The petals are popping and the juice of spring is coursing through my veins like so many shots of espresso. The spring garden is a party not to be missed, and just to sit at my computer to post this blog, rather than be out with the surging sap and sunshine, is requiring a strong dose of discipline on my part.
But I do love to share the garden, as well as read and see what other gardeners are up to. So, here is a quick little harvest basket of photos from my garden here in Northern California, before I head back outside to the music of birdsong and the fluttering of butterfly wings.
I’m tagging along with the Six On Saturday posts from gardeners around the world today, where we share six photos from our gardens. Will I manage to keep it to six? Hmmm…. we’ll see. Gratitude to “The Propagator” and all the other gardeners who share. Whether you are a gardener or just finding something to browse while waiting at the dentist office or on a work break, hope it is enjoyable!
I. Apple Blossoms
II. Kerria Japonica “Pleniflora”
III. Flowering Crabapple
IV. Asian Pear Blossoms
V. Akebia Quinata aka Chocolate Vine
VI. All the others that I can’t fit in, so I’m cheating for #sixonsaturday 🙂
Wishing love, peace and freedom to all, with special prayers for Ukraine.
You can read more of my blog posts on gardening, creating habitat, and upcycling, by clicking here: the-compulsive-gardener.com
Coming soon: an adventure with a Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly, plus, the new garden paths are done!
P.S. Everyone’s asking: Is it time to plant out tender summer veggies yet? Not for us (we are in a low-spot micro-climate). We sometimes get a frost during April or even during the full moon of May. After that, it’s full steam ahead!
Lovely double flowers on the Kerria. Most of the Kerrias near me are all but gone due to a blight that has knocked them all back in recent years, so it’s nice to be able to see yours in good health!
I like the idea of planting little Violas in between the veg plants. I might have to try it!
Thanks 🙂
Thank you! I’m very fond of the kerria—especially as the gophers don’t decimate them like they do almost everything else. Sorry to hear about the blight that knocked those in your area back. I was just enjoying your blog post too! Was trying to give it a star on the propagator page, but something must be wrong with my browser as it won’t let me. Will try again.
Looking lovely!
Thank you! 🙂
Love the photos!
Thank you so much! 🙂 Hope your garden is looking lovely!
Planted a California pipevine acquired at a native plant sale last year and was delighted to see new growth this spring. Hoping for visitors. What usda zone is your microclimate in?
I’m in Zone 9 USDA, or Sunset zone 14 or 15 (we’re on the cusp). The pipevine grows well here. We plant in gopher baskets but the gophers (so far) don’t seem to bother them. We got our original vine from Louise Hallberg — the wonderful woman who started a butterfly garden in Sonoma County decades ago. We planted the vine and it took a few years for the butterflies to find it and lay. Now we get lots every year. If you have other gardeners near you growing it, I bet they will find you sooner. We shared some caterpillars with a gardener in Santa Cruz last year as they had a huge vine and no butterflies for many years. Hope they find your vine soon! They are such a treasure to have around.
I love all the blossoms and flowers and as for petting a bumblebee wouldn’t that be fun?
Thanks Rosie! Maybe I’ll have a chat with the next bumblebee I see and ask if it would enjoy a little backrub. 🙂
I’d go along with the ID of quince. Cydonia oblonga is what we regard as the edible sort in various varieties. White or pale pink flowers, pear shaped fuzzy skinned fruit. Usually more tree-like than your picture. I don’t have to plant violas among my veg, they self sow in profusion with no help from me.
Thanks Jim! Very helpful about the edible quince. How sweet that your violas seed so freely. 🙂
Hi Lisa. We’ve just been to San Francisco to visit our son and I was quite jealous to see how advanced spring was in comparison to SW France. No buds on my walnuts or flowers on my apples and pears yet…
I noticed your protection around the crab apple and it looks just like mine! Darned deer love it – I guess that is what you are protecting it from?
BTW that looks just like our quinces here. Such pretty flowers!
Hi Lynne. Hope you had a lovely visit to SF! Yes, we are having a sunny early spring and everything is coming to life. I’m still hoping for more rain as we are still in a drought. Ha! Yes, my spouse puts fencing around all young trees to try to protect from deer. All trees are also planted in wire gopher baskets to protect from underground munching. Yes, I’m in love with that quince. I hope to ask my neighbors if I can have a cutting to root. I absolutely love reading your garden blog! It’s very inspiring and beautiful. Hope you have a fabulous gardening year! -lisa
What stunning colours. Your crabapple is a much darker shade than mine.
I wish I could remember which variety it is. Will have to see if I can find a tag. Hopefully it will make it to maturity, preserved from deer and gophers!
Beautiful spring garden and I love your black and yellow bumble. Amelia
Thanks Amelia! 🌷
Mmmmm! Apple blossoms… one of my all-time favorite fragrances. I always enjoy a virtual stroll through your sunny gardens as I am still waiting for sunshine, warmth, and anything to bloom here!
Right?! Apple blossoms are the best. Glad to provide some sunshine and spring until yours wakes up! Likewise, your blog always is a joy for me to read.