What's Blooming

The skies outside my window are overcast and the deck of our balcony is damp from the misty light rain. Another day similar to those we enjoyed during the winters of Oregon. Yesterday, Ann and I returned to Home Depot and came home with another Martha Washington geranium and a pot of marigolds.  My Mother, Anna, and my Mother-in-Law, Ethel, always had marigolds in their gardens. The marigolds' yellow and orange blooms are a reminder of their vibrant lives.
 
Here are eight pictures of flowers that are blooming in the Prospect Gardens. The white delicate blossoms are some Sweet Woodruff that were planted several years ago. Ajuga are the  three small purple blooms. The cluster of leaves roughly in the middle of  the picture are weeds waiting to be removed.  This rainy Spring has meant plenty of weeds.

Here's the Golden Alexanders. It's their second year in the Gardens and transplanted from gardens on the near east side of Madison. 

Of course these are the lovely and delicate Columbine. This one is the progeny of seeds planted eight years ago when we began the Gardens. Others have spread throughout the Gardens. Wow, hard to believe it's been eight years.

I have no idea what species this is with its delicate light blue blooms on one stem. The plant is about a foot tall.  I do not recall planting this lovely addition to the Gardens. May it continue to thrive and spread.

These are the flowers of one of two Pagoda Dogwoods that I planted nearly five years ago. This is the first year they have blossomed. I have been waiting patiently for the arrival of these delicate blooms and now celebrate this developmental stage. They were about two feet tall when first planted and were on sale. Great investment. In the next few years, they will grow in height.

Pictured to the left is Solomon's seal.  These came from a friend's garden.  I so enjoy the delicate bell-like flowers. This plant loves the deep shade and nicely compliments hostas.

Spring would not be Spring without the Jack-in-the Pulpits. This one graces the hosta garden and is rather tall.

Prairie Smoke, an early bloomer, produces these beautiful pink star-like blooms.  This one in on the Dudgeon Monroe side of the Garden and another one resides in the Regent side of the Gardens. Last year I had about a half dozen, and two survived. Not a good survival rate, I would say.

The Gardens, like life itself, does constantly change as the seasons pass. Each plant has its life cycle. Some are with us for a long time while others just for a brief span; adding their beauty and then disappearing forever.