May 15! But who would know it? Lows in the 30's, how am I supposed to plant, I ask? So afraid of stalling growth in plants by putting them out too soon. Are you in the same persistent winter-reluctant spring boat as me? These are the questions that keep gardeners up at night, when they should be resting up for a hard day's work/play in the garden.
So...slim pickins for GBBD. For my first in so long after going without a garden during our building process, I had hoped to re-enter with a blooming bang instead of a floral whimper. Alas, here are my offerings for this May 15, (supposedly the average last frost date for my area).
I love this little flower. Not technically a violet, although the yellow blooms do a downward-dog pose.
Also known as trout lily, fawn lily and adder's tongue. Dog tooth refers to its canine-shaped bulbs. This named cultivar has the same brown mottled leaves as the species, but has a bit larger, more curled flower. One of the first to pop up in spring, I know it has been a bright spot on my thrice daily rounds in the garden lately.
A little instant gratification I bought for a pair of quickie containers at the front door. But here's the cool thing. Recently I learned about pollen in shades of steely blue, like that of scilla (Siberian squill) flowers. Sure enough, this one does. Bees compartmentalize each flower type so you can see small cells of blue pollen in honeycomb.
These honeyberry bushes were planted not only for extreme cold hardiness and blueberry-like fruit but to cover an unsightly fence. The new neighbors took down that section so now I may have to rethink their location.
Will pollinators find these early blooms? It's pollinating partner is 'Berry Blue'.
And finally for the grand finale, a flourish of tulips.
Thanks to Carol at May Dream Gardens as always for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom .Day
