Flame azalea Gibralter

Flowers Then and Now

| Flower Roberts

What a difference twelve days makes in the garden this time of the year. My busy husband sent me some flower photos this morning. I took similar pictures while I was home in early April. Let’s compare them.

Bletilla striata had only one bloom per stalk.
Chinese Ground Orchid Bletilla

I dug up about half of this Ground Orchid while I was home and filled in the hole with good soil. It has really taken off blooming since then.

The iris row was all pink earlier.
Shipshape had only one open bloom but many buds then.
Persian Berry, Shipshape and Night Affair

The pink Persian Berry is a bully. The blue Ship Shape and deep purple Night Affair hold their own better than more timid growers like Little Much.

Gibralter had one open bloom two weekends ago.
The Flame Azalea ‘Gibralter’ always amazes me. It glows in bright sunshine. This photo was taken in morning. Its deep color looks saturated here.
This was the only bloom so I zoomed in on it.
Now, this Spiderwort is in full swing.

I have read that deer do not eat Spiderwort, but something eats the one in the front yard. This one is in the now bunniless, bunny yard. Safe from whatever eats the other one.

Every day is different once plants start growing and blooming. I inspect plants several times each day during spring.

I am happy Mr. Flower and Rose are enjoying our blooms at home. I appreciate seeing my flowers from afar.

FLOWER

My Morning Walk

| Flower Roberts

I told my family I was going down to check on my plants downstairs and in the bunny yard. Mr. Flower said, “Take a stick.” Now how am I supposed to get anything done with a stick?

My walking stick

I chose a shovel instead. I am so relieved that my treasures survived last year’s neglect. I will post my best photos with names below.

Pink Columbine
White Columbine and bracken fern
Little Much bearded iris
Ground Orchid
Flame azalea Gibralter
Spanish bluebells

The big news is I made it halfway down the hill to my favorite spot. Here the wind turns up the hill and has a lift to it. I have spent a lot of time under these oaks sitting on this hill watching the water. I used to haul my heavy bookbag down here and grade papers on Saturdays. I sit on this bench to pray or cry or talk to the sky.

My favorite spot

I needed to be down here today. So much is changing in my life and family. I feel a bit unmoored. It is soothing to sit where I have always sat these 35+ years to mull over the next part of my journey.

Lily of the Valley

I am thankful to my hip and shovel for making this nostalgic little trip possible. Now, if I can just get back up to the house!

FLOW on the move