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| Yellow species crocus |
On the 15th of very month Carol Michels' May Dreams blog hosts "Bloom Day" where we gardeners share photos of what's blooming in our gardens. Today is cloudy and cold in my Zone 6B garden in Virginia. We were expecting a bit of ice and/or snow earlier this morning, but that didn't materialize, so now it's probably going to be rain this afternoon and tonight on through tomorrow. I took my outdoor photos yesterday when it was sunny and warmer.
The species crocus in my front yard began to emerge about the beginning of the month, with the flowers opening on the few warm sunny days we've had. There is a variety of them: white, yellow with feathering on the outer petals, and the pale violet "Tommies."
I planted some 'Orange Emperor' crocus in the back bed, but those have yet to show.
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| White species crocus |
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| Violet "Tommies "(Crocus thomasinnianus) |
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| Assortment of crocus in the front yard. |
The snowdrops I planted two falls ago have also popped up, but they have yet to start forming clumps. Oh well, next year there should be more. The foliage of the early daffodils is also emerging.
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| Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis 'Elwesii') |
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| Foliage of early daffodils emerging. |
The buds of my two witchhazel trees have started to open--the native Southern Witchhazel blooms at this time of the year, and the hybrid 'Diane' also.
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| Hybrid Witchhazel 'Diane' |
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| Southern Witchhazel |
The Japanese Pieris has a number of flower buds, but these won't open until later in the spring. The buds of my hybrid Hellebores nearby are still buried beneath a blanket of leaves.
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| Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) |
Indoors, I have a few surprises for you: a lovely yellow Hibiscus flower opened this morning--the first since the beginning of the year.
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| Hybrid yellow Hibiscus |
The Miltassia orchid in the master bath has a couple of flowering spikes and a few other Phalaenopsis have developed spikes too. The large-flowered white one below will probably open in a few more days.
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| Miltassia orchid. |
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| White Phalaenopsis about to bloom. |
I've cared for this particular miniature Phal for seven years--that's how long it's taken to produce this one flowering spike. I'm curious to see what color the flowers will be.
This other miniature Phal faithfully blooms once and sometimes twice a year--this year it has two flowering spikes developing.
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| Miniature Phalaenopsis flower spikes. |
Lastly, the African violets treated for mealybugs seem to be recovering nicely.
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| Optimara African violets |
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| Bearss lime fruits. |
The fruits of the Bearss lime are increasing in size, and my Gardenia tree still has a few blooms, but that's about it for today, I hope to have more to show next month. Happy February Bloom Day!
6 comments:
I enjoyed all your blooms, inside and out. Your crocus give me hope that spring will arrive eventually where I live in New York State. The hibiscus was a sight for winter weary eyes, too. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
I love your indoor flowers! I can't imagine a Hibiscus surviving inside here but maybe I should give that a try. I love Crocus too but I expect those bulbs need the chill of a real winter in order to bloom and I can't offer that In coastal Southern California. My anemones are already blooming, though...
You could probably grow Hibiscus outdoors in your climate, Kris. Some varieties are good in Zone 8, but they all like plenty of water. Crocuses do need a cold period, but you could force them by keeping them in a refrigerator for about 6-8 weeks before planting them outdoors. But they won't last or multiply as they would in climates where it freezes.
As an actual long-time eyewitness, I can guarantee your gardening is a treat all year 'round.
It is a delight seeing the crocus coming up in your garden and your indoor garden is lovely with all the blooms. I am hoping to see some crocus appearing by sometime next month.
You have a lot of things blooming and budding. I live in Georgia and I haven't noticed any budding except on the hyacinths. Maybe I just need to pay closer attention. I will look diligently tomorrow.
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