Morning In The Garden

Daylight Saving Time couldn't have begun any more beautifully than it did for us here in Seattle this morning. I was up at 7:30 PDT, while Tom indulged his biological clock and slept in until 7:30 Standard Time. I went on line to read blogs, and it wasn't until about 9:00 that I made the trek down the driveway and out to the street to get the newspaper. The sun was shining, and birds were singing, and otherwise it was about as quiet as it can be in a large metropolitan area. I decided to grab my camera and stay out for a while. The sun rays were slanting in through the trees from the eastern sky.

Mush of spring beauty must be appreciated at ground level, as with these violets. They are coming into bloom and they remind me of my mother, who's name is Violet. Western Red Currant is one of the natives we encourage in the garden.

I love the bright chartreuse of euphorbia. Tom worked on cutting back the sword ferns yesterday and is almost finished. We have lots of them and it's a big job, but it really makes a difference later on, as the old fronds go brown. In the wild you will see them with their brown skirts. They must be cut back before the new fronds start to unfurl, which will be early this year.

Pulmonarias come in many colors, and are one of the first plants to bloom in spring.

There are many wonderful new hybridized hellebores, but this old one is still one of my favorites. Known as Lenten Rose, they are an old garden flower. The start for this one came from Tom's boyhood home in Puyallup.

Moss covers the brick path to the secret garden.

The mouse plant is blooming! You have to get way down and dig into the foliage to find the blooms with their brownish bodies and long tails.

The camellias took a beating in last week's rain, but a few persist.

This old rhodie blooms right by the front door. It's a scraggly old thing and each year we say we should take it out, except when it once again blooms.

The Daphne Odora was hit hard in the December freeze, but it is blooming heavily along the front walk, and the fragrance is heavenly. The leaves will regrow. It's a survivor.

The buds on the full moon maple are swelling against the blue sky.

Tulip buds are emerging.

The Camellia came from a cutting from a bush that grew on the little Oregon farm where I grew up.

I love the blue of grape hyacinths, which are just beginning to open.

So is the bleeding heart.

And this clump of trilliums is going strong, while others aren't even up yet.

This Camilla was from a cutting from our next door neighbors plant.

The hosta are emerging.

And back in the house, that funky little silverware vase is perfect for a little mouse flower.

Happy Springing Ahead, everyone!

Oh, except Arizona and Hawaii, that is. And Good Day to you too.