Hints of Spring

Normal levels of winter rain (okay, more than normal!) combined with brisk days alternating with warm, sunny ones means the garden has begun providing hints of spring.

But first we will back track to the first weeks of February, when the garden was cold and the only flowers blooming were indoors.

Amaryllis

 

Amaryllis and Christmas cacti put on quite a show in the kitchen window.

Schlumbergera truncata

 

And then the crocuses began to appear in the garden, hidden among the shrubs and other plants that had encroached over the years.

Crocus vernus

They were quickly followed by the blossoms on our neighbor's saucer magnolia. These magnolias are deciduous, unlike the majestic Southern magnolias.

Magnolia X soulangeana

Then came the daffodils in shades of yellow, gold and white. Unfortunately I've lost track of which cultivars I've planted. I noticed one self-sowed in the middle of the grass near the street!

Narcissus sp.

Two hyacinths joined the party, with more to come.

Hyacinthus orientalis

Days later, the rest of the early spring blooming daffodils unfurled their perianths and cups. 

The flowers of most daffodils will face the sun, which you may want to consider when planting bulbs. The clump below faces southwest, towards the house next door, with their backs to us.

A month or so later than they usually do, camellias in the garden and by the side door finally bloomed.

Camellia japonica

Camellia sasanqua

Rains came again today, but at least I have this view from the living room!