime Quince (Chaenomeles 'Hime'), which has had blooms on it since December.
Helleborus orientalis
Edgeworthia chrysantha
The flowers on Camellia japonica 'Nuccio' Gem' briefly approach perfection.
The intense pink of Camellia japonica 'Crimson Candles' is not my favorite color, but it is a good foil for the emerging foliage of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sun Goddess' at its feet.
I am not the only one in the house suffering distractions. When she is not in the coma-like sleep of older dogs, Loretta barks at whoever and whatever passes by the dining room window. It would be more restful to the entire house if she was just quietly appreciating the beauty of Camellias.
If you would like to see how spring is unfolding in other blogger's gardens, then please visit Carol at May Dreams Garden where she faithfully hosts Garden Bloggers Bloom Day on the 15th of each month. Speaking of dates, there are only 4 days left for bloggers to participate in my prize-laden Winter Walk Off. Just click on the link to learn more.
Love all your blooms, even the difficult pink camellia, and especially that quince - stunning! The pic with your dog is really nice - she doesn't look like a barker :)
ReplyDeleteThe garden is a great distraction from the devastation that is around us and an ever reminder of hope. Your blooms are delish!
ReplyDeleteWelcome blooms indeed! I have a couple, just a couple but oh, they are so welcome. Now to take pictures and post.
ReplyDeleteYou have some beautiful varieties of Narcissus. I need to add more and more to my own garden. Happy Bloom Day Les! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat an array of narcissus! Thanks so much for sharing them. My own camellias bloomed early winter this year, but I have seen many around my neighborhood blooming profusely now.
ReplyDeleteSpring has certainly arrived in your garden! The images are all lovely, especially the hellebores and the simple white camellia.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty! Yes, it is awful in Japan especially with the nuclear problem. I remember when Chernobyl went. I was living in Germany at the time. Terrible stuff all of it. I wish there was something I could do~!
ReplyDeleteAs always, Les. The most gorgeous images and Loretta looks like a sweety, not so much the lazy watchdog. Looks like she would maybe lick the visitor to death. Happy GBBD!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photography Les! I really love that last shot! Happy Spring blooms to you. So very heartbreaking and frightening about Japan. Nuclear power is not a safe energy source. When will we all wake up and demand green, safe energy. I feel sick for the people in Japan and truly anywhere the air may blow and fall for there are no borders for fallout.
ReplyDeleteSo many varieties of daffodils you have. Years ago I thought daffodils only came in yellow - oh what I was missing!
ReplyDeleteYou have some lovely photography...I especially like your quince photo.
ReplyDeleteThis time of year I really want to put Quince in the garden, but someone I live with doesn't like thorns. Maybe if I put it up by the road he won't notice the thorns.
ReplyDeleteAm going to get another Edgeworthia to shade my Sarcococca. Think the Edgeworthia can handle a little more sun than the Sarcococca.
Wow that Edgeworthia chrysantha
ReplyDeletephoto is especially stunning! I had every intention of participating in your "walk off" challenge and I have taken a few photos here and there but I've failed to put together a comprehensive post. My loss.
Beautiful spring blooms! Loretta is keeping a watchful eye through the windows. When my cats do this, I say they are watching TV. Our pets TV watching is better then our these days with disasters everywhere....
ReplyDeleteAll the joys of Spring, such a treat to see. The dog, too.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I can just about smell the narcissus! It truly appears to be spring in your garden.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection of flowers, Les, moreso that we have. And I especially like the Loretta blossom at the window.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful blooms! My favorite is the second Narcissus picture--love that pale orange color with the white petals behind it. Makes me think of a creamsicle!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Les. (Good window vigilance, Loretta. Ein completely understands.)
ReplyDeleteAll your blooms are gorgeous, but my favorite photograph of the series is your last. May a barking dog be the greatest of our worries. Happy GBBD!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how wonderful your garden must look now with all this color! My favorite, I think, is the Camellia 'Nuccio Gem'. Not only can we NOT grow camellias in Denver, but that beautiful soft shell pink color just washes right out in the intense sunlight here. Great to see your photos (sigh)!
ReplyDeleteBloom Day heaven down your way. I'm just wallowing in all your flowers and dreaming of May in Wisconsin!
ReplyDeleteWow. The flowers are wonderful of course, but your photos are stunning. That white Camellia is perfection. I wish the deer would leave my Camellias alone. They have a hard enough time with the weather...
ReplyDeleteYour narcissus are very beautiful and the last photo is fabulous !
ReplyDeleteGlad to meet you through GBBD.
Greetings from Belgium !
Stunning plant portraits Les. I am in love with that last Hellebore - and the camellia. And the forsythia. And - well, you get the idea! A welcome respite from worrying about events on the other side of the world that I can do nothing about.
ReplyDeleteHappy GBBD! I'm drooling over your bright blooms. There is only snow and mud out my window. I love that last shot of your dog too. It was nice to see the Japanese blooms as a reminder that beauty will one day return to Japan.
ReplyDeleteAnother post full of excellent photos. My witchhazel still isn't blooming so I think there's a problem. No forsythia either, but gorgeous winter jasmine.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing to share on this bloom day. :-( so I was looking forward to your photos as always.
ReplyDeletedistractions indeed... here's to the healing force of nature.
ReplyDeletelove that quince. wherever did you find it?
hoping to take you up on your walking tour. glad i have a few more days...
Les, What a lovely post~You have several flowers that have caught my fancy! The most interesting daff with the orange~split cup and the hellebore with the star shaped petals! Stunning photos; did I already say that! gail
ReplyDeleteI have blooms but yours look better than mine. Now I have bloom envy... Getting my hands in the soil does seem to help when there is a feeling of helplessness. How can Nature be so life-giving and at the same time cause such suffering?
ReplyDeletethat second daff is so cool... great color.
ReplyDeleteI've been walking but not recording. Two days left...!
ReplyDeleteLes, I just took a deep breath and enjoyed your beautiful photos. I think that pink and white daff is kind of amazing. I love the brokenness of the cup. Happy Bloom Day.~~Dee
ReplyDelete