can't help but look full, green and lush considering all the cool, wet weather we've been experiencing. There's hardly time to dry out between storms but guess whose not complaining? You're right ~ the garden. It feels like we've been mysteriously transported into the perfect growing climate for everything but the diehard sunlovers & xerics. So different from our typical dry, sunny, humidity-free weather. I have to admit it's been great for getting chores accomplished without perspiring to the nines!
Now that I've set the stage (so to speak) you're going to be expecting nothing short of awesomeness. Yikes! I'll try not to disappoint, but ultimately you'll have to determine for yourself.
Below ~ a section of the front bed as seen standing in the grass looking toward the house:
Siberian iris 'Caesars Brother' blooming in the foreground while the first bearded iris blooms (pink) can be seen in the background. Below a closer look at 'Caesars Brother' during a brief spot of thin sunshine:
Walking a short distance toward the driveway then pivoting 180 degrees, another section of the front bed comes into focus (notice the same clump of 'Caesars Brother' iris at the bottom left of the photo):
This view gives you a good look at the 'Camassia cusickii' bulbs in full glorious bloom right now ~ they are such ethereal beauties. (The bright spots of pink & fuchsia are Primula japonica, which I've blogged about previously).
Zooming in to highlight the Camassia blooms:
Closer still to illuminate a single bloom:
I "had" to take the macro so you could admire the delicacy of each individual blossom. The word "ethereal" seemed a befitting description ~ considering the delicate "starry" appearance of each flower ~ wouldn't you agree? Or has my imagination gotten carried away with me again??
Also in the front garden, loaded with buds & not very visible in any of the above photos, is Clematis integrefolia:
I believe I've relayed (in previous posts) what a continual favorite this perennial has been over the last fifteen or so odd years. I cannot imagine gardening without it.
As you can also tell, I abide by no color scheme ~ reds are planted with purples, pinks, yellow, etc. There are even orange blooms in this very bed! Somehow it all seems to work? It's my belief that after six months of bleakness the wild riot is appealing in any format. Bring on the color explosion...
I love those Siberian Irises. It's been cold and rainy here too Kathleen.
Posted by: Kala | May 27, 2011 at 12:09 AM
That camassia is awesome!
Posted by: tina | May 27, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Kathleen your flower bed is beautiful. I love the irises. The Camassia is such a wonderful flower. Your garden looks so lush. A wonderful time of the year where something new is blooming almost every day. Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Lona | May 27, 2011 at 10:02 AM
That's right. Bring on the colors! Your beds look wonderful, every bit the expectation after your preamble. The weather has its upside, doesn't it?
Posted by: Grace | May 27, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Love your blues and grays in the first photo. I am also glad you included the macro shot, what a beauty!
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | May 27, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Your garden looks beautiful! I need to add Camassia, I love the macro picture. I've been keeping an eye out for that Clematis since I first saw it on your blog. I will find it one day.
Posted by: Catherine | May 27, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Wow, you have some color. I love those blue iris.
Posted by: Donna | May 27, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Oh, I love your iris, Camassia and Clematis! Splendid!!
Posted by: sweetbay | May 28, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Just gorgeous Kathleen...your plants are way ahead of mine. I'm barely seeing buds on my Caesar's Brother and my Clematis Integrifolia isn't anywhere near ready to bloom. Seeing your pics got me excited for what is coming.
What do you suppose we will find this year on the Boulder tour that we can't live without? I can't wait to find out!
Posted by: Dana | May 28, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Amen, Kathleen! Bring on the color explosion!!! Everyday is a new adventure in the garden during spring. Thanks for providing a peek into your beautiful garden.
Posted by: Ramona/The Garden Explorer | May 28, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Happy to see that pic of clematis integrifolia, I planted one last year. Can't wait.
I'm with you, no color scheme here, at least not in my main garden, and I do believe it works.
Posted by: Victoria | May 29, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Your May garden is so lush, colorful and beautiful! Mine is a bit tired looking today, it's so hot. :(
Posted by: Racquel | May 30, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Did you grow all those by yourself? It takes more than just consistency... you must be gifted with a VERY green thumb! You could try zooming in more for the Camassia macro shot. =D
Posted by: Grette Spadoni | June 02, 2011 at 02:20 PM