A little rain at least.

It's been dark and threatening all day with the feel of rain in the air. We have not had much rain this winter and every little bit is welcomed by me and all the gardeners I know. We did get some fairly heavy rain today but not for long, and although I can hear water rushing down the creek I doubt we had more than 2 inches. But the spring flowers will respond to every little bit and they are bursting with buds that just haven't quite come out yet. Some that have are below.

These Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchids) I first saw at Mayfield Gardens and loved. It took several tries but I've finally got them to start blooming. When my Byzantine Gladiolus bloom they will have a similar color. I seem to have various shades of purple blooming at present, which suits me as I'm fond of that color. I hope the Betilla last until the Byzantine Gladiolus blooms.



Here is a not very good photograph of some freesia's that decided to bloom this year. I must have planted these bulbs about three years ago and some tragedy (hail, dogs, etc) seems to destroy them each year. But this year they seem to like either 1) the amended soil, 2) the lack of rain 3) or the mild temperatures (cross fingers), I'm not sure which. It could just be that they have finally settled in and decided to make my garden home. I hope so as they are a beautiful soft mauve color and people who don't suffer from allergies tell me that they have a lovely scent.

I'm looking forward to a little cooler temperatures and I hope sun tomorrow. My Iris are looking rather bedraggled at present but they always seem to perk up when the weather suits them. I am in sympathy with them as I've noticed the same thing in myself.