Things are starting to wake up in my central Ohio zone 6b garden, helped by plenty of rain and mild temperatures.
Up first is blue false indigo (baptisia australis). I've had this lovely native plant for many years and always enjoy it's lovely purple blooms.
My purple bearded iris (unknown variety) are also blooming. Not only are they gorgeous, but so far they've been completely deer resistant, something that is becoming more critical in my garden these days. And bonus, all of my irises were a gift from two generous neighbors.
Fellow native Monarda bradburiana is also blooming. This one is growing through a cloche to keep it safe from the deer and menagerie of critters who reside in our back yard (bunnies, groundhog and racoons, oh my!). Did I mention I live in the middle of the city?
Various types of allium are blooming throughout the garden, like a display of purple fireworks. It's another beauty the deer leave alone.
I've had two Miss Kim Lilacs for at least 17 years and they were starting to look worse for the wear. Last year I nervously did a significant prune and am really pleased to see all the new growth at the bottom. This year I plan to prune the old growth even further.
The pansies I bought in late March are still blooming away thanks to the real summer heat not arriving yet, which is fine by me. Just another reminder for me that it's worth it to buy spring annuals; these have brought a lot of color and joy for the last two months.
Lastly, we have the rare Toby flower, who would like to be outside as much as possible, but alas is only permitted supervised visits. He too spends most of his outside time in the garden beds.
That's it for this month in my garden, but visit May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming elsewhere.
I love that Baptisia, a species I tried in my current garden only to see it promptly depart the premises. I expect my cat Meeko would enjoy time out in the garden but I'm afraid she'd wander off and run into one of the coyotes that can't be trusted to stick to overnight hours - she has to make do with her enclosed "catio."
ReplyDeleteToby is jealous of Meeko's catio! If we had one, he wouldn't need to go out either. We carefully watch him, but he generally sticks close by.
DeleteI'm surprised your Baptisia survives the deer grazing--I've been trying to grow some in my garden and it always gets eaten back. Amazed that your Monarda is already in bloom too, but perhaps it's an early variety? My Jacob Kline Monarda won't bloom until mid June. Your kitty looks so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Elena! It's interesting the deer eat your baptisia, that's one I can't remember them ever eating mine and I don't even spray it with a deterrent, like I have to do with many things if I want to keep them. Now the coneflowers, monarda, Joe Pye Weed, etc., they have already gotten this year.
DeleteThat Monarda does bloom much earlier than the hybrid Monarda I have out front, but it's also it's first year blooming.