What's blooming now?

(Tulipa hybrids) Anyone who planted tulip bulbs last fall is smiling now. This has been one the best tulip seasons in recent memory with consistent cool temps and plenty of rain. Although many have now faded, I snapped this photo of the late-blooming doubles that are still brightening the yard.

I usually plant a tulip mix rather than specific colors. I like the surprises and this flower is certainly one of the gems.

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sp) I bought a small seed packet of wild forget-me-nots in Alaska about 6 years ago. They have continued to re-seed and flower all over the yard. In Alaska (where I have spent considerable time) they flower in whole meadows and the effect is magical.

Albino bleeding-hearts(Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'). Another flower taking advantage of the cool weather, bleeding hearts will keep flowing until temperatures get too hot--usually around late June or July. This is a great plant for partly-shady spots of the yard. Easy, easy, easy.

"Yesterday, today, and tomorrow" (Brunfelsia australis). This is a flower from South America that I keep in the greenhouse over the winter. It won't take a freeze, but it loves the cool wet weather we are having now. The flowers start off deep purple then slowly turn white with age. It also has one of the best perfumes of any flower I know.

Previous editions "What's blooming now?"
05/13/2006
04/28/2006
04/21/2006
04/14/2006

Thankyou for the picture of the albino bleeding hearts - I saw a lovely specimen today and didn't know exactly what it was. Deer seem to leave bleeding hearts alone. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for tulips - their bright spring colors no longer enhance my garden, not for want of trying. They rarely last long enough to bloom.