The weather is now definitely warmer and the forecast shows no sign of frost. This past weekend, my wife and I enjoyed a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast where we visited Bellingrath Garden in Theodore and Mobile Botanical Gardens.
At home, more ferns and bulbs are emerging. Of course, along with them, there are also signs of the weeds and invasives.
Each day, there are more tasks to be done. In the Mens Garden, we have begun laying out a circular brick paver area around the flag pole. We will be placing engraved brick markers there if all works out.
On to this week’s pics.
First, I have some beautiful red tulips from Bellingrath. They keep them in the nursery until they are blooming and then place them out in the Garden.
Second, this is an invasive Cherokee Rose. This was found at Bellingrath near the estuary. It is native to Asia but has naturalized rapidly here in the SouthEast. It is a climbing rose with stems that grow up to 20 feet. It may be beautiful but it is truly invasive.
Thirs and at home, the Florida anise has begun to show its red star shaped bloom. It is always a good sign of Spring. Being an anise, there is a licorice smell if you rub the leaves.
Fourth, here are some Jetfire daffodils that I have out in terra cotta containers in the back yard. The photo does not do justice to the bright orange trumpet portion of the bloom.
Fifth, the red stemmed lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina, the “Lady in Red” is emerging. It completely disappears after frost but reliably returns in the Spring.
Sixth and last here is a wild violet that has some blue and white in the bloom. It only appears in the spring but it is worth watching for. Also, the white false indigo, Baptisis alba is emerging in its asparagus like form for now until the blooms appear.
Happy gardening.
Don’t forget to look at the Propagator for his blog Six on Saturday.