This Week in the Garden – May 10

As we begin to head into late Spring, I’m surprised by how many ‘summer’ plants I see up already. We’ve had some days hot enough to be summer already. The late azaleas are out in force now. There are a few that have yet to open, and the big show is pretty much over. I still have plenty to see though…

Some More Azaleas in the back

You can also see the Hostas coming out in full force. I haven’t noticed any evidence that the deer have found them yet.

Azalea next to house and deck

Last week I shared a picture of this azalea just beginning to bloom, but this week it’s been gorgeous.

Azalea flowers

I think the flowers look almost tropical.

Azalea flowers

These azalea flowers are around the corner under the deck. So many different varieties! I noticed one of my neighbors has an orange-flowered variety.

Rhododendron

Pink Columbine out front

More columbine! They’ve really been going crazy this year!

Dark Pink Columbine

Dark Purple Columbine

Clematis

This clematis out by the mailbox is going gangbusters. I found another one blooming by the back fence next to the ‘veggie’ bed.

Fleabane

This Fleabane (Aster) is a bright spot in a shady area.

White Bleeding Heart

Another shade lover, the white bleeding heart, was at its peak this week. The pink version has just about finished up already.

Spiderwort

In the lower garden, the spiderwort has several blooms open.

White Spanish Bluebells

And these white Spanish bluebells appeared. You can see the flowers on a light pink azalea behind it fading fast.

Smoke Tree flowers

Some of the more sun loving plants include this smoke tree- just starting to flower. I’m hoping to see the ‘smoke’ next week.

Purple Oxalis

The purple Oxalis has exploded back and is already flowering. It might be time to divide this up a little bit…

Eglantyne Rose

I cut this beauty back in early Spring because it was getting a bit leggy. So many beautiful blooms- but I think next week is going to be the show stopper for this beautiful David Austin Rose.

Fourth of July Roses

It’s hard to get a good shot of the Fourth of July roses because they’re up so high.I cut these beauties back too. There was a lot of dead wood, and they were also trying to take over the veggie patch. Last year they just about attacked a few tomatoes.

‘Indian Chief Iris

I’m so pleased to see one of the Irises I planted last year blooming! I planted it out front where it would get a lot of sun, and I was treated to a show this week. I’m hoping to see more and more of these as the years go on.

Bugs in Slender Deutzia

And lastly, just a few bugs I saw hanging out in the slender Deutzia. I’m not sure what they were, smaller than most of the pollinators I know. Any ideas?