May 9, 2010

Early Color in the Flower Border



At this time of year, the flower borders are mostly varying shades and textures of green, as perennials start their growth. Daffodils, in whites and yellows, are the earliest flowers. But now, some other plants have begun to bloom: along with the tiny graceful daffodil Hawera, the forget-me-nots, which self seed all over the garden, show their clear blue blooms; Pasque Flower's nodding violet blooms rise above ferny foliage.




The earliest bearded iris to bloom is a dwarf, with royal violet colored flowers that seem to glow from a distance.




An intense greenish yellow, which provides a counterpoint to the violets of Pasque Flower and Iris, decorates the bracts of Euphorbia, a well behaved rounded mound of foliage. The weather has turned back to very cool and windy, and this color reminds me of the cheer of spring, which moves forward in fits and starts, but does move forward.

5 comments:

  1. Your photos and description are wonderful, on the way to an Amy Clampitt poem.

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  2. Oh, what an amazing compliment. I'm not much of a reader of poetry, except for William Carlos Williams, so I read some of Clampitt's poems online and now feel humbled by your reference. Her work is resonant and complex, with such surprising language, while focusing on small things with wonder and delight. I'll have to get one of her books.

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  3. Hi, Altoon, just checking in and as always, inspired and refreshed from the experience.

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  4. Wow! Early iris! As always, refreshing to walk in your garden with you via this blog

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  5. hello Donna and Maggie; I'm glad you enjoy the visit to my garden.

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