Spring and Summer Garden

We had a glorious spring beginning in mid March with azaleas, bridal wreath, daffodils, iris, and amaryllis blooming. We actually had a winter this year with sustained days of cold weather and it made a huge difference in everyone's shrubs and flowers. All the flowers were more prolific and the colors more vibrant. I can remember winters that we didn't need to wear coats but this year we were pulling out heavy coats and sweaters we had not worn in years. 

Daffodils are one of the first spring bulbs to grace us with their beauty. I always am excited when I see them coming up knowing that spring will soon be here.

George Tabor pink and Mrs. G.G.Gerbing white azaleas have the most pleasant fragrance and this year they were especially pretty all over town.

This picture was made as the sun was coming up early one spring morning. I actually remember it was on my birthday, March 22nd.

All along my driveway I have a variety of azalea colors.

I finally had a few iris to bloom this year and hoping more will bloom next year. They have been moved several times in hopes they would do better in other spots.

 My amaryllis are multiplying and I am so happy about that.

 This was an early morning shot with the morning sun glistening through the trees.

Bridal wreath bloomed right on time in March.

I set a tea table in front of the bridal wreath which can be viewed here.

 I was pleased the salvia came back after a cold winter. It's on my list to plant more.

My clemantis is so faithful and always delights. I love perennials that come up year after year right on time. I lost my white clemantis and want to replace it. In south Alabama we consider summer in full swing on Memorial Day in late May. So now you will be seeing my summer flowers that started blooming in May.

Lace  cap hydrangea.

Merritt Pink Hydrangea

Several of my hydrangeas are very large. This one was larger than my dinner plate. We have had quite a lot of rain and hydrangeas love water.

Last week one of my friends asked if she could bring several friends and walk through my garden. I couldn't resist setting up a tablescape among the hydranges.  I was itching to use the tablecloth again that Rita@Panoply gave me with my hydrangeas in mind. You can see the post about Rita's gift here. I also opened up a box of dishes that had been stored for 35 years. These Blue Garland Johann Haviland Bavarian plates were my mothers from the 1970's.

I cut gardenias, some Nikko Blue hydrangeas and a few pieces of dusty miller for an arrangement. Did you know that dusty miller won't die back from the cold ( in our area at least) and I was glad to find out you can root it.

 The gardenias pictured above I rooted from an old fashioned variety that has large blossoms. It rooted very easily in our sandy soil.

I enjoyed sharing my spring and early summer garden with you today. Thanks for stopping by. I have been on a trip and have been sick so I have missed everyone for the last month.

Today,  Pam @Everyday Living is starting her Gardens Galore Link Up Party for another season. Be sure and stop by Pam @Everyday Living today and see all the garden posts.

Joining: Gardens Galore  Metamorphosis Monday   Show and Share  The Scoop  Celebrate and Decorate  Inspire Me Tuesday  Wow Us Wednesday  Tablescape Thursday  Share Your Style Party  Share Your Cup Full Plate Thursday  Feathered Nest Friday  Dishing It & Digging It   Calypso in the Country Sunday's At Home