Savoring Spring

I'm enjoying every moment of this spring!  Each morning something new escapes from winter's grasp, much to my delight.  Flower beds have fresh mulch, the vegetables are planted, and a few annuals have gone in here and there...my work is done.  Now, I'm just enjoying the coming out party.

'Climbing Iceberg' Rose

Most of my roses are covered with buds, but still only a few are blooming.  This is 'Autumn Sunset'.

'Don Juan' Rose

Desert Roses are blooming too.

First red daylily to bloom is 'Challenger'.

Also, out in the front garden, the Red-Leaf Plum trees are blooming...

I'm at the southern end of their growing range, so I don't expect fruit.  I planted them for their red foliage.

Beautiful morning...

Agapanthus and Daylilies are ready to burst.  I should have separated a few
 of the Agapanthus clumps, as some are nearly four foot wide...next year, on my list. 

One of the new beds this year has been planted with an array of seeds...Zinnias, Tithonia, Purple Coneflower, and probably some surprises.

A sweet garden adornment, from a sweet sister-in-law.

Under the oaks, the shade gardens are slowly beginning to fill.  I'm in no hurry, as I'm enjoying watching each Caladium leaf unfurl.  Hostas are popping up everywhere, and I'm glad I took the time last year to divide them ...wish I'd gotten around to those Agapanthus.

 Hostas are emerging at the front of the bed, and many more will follow.  In just as few short weeks, you won't be able to see the ground in any of the shade gardens.  I won't say, 'I can't wait'...because I'm making a conscious effort to enjoy spring slowly this year.

Rex Begonia

Farfugium japonica,  or 'tractor seat', is going to do well in my shade garden.  This plant was purchased in February, setting new blooms now.

Long post, but I have to include a few birds.  Red-Bellied Woodpecker, male, in our oak...

His mate in the feeder.  Subtle difference in their red caps , his being larger.

Pileated Woodpecker

Female, because of the black forehead.

Female Wood Duck...she's been coming to the box each morning.  After checking everything out, she goes inside, presumably to lay an egg.

Her mate swims around in the canal, waiting for her to get through.  This was the first time I've been able to get a picture of his 'good' side, with his long crest revealed.

Resident, Carolina Wren, singing joyfully.

Thank you for visiting.  I hope your spring is wondrous, and you are all doing well.