Welcome sweet springtime

It has been quite a while--about six weeks -- since I've posted anything. Unfortunately, aging brings a number of challenges, many of them to our health. We've been inundated with medical tests and procedures, and more are expected. But spring reminds us that the long dark days pass eventually. This is my first dogwood blossom of 2009. I don't know if it has a cultivar name; the tree was here when we moved in. It's blooms are predominately white, and it has variegated leaves.

Each fall I try to plant more spring bulbs, such as the ones above and below. I have just about given up on tulips because their foliage and blooms gets eaten by critters--deer? rabbits? Daffodils (Narcissus), on the other hand, are ignored by wildlife and so are a safe bet to return year after year. The one above is called N. 'Decoy.'

This lovely daffodil is aptly named 'Spring Pride.'

I think this one is 'Cum Laude,' although the catalog picture showed a darker colored center.

I love the ones with pinkish centers. I think this one is 'Salome.' I need to do a better job recording where I plant stuff!

This one is actually quite small. It has a delightful fragrance and sometimes blooms in clusters. It is Narcissus 'Hillstar.

I hope spring where you are is just as beautiful.

Joanie