Spring Blush

The day started out as one of the coldest this winter but by mid-day it was gorgeous outside.  This azalea time of year is one of my favorites.

Azaleas under moss-laden oaks are almost a cliche but I love them.  When bursting in colorful bloom they are stunning.  When not in bloom they provide layers of evergreen foliage for spring irises, caladiums and bromeliads to play against.

Pink is my favorite color and there are all shades of it surrounding me in the front garden from the light pink of 'George L. Taber' to the fuchsia shades of 'Formosa.'

These flowering shrubs are reliable bloomers at a time of year when things often look bleak.  This year's mild winter weather however has allowed many of the companion plants to remain green giving the overall garden a more complete look.

It may be a one-type-of-flower show right now, but there is such an abundance of azalea flowers that the pollinators are enjoying quite a feast.

This large carpenter bee is one of many that have been buzzing around the bushes. I just love watching them start flying and flitting as soon as the sun begins to warm the day.

The azaleas may have a short run of blooms, typically lasting about a month, but this show has just begun.  There are plenty of additional buds yet to pop.

A Monday Morning Meander

After a Thanksgiving holiday weekend full of family and food, this Monday morning brings a feeling of contentment.  A quiet peace flows through the shady gardens in the front yard and a meandering walk through them satisfies the heart.

There are plenty of blooms but they are not the exuberant blossoms of spring and summer with their hot colors.  These flowers are soft pinks and purples giving rest to the eyes.

The hallmark of any shade garden is the variety of textures, shapes and hues of green.  There is no sense of hurry here.

An unknown nidularium bloom reflects the pinky purple of the baby Queen Emma crinum which was recently gifted to this garden by a gardening friend.

In the springtime the light pink blooms of these azaleas will blend perfectly in the new front entry-way bed.  Until then, their green leaves make a perfect backdrop for my favorite cranberry pentas. 

A lazy bumble bee reflects the mood of the morning as he drifts from flower to flower.

The white bench at the top of the driveway provides a perfect spot for enjoying another cup of morning coffee.  It is situated between pots of  rabbit foot fern and  angel wing begonia.  While sitting here and observing the front planting beds it is easy to dream of changes and additions for the future. 

The pathway between mature formosa azaleas could use a focal point to draw the eye to the the base of the oaks at the other end.  Perhaps a colorful bromeliad grouping or a variegated cast-iron plant would be the perfect thing.  No hurry, plenty of time to let this idea develop.

Thanks for meandering with me through My Garden Path this Monday morning.