In May I have plenty of the above - geranium phaeum - in different shades - in fact too much but it is one of my favourite plants. It seeds itself about but not too nuisance values and is such an undemanding but obliging plant. It does not seem to suffer from any ailments and the molluscs treat it with disdain. Oh the leaves do get mildew in prolonged dried spells but no danger of that this spring.
The aquilegias have arrived - I am not sure though yet whether 'Nora Barlow' is going to show up this year and will be disappointed if she doesn't. The plant above is a self seeded guest whilst below is an old favourite obtained from a seed exchange, possibly 'Hensol Harebell' if my memory serves me well ~
Another plant that I'm fond of polemonium caeruleum or Jacob's Ladder is showing colour. Firstly the stalwart ordinary version which seeds about ~
and one of cousins polemonium 'Lambrook Mauve' which is sterile but is easily divided in spring ~
The Pacific Coast Iris opened its one flower bud today - it must have known that it's a special day. I posted about this iris recently in what I have now christened my 'Not Waving But Drowning' border. Thanks for all your encouraging comments on that post which were much appreciated. Let's put it this way - there is definitely much more leaf than flower so the iris will be moving home later this year.
Two more May would not be withouts ~ polygonatum odoratum or 'Solomon's Seal' ~
and anthriscus sylvestris or cow parsley ~
Finally what would May be without a touch of blackthorn or May - I don't know about you but I'm definitely not casting a clout just yet ~
Much more May magnificence can be mulled over at May Dreams Gardens, with thanks to Carol as ever for hosting.
Beautiful shot of the Solomon's Seal..
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful tour!
I love this virtual tour of gardens in May. Thanks for sharing such wonderful blooms.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, All the sweetness of May in your photos. I especially love your photo of the cow parsley...it looks like fine tatting or needlework.
ReplyDeleteI hope the cold and hail departs soon and leaves you with some balmy, scented days ahead. :)
I love the iris, such a gorgeous colour. I've got lots of self seeded aquilegias, they're even popping up in between the paving.
ReplyDeleteSome lovely blooms. Geranium phaeum is on my must-add list at the moment, there are some beautiful varieties. It's a relief to see the hawthorn coming into blossom at last too - summer is on its way! Your solomon's seal look so serene, lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteSara
Beautiful flowers in spite of your weather. Geranium phaeum is starting to seed around the garden, will have to watch it. Solomon seal always looks so smart in its green and white outfit.All the lanes here are full of cow parsley, they look delightful. Lovely images, your garden must be really pretty at the moment.
ReplyDeleteA lovely selection of May flowers - I'm hoping my garden catches up with everyone elses soon - I don't know whay it is so far behind.
ReplyDeleteI'm a cow parsley fan too. Often it has purpley stems over here.
ReplyDeleteSolomon's seal is a star.
That's a lovely iris, Anna. Hope you find a nice new home for it for next year. I also have Geranium phaeum seeding itself around everywhere, but mine is darker, almost chocolatey... just pulled up loads of little ones to give friends (with a warning of course!).Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteMy Geranium phaeum album has some powdery mildew this year - I've no idea how it managed that given how much rain we've had.
ReplyDeleteI do like your Polemoniums - lovely colours.