Mid-April bloom diary

Apple blossoms at their peak just a week ago

(Is it still mid-April? Close enough?)

Dogwoods around the neighborhood—blossom time is fading, they’re beginning to leaf out.

My apple blossoms are now a carpet of petals on the grass.

Rhododendrons in glorious color everywhere I look! Including ours, out the kitchen window.

This morning the first California poppies have shed their little hats.

The tiny lupine I planted two years ago is now an enormous bush. Flower spikes just beginning to open. Leaves are covered with ladybugs. We’re all quite excited.

Oh but WHERE is my asparagus??? It flourished so beautifully in Year One. So far, Year Two is…nothing.

I planted one little camas lily last year and it’s in bloom now. Starry dark violet blossoms on a slender stalk.

The serviceberry I planted last spring is in bloom and looks happy in its spot. Blueberries are covered with blossoms. Strawberries have taken over both sides of the white fence. (I’m not complaining.)

Our neighbor, a landscaper, very kindly pruned my overgrown Japanese maple that borders our property. He did a marvelous job. I’m so grateful. He also pruned the roses & raspberries in late winter. Living next door to an amiable gardening professional is an unexpected perk of buying this house.

Speaking of: we just passed the two-year mark!