The first week of May is always a season of anticipation… there’s just so much about to spring forth…

Lily-of-the-Valley. I brought these from the townhouse and they’ve done great here. When they are done blooming, I’ll be moving them all into the Woodland garden where they can really shine (right now they are hidden by day lilies)

Spanish Bells. These were a new addition to the Woodland Garden in Fall. I wasn’t sure how they’d fare, but I’ve got several clumps coming up. They were supposed to be a mix of pink, white, blue and purple, but it’s looking like they might all be purple.

Foxglove. The one plant that has absolutely THRIVED here. I have soooo many all through the gardens. It’s going to be an amazing year for foxgloves (plus I bought more seeds!!!)

Peonies. This one is Coral Sunset, but I have several plants coming up, including four which were planted last year. One called Raspberry Sunday (pink/yellow mix), and the other three are a surprise – they were in a mixed bag and could be pink, red or white!

Raspberries. The Raspberries have gone absolutely WILD this year. I’ve pulled up a pile of sprouts that have come up all over the place. It’s going to be a yearly job to keep the raspberries contained! But well worth it. I’ve got red everbearing (which give fruit in early summer and fall), and the golden ones, which are so delicious!

Columbine: You saw the red dwarf version last weekend. They are always the first to bloom, but it’s bigger cousins aren’t far behind. I’ve got six or seven clumps throughout the gardens. And I don’t know what colours all of them are – several were bought in fall and not in bloom! It’s going to be wonderful to learn what I got! Like a lottery you can’t lose!

Honeysuckle. I’ve got two honeysuckle vines – the common pink/gold combo is on the catio. This one is gold and orange, and it’s on the dress form in the front garden. I can’t wait to see it in full bloom.

Yellow False Indigo: I’m very excited about this one. I bought it the first year we were here, but the spot I put it in was too shady and it didn’t bloom. I moved it last year, and while it grew fine, it didn’t bloom. I’d actually thought I might have lost it this year, but all of a sudden it came up – and now it’s growing like crazy – and putting on flower buds!!! (It’s also a native plant, though I didn’t know that when I first bought it!)

All of this beauty is about to burst forth – the garden is going to look very different by this time next week!