The unusual bloom of ‘Thunder Echo’ seems to change colors as the day goes by.
Here it is in the afternoon sunshine. It is almost glowing.
This one does spread better than some, but is still separated from the bully iris.
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Thunder Echo Again
Month: April 2024
Tiny Treasure with Stripes
This little jewel, Ledebouria cooperi, is a tiny bulb with one leaf and an inflorescence of dusty plum blooms.
Its common name is ‘Jessop.’ It may also be called “Cooper’s False Squill.”
Each plant is smaller than a pinky finger. It lives in tight groups.
I am attaching a former blog, ‘Itty Bitty Jessop’ about this plant below, since I did not wish to dig up bulbs in the rain in my pajamas.
https://floweralley.org/?s=Itty+bitty+Jessop
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Thunder Echo During Storms
One of my most unusual bearded iris opened on this dark and rainy morning when storms are expected.
It looks very different in sunshine, but is distinguished in any light.
This is one of my slow growers that must be kept separate from the prolific spreaders like ‘Persian Berry’ from my previous post.
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The First Iris
The first bearded iris opened this morning.
Its name is ‘Persian Berry.’
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Dainty Columbines
These gorgeous plants move and mix to supply surprises each spring. Their tiny, black seeds drop as the pods dry.
I have purchased many varieties over the years. The separated ones stay true to color, but the grouped varieties make new color combinations. This habit provides amazing new hues.
The white beside the lower pond has stayed white for years. This looks lovely beside the variegated Solomon’s Seal.
Most of mine are variations of pink and purples. I do have a late bloomer, double, ‘Ruby Port’, that I have kept in isolation. I will share it when it blooms.
I may have lost my tiny favorite , ‘Little Lantern’, which had gorgeous red blooms. I hope it will return.
With Columbines, one never is sure which colors will appear in the spring. That is part of the fun.
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Easy Sedums
I appreciate plants that survive and thrive on there own. Sedums do that.
I have them growing in gravel and between rocks where they were dropped during moving and transplanting.
They have lovely, various shades of green, intricate blooms and unusual shapes.
If you have little time and/or energy but still want a garden, I suggest a small collection of sedums.
They change through the season and need very little care. They thrive in pots, troughs and walls. These can be kept close to sitting areas without them running wild and taking over. They are easy to move, remove and propagate.
WIN:WIN!
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Fiddle Stems
I love ferns for many reasons. I love their fronds, their sori/spore dots and their fiddle heads.
The right ferns in the right spots are nothing but joy… just add water. Here are two of my favorites which are unfurling their fiddles right now.
The bright green Holly Fern fiddles let out little, hairy leaves as they emerge from their rolled up stem.
Autumn Fern fiddles have a strange form as they unfurl.
They look like dark hairy hands held in fists on hairy arms.
These are two very easy ferns that can take some sun and neglect. That’s why they are favorites of mine. I don’t like needy plants.
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Tiny White Epimedium
As soon as the yellow and orange Epimediums reach full bloom, I start watching the tiny, white one.
Its fluttering white flowers sneak out slowly. This plant deserves close inspection.
Its heart-shaped leaves and winged flowers are delicately arranged on almost invisible stems.
This is one of my tiny treasures. Two more will soon follow in posts…Chinese Dunce Caps and Jessop.
My blood runs green.
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