Among the Azaleas

There is nothing prettier than a woodland path, adorned with azaleas, from above and below...is there?

And, strolling beneath the canopy of filtered sunlight is somehow ethereal...at least, to me.

If you're not yet a collector of this beautiful spring-blooming shrub, there are many varieties to choose from...based on plant habits, sizes and color.

Though...like me, do you sometimes confuse an anzalea for a rhododendron?

Next time, count the stamens.  Azaleas tend to have only 5 or 6, while most rhodys have 10 stamens.  The leathery, broader leaves of the later...also a good giveaway.

Can't decide on which to plant?  Collect both, in every color!  But, be patient... 

They are slow growers.  And, like a fine wine, these gorgeous shrubs only get better and better with time.

Is it Fall....?!

Waking up with that nip in the air this morning sure felt like it!  Covering my petunias and tender annuals was a very smart move.

But, really, it IS only mid May.  I think we've been spoiled with the nice run of

warm temps and rain these past few weeks...

so life in the garden progressed that much sooner this year.  At least for me, here in central New Jersey.

Here I am at Longwood Gardens in mid April, and bulbs are already at peak bloom!

Being at the ready-set-go bell allowed me shots of a crowd-free landscape.
Of course I had to scramble here and there with a quick snap, snap, snap.

Breathtaking!  A whole grove of massive cherry trees!

I didn't mind that this couple beat me to this garden...
they sure added a touch of romance to this scene.

This image is kinda cool...

only because I used the wrong lens hood..lol!

Have you ever SEEN so many tulips in bloom?!

A feast for the senses that's for sure.

Wonder where my next excursion will take us...tune in to find out!

Thanks for stopping by, friends.



Wordless Wednesday...

Wordless Wednesday...

First Day of Spring!

This time yesterday, everywhere I looked, the garden was covered in snow.  The landscape was dull and grey...with one vibrant exception!

Funny how 24 hours can make such a difference!  Well, it hasn't changed this drastically!  But, oh...would be so nice, eh?  Let's stroll through this lovely garden display from the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Anywhere else, these bold colors would surely clash,

but in a garden...anything goes. 

Even this adorable little outhouse at the end of the path.

If you haven't tried growing tulips, they are easy!  Though if in Zones 8 and above, treat them as annuals.  This two-toned beauty is named Kees Nelis.  They last well cut, and even continue growing in a vase.  Try adding the petals to a salad...they are edible.  Really, they are!

Well, it's a gorgeous day so this gardener is headin' out to limb up and clean up.

Enjoy this first day of Spring, y'all!

Winter's Last Kiss

I didn't mind waking up to this scene yesterday...
but, let's hope it really IS the last

hurrah from Old Man Winter.

An opportunity for some pretty pics, at least.

Too bad I couldn't get this little guy to face me.

With clouds clearing and sunshine by midday, branches were quickly bare, and streets cleared, so I ventured out.

For more photos, of course.

This common merganser was well camouflaged, save that flash of beak!

Same with the grey heron!

Though enjoying my new found hobby of birding, I can't help but be most anxious for that first pop of color in my garden: Hellebores!

Thanks for stopping by, and, don't forget to 'Spring forward' tomorrow, friends!