My first purchase of the 2011 gardening season. I've never had a weeping tree of any kind even tho I've long admired their graceful drooping forms in other gardens.
What finally pushed me to quit admiring and take the plunge was noticing how crazy the bees were for the fuzzy yellow blooms. I knew I'd like to have something to illicit that kind of early activity in my own garden. Sure enough, it only took 30 minutes for "my" bees to discover it upon arriving home.
They've been swarming it every warm day since.
Right now, I don't have a spot in mind to plant it so I'm thinking of putting it in a large container. It stands no more than 4' high but according to the tag, will max out at 6' in height.
Otherwise, the garden is still faithfully returning to life. New blooms show up every time I stroll around although that hasn't been often since we've experienced a lot of ferocious wind this spring. When I do venture out, I wait until evening, hoping the wind will have eased up (but that certainly hasn't always been the case this year.)
Here's what I've managed to capture in-between gusts:
Hellebore 'Blue Lady'
Striped Squill (Puschkinia libanotica)
Primula denticulata opening in more colors.
In the "greenhouse" Streptocarpus 'Blue Ice' is blooming:
I feel like 'Blue Ice' is the lucky one since it doesn't have to endure the large temperature fluctuations like the outdoor blooms. This past Saturday we were 80 degrees ~ plants and bulbs were almost popping open before our eyes ~ then Sunday snow returned, followed by overnight low temperatures dipping to 19 degrees. That was harsh. A gentle warming spring (versus a roller coaster) might be nice but who am I to make requests when the bulbs are weathering the elements just fine?
So glad you got the weeping tree. I put in a weeping cherry last year and loved it so much. Starting to get some leaves on it and I am so happy it wintered over. Can't wait to see where you put it.
I love seeing all of the flower pics too Kathleen. I look forward to your blogs!
Posted by: Dana | April 04, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Looks like you got the payoff with the Weeping Pussy Willow tree! Great shot of the bee snatching up the pollen! It is amazing, isn't it, how the spring flowers endure the freeze/thaw? Very lovely post!
Posted by: PlantPostings | April 04, 2011 at 09:09 PM
You have some beautiful images today, especially your bee. It did not talk long to come in for a landing. Your temps really changed. That was a big drop.
Posted by: Donna | April 05, 2011 at 05:57 AM
What a pretty addition to your garden Kathleen. :)
Posted by: Racquel | April 05, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Your Primlua and Striped Squill are so beautiful. Great colors for spring. What a fantastic image of the honeybee. I have not saw any here yet but it maybe a little cool yet.
Posted by: Lona | April 05, 2011 at 10:02 AM
What a cute pussy willow! I think it would look great in a container. Our spring weather hasn't been cooperative either. Rain and more rain, and still mostly under 50 degrees for our high (which is very unusual). Hoping nice enjoyable spring weather is around the corner.
Posted by: Catherine | April 05, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Gorgeous picture of the Pussy Willow and the bee. The bees will be so pleased! I love your Striped Squill and Primula too. Just lovely.
Posted by: Sweetbay | April 05, 2011 at 10:11 PM
How beautiful they are! Is it difficult to take photos among heavy winds?
It was a kind of topic that April Fool snow have fallen in USA. Is it true?
Posted by: minor | April 06, 2011 at 04:18 AM
Nice pics. I like the idea of a pussy willow in a container. Always have admired the weeping ones. I may have to copy you!
Posted by: Victoria | April 06, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I've admired that weeping pussy willow, too. I'm going to have to look it up again, as I don't remember how tall it gets. Congratulations - it's a great purchase!
Posted by: shady gardener | April 06, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Beautiful photos Kathleen. I especially like the Squill, so pretty.
I like the graceful arching of a weeping plant as well....though I do not have one. Love that little bee on the pussy willow.
Posted by: Janet | April 06, 2011 at 06:05 PM
What a beautiful tree - never seen one of those out this way - is it a new type? The first tree we bought for our yard was a regular willow tree - brought it home in the back of our car when it was about 5' tall and now it is over 25'!
Gorgeous flowers Kathleen! Spring is still struggling to break out here in Boston - hopefully soon.
Posted by: Alice Golden | April 07, 2011 at 06:16 AM
Lovely springtime blossoms Kathleen. I absolutely love the photo of the Squill!
Posted by: Kala | April 08, 2011 at 01:01 AM
Hi Kathleen, That is quite the temperature roller coaster that you have been experiencing! We have yet to have a single warm sunny day although today is looking very promising. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 09, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Wow, them are some extreme weather fluctuations. I envy the indoor blooms too. Hopefully things will warm up and stay that way soon.
Posted by: Grace | April 10, 2011 at 09:29 AM
absolutely beutifull i just love springtime blossoms..
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