It's Not Just Pink!

I admit that I'm a hopelessly-pathetic-pink-flower-fanatic. Pink flowers alter my brain chemistry, mess with my synapses and serotonin and dopamine levels. But it's not just pink. I love red and purple too. And here is a photo to prove it.  

Geranium pyrenaicum 'Summer Sky'

A few years ago, I purchased seed of Geranium pyrenaicum 'Summer Sky.' It germinated easily and the plants were blooming a few months later. Like many geraniums, 'Summer Sky' self-sows nicely. 

The flowers are smaller than a lot of its more prominent cousins but they come
prolifically all spring, summer and fall. 

Awhile back I saw a photo of Oregon's native Oxalis oregana Tamara's blog "Chickadee Gardens." It was so lovely, that when I spotted the plant at a sale last fall, I got one. Here is one of its sweet blooms. 

Oxalis oregana 

Armeria maritima 'Victor Reiter' is blooming. I love this little critter. 

I know Vinca minor is a thug but I keep mine in a hanging pot. Besides its early-spring
blossoms are charming, especially at eye-level. 

Okay now for a little pink!

Last August I purchased Lathyrus vernus on sale at Sebright Gardens. Its first blooms are popping out right on schedule. Yes, they're pink and I'm on a natural high! Typically Lathyrus blossoms are more purple so I'm thinking I must have the 'Alboroseus' cultivar, which of course I like even more than the purple one! 

Lathyrus vernus 'Alboroseus' 

In case you're wondering, the white mess in the background are fallen petals from the neighboring
Star Magnolia.  (Magnolia stellata)

Lamium maculatum 'Chequers' is a magnet for big fat bumblebees. 

I'm not crazy about the flowers on this Rock Cress (Arabis variegata) but the foliage is outstanding. A year-round, ground-hugging carpet of green and white. I love it.  

Arabis variegata 

Just don't do what I did and confuse this Arabis with Silene uniflora 'Druett's Variegated' which, has similar foliage but, in my experience, melts into nothing during the winter then makes a very shy comeback the following year. Notice I have no photo to share. 

I succumbed to Impatiens omeiana 'Silver Pink' last spring at Dancing Oaks. It protested whenever the sun hit it and I really wondered if it was going to die. But it lived and look at it this year! 

There you have it. Is it spring where you are? (Or summer in the case of Kris.) Are you seeing green yet? 

Happy Plants Make a Happy Gardener

ANOTHER WEEKEND has come and gone. Doesn't the time just whiz by? It seems like there's never enough hours in my week. Between indoor tasks, I was able to get a few things done in the garden. Usually the lilacs are in bloom by April 15th but they're late this year. Here are some of the happy plants among the throng of emerging wonders. 

Bergenia cordifolia in bloom

Oxalis crassipes just starting to bloom

Oxalis 'Sunset Velvet' (I think)

Hebe 'Pink Elephant'
I had the most difficult time getting this plant established but now, it's finally growing and happy! 

The yellow flowers of Leopard's Bane or Doronicum orientale are not my favorite
but it blooms faithfully this time of year so I let it be. 

I bought this Helichrysum (Strawflower) on sale last summer.
It wintered over in a hanging basket and is blooming. Cool, huh? 

The flowers of  Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinum ovatum) are about to open.
The bumblebees love them. 

I've got a Vinca minor plant in a hanging container. It's blooming. 

Finally, a photo of Disco, my youngest daughter's monster kitty. 

 I hope your garden is making you happy! 

As always,