I'm So Excited!

I really am. I love this time of year. Yesterday the weather was perfect for puttering. I spent the entire afternoon moving existing plants around to make room for new plants waiting on my patio, all the while discovering new growth popping up here and there while listening to the birds twittering. Pure bliss!

Today it's raining. Perfect for watering everything in.

And now,  a few photos.

I bought this wildflower, Grass Widow, last year. I planted it in a pot and look at it now! I'm so pleased.

Olsynium douglasii or Grass Widow

Generally I'm not a fan of yellow flowers but these early Cowslips (Primula) make me happy.

Primula veris

The fragrance wafting from the Star Magnolia blossoms was really pleasant.

Blurry photo of Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' blossom and buds.

My very first spring-blooming Clematis is almost ready.

Clematis macropetala 'Markam's Pink' buds!

A volunteer lungwort, Pulmonaria 'Reginald Kaye'

The first tiny red flower bud on Ribes speciosa. I am so excited!

More bulbs to plant. Thank you Costco!

Helleborus foetidus bloom with Nandina foliage color echo.

I never noticed the unique yellow coloring on this red-barked Cornus. Pretty cool, isn't it?

Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'

I hope spring is happening in your neck of the woods. Any surprises to report?

Garden Tour Photos

Last weekend was the Albany garden tour. I went with my friend Jamie and her daughter visiting from Vancouver. The weather was perfect, with mostly overcast skies for good photos. 

I've learned over the years that Albany doesn't have very many plant-nerds. So, rather than focus on the disappointment of somewhat average plantings, I pay attention to the garden art, inorganic elements and overall design. 

I'm pretty sure this is Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon'

This sign made us laugh. 

At least it was partly polite.

This perfectly shaped Japanese Umbrella Pine had us swooning
in this Japanese garden.

I love rocks.

This Magnolia grandiflora was looking quite exquisite.

I'm not an orchid grower but wowzers!

Nice pink clematis

Nice Eryngium

I wanted to ask the owner where he found this tabletop fountain but I forgot.

Definitely a cat person living here.

Aren't these the coolest "underwater" tiles?

If you look closely, you'll see Dictamnus albus purpureus 
blooming within this rosebush. I wish mine would bloom.

I was impressed with these hand-painted veggie markers.

This garden was bordering the Willamette River.

Nice steps leading to a lower level.

This vintage garden cart was really cute.

Is this T-shirt cute or what?