Spring rains

Hosta blossoms

I love spring rains. There is nothing more important for plants in your yard than natural rain. Everything seems to react quickly to it. More blossoms, new growth, greener leaves. During the summer months, when we have to water, we are just keeping them alive with basic sustenance. Natural rain on the other hand, delivers nutrients, minerals with the H2O. Something only found in nature.

We had quite a bit of rain here last week and early this week as tropical storm Andrea moved up the coast. Luckily for us there was no damaging winds or anything of that nature, just lots and lots of rain. Within 2 days after, the Gardenia bushes burst onto the scene, allowing us to pull them by the dozen, bring them inside to a bowl of fresh water, and enjoy their wonderful fragrance.

Gardenia in full bloom

large fragrant Gardenia blossom

Our Jasmine have been in bloom for a couple of weeks now, showering us with fantastic fragrance that intensifies in the evening and early morning. We have found that it takes a couple of years for it to become established, taking hits during the winter for the first years, but get hardier as time goes on. We have 3 large areas in the yard with the Jasmine.

Jasmine in full bloom

One of my favorites, the Day-lily, is just starting to bloom. We have several all around the yard and they do not disappoint. I love the fact that there are so many choices and they are extremely hardy, with almost no maintenance after planting other than the occasional separating.

Asiatic Lilies

the Day lilies on the right will open in a day or so

super bright yellow Asiatic Lily!