Spring Awakening

So often spring crops up with such fervor, that we hardly notice its subtle colors aside from the obvious greening of the lawns or the intense hues that daffodils and tulips offer us. Before the show is over, take time to admire and appreciate the delicate, soft and unexpected hues too. Below are a few of my favorites. Click on the first image to begin the slide show.

I took a chance on this climbing hydrangea last year. Moonlight Chinese Hydrangea Vine is hardy in Zones 6-9, but lucky for me, it survived our Zone 5 winter. It has started attaching itself to the bricks and begin to climb.

In medievel times, Hellebores were considered a weapon against witches, madness, and evil spirits. They are an excellent shade plant and among the first to bloom in late winter. This is Hellebore ‘Ivory Prince’.

Hellebores signal the awakening of spring. Although the common names include “Christmas rose” and “Lenten rose”, they do not belong to the rose family. This is Helleborus ‘White Spotted Lady’.

The trees are bursting with energy. I love the bits of color each bud provides the branches.

The swollen buds are ready to burst open and reveal the first white blooms on this Star Magnolia Tree. Each bud is its own complex shade of milky pale green.

Several Magnolia buds have started to open and reveal white blossoms. If the weather cooperates, it will be spectacular in full bloom.

Detail of crimson colored buds on the Maple Tree.

We planted several herbaceous peonies last year. Most peonies emerge from the ground in colors of red and burgundy before the foliage turns green. Notice many rocks in the soil? This clay bed will require significant amendments to improve the soil quality.

Even the houseplants are enjoying the extra sunlight that the lengthening days bring. I love fancy Begonias. In fact, I love anything fancy!