It's Springtime on the Bayou

Just in time for Garden Blogger's Bloom Day, wildflowers have started blooming around the bayou by our house and in our garden.

I haven't been able to identify these two:

Is this a tree that sprouted from a paddler's picnic apple?

The lizards are out again too.

We have anoles in our garden, but they've been to fast for me so far. Their more patient cousins like the one above were willing subjects on sunny Sunday as we kayaked on Armand Bayou.

Back at home, our blue curls are unfurling.

I first became familiar with blue curls last year and was determined to have some of my own this year.

Our "Forest Pansy" redbud, which we planted about five years ago is blooming more than ever before.

Close by, verbena is firing back up again.

And Formosa azaleas are just beginning to open.

The spirea too seems to have timed its flowering just for Bloom Day.

These azaleas have been blooming since last month:

The strawberries started blooming soon after last month's Bloom Day.

And the pansies are still going, snapdragons just hitting their stride.

A new addition to our garden that is just about to start blooming is a "Reine des Violettes" rose. We got it at the Antique Rose Emporium last month while we were up there.

There are seven buds in all so far.

Am I silly to be nervous that the sliver of color on this one looks more red than purple? I'm a rose newbie but have purchased mislabeled camellias before.

I'll post new photos when it finally opens, but please let me know your thoughts in the meantime.

Comments

[Hill Country Mysteries]

Hi Martha, it's fun to find new garden friends. I love seeing what is happening in Houston. I wasn't a gardener when I lived there and now wonder how I could have missed so much. You must have great soil...

Thanks for stopping by Hill Country Mysteries.

PS I'm guessing our dewberries will be 6-8 weeks from bloom to ripe fruit. The birds and foxes usually let us know when the berries are ripe.

[Matti]

Gorgeous Forest Pansy...looks like it is loaded. Those lizards are huge (lol)! Who knew gardening could be so dangerous. Matti

[Nell Jean]

Here's a picture from my blog of Reine des Violettes in bud and bloom so you can compare. You'll know in a few days if it's purple.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VDbDW2F_x60/SxQbFU8FkYI/AAAAAAAANdo/GKu68kFRIas/s640/DSCN3712.JPG

[Martha]

Thanks, Hill Country Mysteries. I might have to be more patient with the dewberries this year.

We don't have what most would consider good soil, mostly gumbo. We add as much compost as as possible.

[Martha]

Matti, we're just barely far enough from the wilds to keep our garden from danger. Some of our neighbors' gardens have been torn up by wild hogs. Knock on wood.

Thanks for visiting!

[Martha]

Thanks, Nell Jean,

I feel better about it today than I did yesterday. Great to know someone with experience with it already!