March Bloom Day
As the garden returns after the winter, so I return to garden blogging. First, the fabulous bulbine that really hasn’t stopped blooming since last March, backed by purple trailing lantana.
It isn’t winter, really, that’s kept me from blogging. For awhile it was how overwhelmed I was with the garden itself, after the summer’s heavy rains made the weeds entirely unmanageable. Then it was the busy-ness of a new job with its new demands. Then a desire to back off my internet time, which was becoming consuming. In the end, however, I haven’t been blogging because I blog much as I garden: in fits and starts. I’d love to be an industrious gardener, digging out weeds and mulching the beds regularly. I’m not.
Even so, I greet my messy blooms with great enthusiasm. And mid-March starts to get very exciting in Texas. Here are some things that got me going on Friday afternoon, after flying back from a trip to Chicago, where the weather was warming but the ground very brown.
I hadn’t realized that gopher plant had a hint of red in its middle.
Old blush rose in a pot peeks over the fence. Old fence, new fence, rose.
Also blooming: oxalis in purple, pink and white; firecracker plant; lots of lantana; salvia greggi in pink and white…
The wooly butterfly bush, which was cut way back in the winter, has its first bloom; the Carolina Jessamine has its only bloom. Also, shrimp plant, prairie verbena, Meyer lemon; blue aloe; and the lacy flush of cilantro past its season.
Columbine looks cheerful and determined against a lavender wall.
And finally, the first poppies of the season (and my first poppies ever) white linen California poppy. I planted a slew of wildflowers last fall in anticipation of our April wedding in the backyard. The wedding’s been moved to October, but we’re planning to enjoy the imminent color with a spring gathering.
Meanwhile, we plan for fall.
It isn’t winter, really, that’s kept me from blogging. For awhile it was how overwhelmed I was with the garden itself, after the summer’s heavy rains made the weeds entirely unmanageable. Then it was the busy-ness of a new job with its new demands. Then a desire to back off my internet time, which was becoming consuming. In the end, however, I haven’t been blogging because I blog much as I garden: in fits and starts. I’d love to be an industrious gardener, digging out weeds and mulching the beds regularly. I’m not.
Even so, I greet my messy blooms with great enthusiasm. And mid-March starts to get very exciting in Texas. Here are some things that got me going on Friday afternoon, after flying back from a trip to Chicago, where the weather was warming but the ground very brown.
I hadn’t realized that gopher plant had a hint of red in its middle.
Old blush rose in a pot peeks over the fence. Old fence, new fence, rose.
Also blooming: oxalis in purple, pink and white; firecracker plant; lots of lantana; salvia greggi in pink and white…
The wooly butterfly bush, which was cut way back in the winter, has its first bloom; the Carolina Jessamine has its only bloom. Also, shrimp plant, prairie verbena, Meyer lemon; blue aloe; and the lacy flush of cilantro past its season.
Columbine looks cheerful and determined against a lavender wall.
And finally, the first poppies of the season (and my first poppies ever) white linen California poppy. I planted a slew of wildflowers last fall in anticipation of our April wedding in the backyard. The wedding’s been moved to October, but we’re planning to enjoy the imminent color with a spring gathering.
Meanwhile, we plan for fall.
posted by Vivé at 6:54 AM
9 Comments:
Thanks for coming back to blogging for bloom day. I am studying these posts from the Texas gardens, so I'll know what to expect when I come down for the spring fling. Apparently, I should expect lots of blooms!
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
It's good to see you(r garden) again, Vive. Nice flowers, but I really love your fun house colors. They make a nice backdrop for your columbines.
Very nice! My first visit, I believe, but I'll be back! I can't come to the Spring Fling, but I'll be with everyone in spirit...
I love the butter-yellow color of your poppies! I direct-seeded maybe five packets of various poppies into my garden last fall, and I haven't seen a single one sprout. Maybe next year. :)
Oh, the bulbine!
I had both tangerine and yellow, great wads of them, from Texas. Bitter cold took them out mid-winter. I see signs that they will return, hooray.
Such a different landscape than England but equally stunning. I'm a writer too. Good luck with your project!
Glad you're back to the blog and enjoying gardening again. If fits and starts suit you and make you happy, that's all that matters! I also scrapbook and one of the things the masters tell us is, if it's your hobby, you shouldn't feeled chained to it -- just enjoy it the way you want to. Great blooms, especially the bulbine. The deer eat mine, so I will have to enjoy yours!
Hi Vivé! Glad to see you blogging again. I love all the yellow in your garden. Beautiful bulbine! I almost bought some poppies today and now wish I had after seeing yours.
Vive! It was great to meet you on Saturday-- it really helped to bond with someone right away in that overwhelming group!
In other news, my monster hyacinth bean vine has reseeded itself in a few places throughout my flower beds. Want me to pot some up for you for your fence project?
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