To paraphrase that old TV show Dragnet, today's photos are 'Just the flowers, ma'am." I switched lenses to my zoom lens and that allowed me to get close-up shots of individual flowers. Spring has sprung in my garden, so it seemed like a good time to zero in on some spring color. So, without further adieu, here is a bit of spring color to enjoy as we approach the Spring Equinox.
Although I primarily buy species tulips, this year I ordered two hybrid varieties. This one is T. Vincent van Gogh. It was supposed to be a very dark burgundy but came out dark red. Still lovely.
Scabiosa Florist's Blue. Still one of the great flowers for attracting butterflies and bees.
Ferraria is one of the great 'yet to be discovered' bulbs for most gardeners. Featuring heavily crinkled edges and dramatic centers, it truly is one of the stranger flowers you'll grow. Beautiful though!
Though the focus isn't completely sharp, I'm leaving in this photo of the bulb Ipheion. Every other photo I take always seems to come out with the blue tones bleached out.
Mimulus Butter Yellow. Nearly everyone is familiar now with the charms of Sticky Monkey flower. The color range now is impressive, everything from white to pale yellow to deeper yellow, apricot, orange, pink, pinkish-red and dark red. Hardy and long-lived, once established they need very little moisture.
Eutaxia obovata. This is one of my favorite shrubs. Tough and undemanding, come spring it produces literally hundreds of tiny pea-like flowers. Charming.
Speaking of plants most people aren't familiar with, this Freylinea undulata produces rich purple tubular flowers whenever it feels like. I have no idea what its true bloom season is.
Gladiolus Las Vegas. Easily the most prolific of my species Glads, this guy blooms from late winter all through the summer. Amazing.
I had to include a few shots of foliage. Here's a pomegranate that I bought as a 4" bonsai. It's now taken off and I love its bronzey-red new growth. It's Punica 'Sarasa Shibari.'
And one more. This Physocarpus Nugget has brilliant gold spring growth, making it a real standout this time of year.
Dianthus Rosy Cheeks. This carnation gets an 'A' grade for all round vigor and long blooming prowess.
Well, somehow, my computer flipped this photo back sideways so crane your head to see the petite charms of this Lachenalia orchoides v. orchoides. Subtle colors but lovely.
Love this small flowering Cyclamen. Each flower is a different combination of pink and white.
Camellia Winner's Circle. One of my favorite camellias!
Camellia Lila Naff. Love the soft coral-pink tones on this reticulata type camellia.
I couldn't get underneath it so this Camellia Frank Woodruff's intense red color takes a hanging form here. Quite possibly the deepest red camellia I've ever come across.
Choisya ternata. As most of you know, this version of mock orange is one of the most intensely fragrant plants on the planet!
Camellia Anticipation Variegated. Love the swirling red and white colors on this fully double camellia.
Ribes Claremont. Everybody's favorite hummingbird plant for shade.
Speaking of shade, primroses are a great way to add color o a shady bed.
Loropetalum Purple Majesty. Here's a closeup of the fringe flowers on this popular shrub. I took it home more for the burgundy foliage but the flowers are delightful too.
Many gardeners have yet to acquaint themselves with Banksia roses. They are a climbing rose with clusters of petite flowers. Here's my yellow blooming variety, just beginning to flower.
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