Spring Is Here…..really!

 

                                   Flowering Quince or Japonica

The sky is blue, it’s in the mid 60’s and the windows are open.  It’s the first day of Spring! 

I explore the yard knowing that proof of rebirth is there.

  (Warning: this post is about plants… know of two readers that will enjoy it!)

Many of our plants have been around for decades as our house was built in 1968.  Each year after we became the owners, the yard would surprise us with another new plant emerging from the weeds.

The gardens are now neglected but nature is about survival and the flowers continue to survive.

Instead of grass, we have weeds and violets.  Our back yard is full of creeping charlie.

The flowering quince is a tree….too large to trim before we arrived 13 years ago!

Neighbor’s tree puts on a show!

New growth on our little weeping willow.

These are called several names with jonquil and daffodil being the most common.  They are in the Narcissus family.

Resurrection Fern living on a piece of old wood.  It was found, years ago, after a storm in Florida.  Now lives in a basket, a constant reminder of past good times.

Buds from our pussy willow.

One of many daylilies, all trying to break through to the sun.  A empty wire plant marker reminds me of days when I cherished each plant.  Occasionally I dig and uncover the lost names.

One of the many hyacinth left by previous owners.

Lone flower on winter jasmine.

More hyacinth, these are called grape hyacinth.

Blooms from a crab apple, a volunteer in the neighbor’s side yard.  It’s first year to bloom.

This is columbine, the type that has orange blooms and grows wild in the southeast.  Warning!  This native plant can take over a garden if the habitat is hospitable. 

   The thrift is just starting to bloom.  After googling the plant, learned the more correct name would be creeping phlox.

Young peonies are struggling for light.  The yard has an abundance of peonies….all left from whomever planted them so many years ago.  The old dried leave should have been removed last fall.

Baby Lenten roses are scattered all around the mature plants.

Mature Lenten roses that have been in full bloom for weeks.  They like a moist shady site.

Hostas just emerging….another easy care plant!

New growth on the “Lady in Red” hydrangea.  Blooming, a truly gorgeous plant!

One of David’s many birdhouses…..no occupants just yet!

Now the yard is documented, the first day of spring in 2014.  As I write I wonder how am I going to leave all these plants? 

But life is full of change, nothing can stay the same forever.  Just need to find a new owner that will love and care for them.

Sylvester, enjoying the first day of Spring.