Happy GBBD!

There’s quite a bit going on in my garden today, so thankfully I remembered to snap a few pics before the rain rolled in. The new peonies I planted last fall are growing quickly, and a few are showing buds. The lilies I bought this year at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show are poking their heads up and looking around for sun. The ferns, hostas and hellebores are stretching out new foliage in a beautiful, crisp light green. The Japanese maples are finally fleshed out, and begging to be pruned.

There’s some great color, too. Unfortunately all the tulips and narcissus came after last month’s Bloom Day post, and have already retired for the season. But here’s what’s showing now… (click on an image for a closer look)…

Hey, hey — Columbine!

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Winky Double Red-White’

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Winky Double Rose-White’

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Ruby Port’

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Ruby Port’

These English Daisies make me want to baby talk, and pinch some cheeks. Seriously.

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This pink clematis rambles through my Bloodgood Japanese Maple, and the colors look so great together. I really need to get out there and prune the tree so it’s a bit more shapely and airy, and then we’ll be able to see the clematis a bit better as well. Win-win!

Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’

My first iris opened a couple of days ago. Not just the first of the season, but my first ever iris. I planted several last fall, including some from my sister’s garden. I can’t wait for those to bloom, because I have no idea what color they are.

My first iris, ever.

The Bleeding Hearts are still dancing and sparkling in the shade garden, especially the King of Hearts. I added several of these to the mix earlier this spring — hot pink hearts on blue-green, fern-like foliage. So damn cute.

Dicentra spectabilis Alba

Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’

I have two of these Henry’s Red rhododendrons. The photos don’t do justice to their beautiful merlot color…

Rhododendron x ‘Henry’s Red’ (H-1)

So, what’s blooming in your garden? Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to spend a little time at May Dreams Gardens to peek in other beautiful gardens around the world.