Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Colors of Spring

Spring is my favorite time of the year.  In Michigan the flowers arrive long after the official calendar start of Spring.
Today I will share what has been blooming recently in my yard.


The speckled tubular flowers of the foxglove are beautiful
but the plant is considered poisonous because the leaves
contain digitalis, which is a potent heart medicine.
 


Over the past 10 days Midland has experienced
several days of temperatures in the 90's 
and then a few days later
the nighttime low dropped to 43.
Both of these extremes are outside the normal
we would expect for late May and early June.  
Along with these temperature extremes, it was rainy.
A check of the rain gauge showed 2.5 inches of rainfall 
the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend
and an additional 2.1 inches of rain fell on June 1.



Last Fall we updated the plantings near our backyard patio.
Among our new plantings is Blue Muffin Viburnum
 with white flowers in spring through
early summer that will be followed by blue fruit
 in late summer -- hopefully attracting birds to our yard.

For contrast, the rosy blooms of the Double Knock Out rose, 
Rosa Radtko, will bloom through Fall.


Moving to the front of our home, 
the Jackmanii Clematis will provide color into July.


The star-shaped petals of the Columbine plant nod in the breeze.  But their bloom will be finished soon.  


I snapped this peony just as it started to open.  
This variety is named Mons Jules Elie.


Our front landscaping has a planting of 
Rainbow Knock Out shrub roses which
 feature pink petals with a yellow center.




Luckily I snapped these photos
while the flowers were fresh and crisp before being bruised
from the temperature extremes and the rain.


Until next time, live and love well.


Joining these fun parties:
Bunny Hop Party at Bunny Jean's Decor and More
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup from Mrs. Olson
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E
Show Off Friday at What-About




This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

12 comments:

Kathe said...

Your flowers are so lovely! My oldest son lives in MI. He and his fiancé are just discovering the pleasure of gardening there and send me pictures of their efforts. I would love it if you would share this at my party going on now at:
http://www.kathewithane.com/2012/06/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday-week-7.html

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Debra!

Love all you blooms! You have a nice variety. I will be interested to see what your summertime garden looks like.

I used to have foxglove in my Pacific Northwest garden all the time. I just made sure it was out of the way of kids and dogs. It is less toxic than oleander and that is EVERYWHERE in my new neighborhood.

I would also protect the peonies as it always seemed to rain, or even hail right after they bloomed :(

Thanks for sharing at my weekly party!

xoxo Bunny Jean

Sarah said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the colors of your garden.

Grandma Linda's Daydreams said...

Your flowers are fabulous! Especially the foxglove, peonies and columbine! They're all so pretty!
I just found you, and thanks for your nice comments on my blog! Beautiful photos! I'm going to have a look at your previous posts, because I used to make porcelain dolls. I had a ceramics studio, many years ago. The first doll I made was Sugar Britches.
I'm now following you!
Blessings,
Linda @ Grandmalay's Daydreams

Winnie said...

Your flours are BEAUTIFUL
So colorful and bright
A wonderful way to start my day :)
Thanks so much for sharing these photos

Unknown said...

Your garden is lovely. Seeing the sweet williams reminded me that I wanted to plant some - I love there intense colours. Sadly they are biannuals so only bloom every 2 years. But are good self-seeders, so you can get some blooms yearly.

Thanks for visiting my little blog project and leaving such a nice comment.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Your posies are lovely. I especially love the peony! I am loving your dollies! I collected dolls myself and I have my grandmother's only doll. She's a treasure although she needs a new face and outfit. Thank you for your visit and have a beautiful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

The Farmers Daughter said...

How I wish I could grow flowers like that! My Grandmother had a green thumb but it sure wasn't passed on to me! I still try each year to coax my garden to grow. I do fair with lilies, crepe myrtle, and mums--they're all hard to kill! lol
Your flowers are beautiful. Enjoyed the post.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Love your flowers! What vibrant colors--everything looks beautiful!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Debra, your garden is lovely. My SIL use to live in Midland and I remember her telling about weather like this. We've had some unusual weather also. 90 one day, 60 the next. My Foxgloves have been blooming over a week now. They are among my favorites. I love your blue Columbine and the Viburnum will be a fun new addition to your garden. Thanks so much for sharing your beauty with Share Your Cup!
Hugs,
Jann

Nicole said...

Those are gorgeous photos! I would be homored if you would come by my blog hop to show them off!
Show Off Friday at www.what-about.co

Good Girl Gone Green said...

Beautiful flowers! :)

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