Garden Delights - Look What's Blooming Today

As I wandered through the garden today I was delighted to see the purple sand cherry blossoms.

I had forgotten how pretty they were and they brought a smile to my face.

I then wandered on and was pleased to spot this little white pasque flower. It blooms a little later than the purple one which is past its prime as seen in the following photos.

I should not have said "past its prime". I take that back because once the flower fades this beautiful seed head remains for weeks. I think it's as beautiful as the flower.

The creeping veronica has also come into flower. This plant is such a pretty blue 

which is hard to find in the garden.

As I moved on I spotted these tulips that I did not plant. Thank you squirrels, good job! 

One of the things that I enjoy so much about gardening is that every day it changes and brings new delights. If I am gone a few days I cannot wait to tour the garden to see what has gone on while I was away. 

I wonder what she is thinking. 

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

Here's Codie smelling the dianthus which have bloomed this week.

They really are pretty.

The maiden pinks have also opened up.

I really like these because they are so petite and always make me stop for a closer look.

While crouched down taking the photo of the maiden pinks I couldn't help but notice the johnny jump ups all facing the sun. If you look at the previous photo you will see one hiding in the dianthus. These self seeded and I almost pulled them out because I didn't like where they were... but I am glad now that I didn't.

The rhododendrons have the most blooms I have ever seen on this plant.  

The scabiosa or pincushion flower which is a much nicer name has started to bloom and will bloom all summer long. You can see there are a lot of buds on it. Behind it is my favourite hosta - sum & substance. I love it's large leaves which add contrast to the garden and add a tropical feel.

After the Rain

Everything always looks so nice and fresh after a rain. Here is a view of the patio from the deck, with my old weathered adirondack chairs replaced with some of my patio furniture from the deck. It looks more inviting with the adirondacks but I just can't seem to get them to last in this weather. Someday I hope to splurge and buy the recycled plastic ones, that look just like wood.

I've been working hard at protecting my sum & substance hosta from the frost and it is looking great. Now we just have to get through this cold spell.

The lady's mantel always looks good after a rain with the water droplets on its leaves. It is a spring favourite with it's lushness.

A closer look at an oriental lily. I like them because you can stick them almost anywhere for a bit of colour and the foliage looks good all season.

The pasque flower seed heads just call out to be photographed.

My iberis candytuft has come back well after almost loosing it last year to winter kill. I started this plant from seed (courtesy OSC Seeds) 18 years ago now, and am glad to see that it is still going strong.

The catmint is in it's prime.

Another view of the rock garden. The gardens are filling out nicely now.

I love the way the ferns uncurl.

I was trying to take a picture of the apple blossoms but Codie kept getting in the way so I gave up and took a picture of her instead. 

Breaking News - Wisteria Buds Sighted

Buds have been sighted on my wisteria! I can't believe it. The last time it bloomed was in 2002. I had almost given up on it. I must thank the blogger (who's name I cannot remember) who described how she pruned her wisteria. I went out and pruned mine and voila! I can't wait to show everyone the flowers. I'm so excited.

Here is my serviceberry in full bloom. It is finally getting to a good size.

The ajuga has come into bloom in the rock garden along with the phlox. Just behind it I am noticing the chives which I think I will put on my salad tonight. (good thing I took this picture or I might not have noticed) The catmint in the background is just starting and will put on quite a show in a day or two.

These are some little Lady's Mantle seedling which I dug up from the garden. They will either be gifts or end up as filler in some pots on my deck. I think I'm going to dig up some more. They are all over the place.

Codie - need I say more.

Frost!

We had frost Wednesday night. Luckily I was on the ball and covered up my favourite hosta. Unlike last year when it suffered greatly from frost damage.

This is what was under the sheet. Hosta sum & substance one of the largest leafed hostas. It's large leaves are very dramatic in the garden and add a nice contrast to the other plants in the garden.

This is the same garden 24 hours later and the hosta is suffering no ill effects. That's Codie dancing through the forget-me-nots.

The apple blossoms are about to burst.

I am so excited the plum tree is full of blossoms. This is the second summer I have had the tree. Last year I got one plum - it was delicious! Hopefully this year I will have more to share.

I believe it is called a stanley plum. This is what it should look like in September.
(in my dreams)

Not only cats like the catmint.

This spurge looks good with the pasque flower in the background that has gone to seed. 

Here is a closer look at that beautiful seed head.

Now I think I better go outside and cover up that hosta again. I'm taking no chances.

I hope I can find it in the dark. I also hope my neighbours don't see me... they already think I'm a bit crazy. I don't want them to think I'm gardening in the dark, although that is not a bad idea..... gotta go

This Week's Attractions

The pasque flower has so much character - one of my favourites.

The seed heads are just as beautiful as the flower and the foliage always looks good. 

I cannot remember the name of this little gem... but it has multiplied nicely.
Update: I looked it up and I believe it is a Scilla.

Pulmonaria longifolia or you might know it by it's common name lungwart is beautiful the way it starts out blue and turns to pink. 

Of course none of this can be attended to without Codie, my new garden helper. 

Coming attraction.