Thursday, March 15, 2012

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day! Mar 15, 2012

Hello everyone!
As you know, I have been trying to become more active in the garden blog world. I have already discovered many beautiful garden blogs with witty writing, sincere emotions, practical advice and near perfect photography in all. I am being inspired in so many ways - it's also so much fun!!
One of the blogs I check on a regular basis is http://hortus5.com. It is written by Mario Mirelez, an Advanced Master Gardener who lives and gardens in the Indianapolis area. He is one of the many friendly, welcoming gardeners I "met" when I joined Blotanical, http://www.blotanical.com.
Anyway - last month I was reading his blog when he had gorgeous shots of what's blooming in his area on the 15th of the month. This apparently is Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. I decided I would participate in the next one.

So I went outside and took photos of the (very few) things in bloom here. Although we seem to be getting an early spring, there's still not an awful lot happening quite yet here in Ontario, Zone 5a. But the temperatures are so warm and the sun so welcome, I'm sure all of a sudden, stuff will start popping up!

Please take a look at the pussy willows (Salix) which are in their prime right now. They are a real harbinger of spring but otherwise not a very attractive plant. They multiply like crazy where you don't want them to - they are like weeds. But in the spring - they are glorious!!
The only other flower I have now are some pretty little snowdrops on the front garden. (Even though there are no blooms, I couldn't resist adding a few more sprouts: the irises are coming up as well as iris reticulata)

Enjoy!!





























This is what I can hardly wait for (taken last year). I know it's coming soon!!!!




12 comments:

Astrid said...

I would like to participate in Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day! Please enjoy my photos of what's blooming today in my garden.
Astrid

Noel Morata said...

aloha,

i love pussy willows, wish i could grow them in my area....nice to see them in your welcome display also :)

Nadezda said...

Astrid,
I've put some willow branches in the vase at home. Soon they'll be like yours!

HELENE said...

Happy Garden Bloggers Bloom Day! Your garden is waking up, lovely to see :-)

Mario said...

Astrid, a terrific entry into Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. The pussy willow is beautiful. I know if I had some, I would bring branches indoors to enjoy. I'm shocked at how far along your Hosta is. Still below ground here.

Astrid said...

Hi Everybody!
Thanks for the comments!
Noel - Glad you enjoyed the pussywillows - this is the best time of year to see them
Nadezda - Always nice to hear from you!
Helene - your garden is extraordinary and your photos were exceptional, as usual
Mario - I knew you would post a Bloom Day entry! And my hosta are nowhere near what the picture shows. I included it because I wanted something to look fwd to - they'll be like that in June :)

Alistair said...

Astrid it is a pleasure to visit your site, and may I say regarding your endeavours to become more active in the garden blogosphere,you are doing everything spot on. Love the Pussy Willows.

Jennifer said...

Hi Astrid, I did not participate in GBBD, but often do. It is a great way to get to meet lots of other gardeners. With this warm weather, it shouldn't be long before this pop into bloom. My neighbour sells pussy willow every spring. After seeing your post I am reminded that I must go over and patronize her front yard stand.

Astrid said...

Thanks for leaving comments!
Alistair - Thanks for checking my blog. Nice to know I am doing "the right stuff". Unseasonably warm here so lots of stuff starting to bloom 3-4 weeks earlier than usual. Will post photos as it happens.

Jennifer - thanks for reading my blog! If you lived closer I would just give you an armful of pussywillows. I am heading out right now to cut some for friends and family. (Then I think I heard muttering from my husband that he's firing up the chain saw for next weekend!! Look out pussywillows!)

greggo said...

welcome to the blogospshere. Gardeners are a freindly bunch. Happy GBBD.

Astrid said...

Thanks Greggo! Nice to meet you! Yes - gardeners are a very friendly bunch. I am enjoying discovering new blogs and their authors. Spring "officially" arrives Tuesday but it seems like summer already.

Nadezda said...

nice, nice crocuses! I'm waiting for mines.