Although I’ve always loved the abundance of spring, I’ve never seen it in such profusion until I moved to Virginia.
In Texas, spring is hallmarked by the abundance of bluebonnets that turn fields into an azure shade, provided there was plentiful rain in the winter.
Since I live in central Texas where the soil is alkaline, which results in plants other than the popular ones in East Texas and beyond, which have acidic soil.
In Virginia, we have acidic soil, so I have been growing a new array of plantings, which has been a journey for me.
Although I try my best while reading other’s research, I also experiment with types not necessarily popular in the area.
Like Thomas Jefferson, I make note of my experimentations and learn from misakes, sometimes achieving success with a plant not seen in most gardens around here.
REDBUD TREES
Since our redbud tree is growing larger, the blooms are more profuse than ever.
These were some of my favorite trees even in San Antonio, so I’m glad I can grow them here too.
Interestingly, the leaves that come out after the bloom are heart-shaped.
CHERRY TREES
Even though we can easily see the famous cherry trees of the Tidal Basin of Washington DC, I’m glad we can grow them here, too.
This tree is also growing well, more full of blooms than ever.
BLUEBELLS
Not in my garden are bluebells, that we can easily see with a simple walk to Broad Run.
Although we access the nature trail by the main road, if we were adventurous, we could simply walk down the hill in the photo above, because Broad Run is down there.
CRABAPPLE TREE
And then the crabapple tree bloomed abundantly, again, more each year since it began as a small planting.
DOGWOOD
Virginia’s state flower and state tree, the dogwood, might be my favorite for it’s lovely uniqueness.
FOXGLOVES
Completely new to me is the growing of foxgloves, which don’t easily grow in San Antonio.
Surrounded by them at the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg when we visit, they are remarkable.
Blooming the end of April, they were still hanging on a few weeks later.
CREEPING PHLOX
I purchased this lavender creeping phlox at Mount Vernon when we first moved here, and it spreads so nicely.
AZALEAS
The ombre range of pinks is interesting for the azalea.
PEONIES
Of all the flowers, peonies are now my favorite.
I love the look of the buds as compared to the blossom.
Although a couple of peonies were here when we moved in, I bought more since there was plenty of empty space waiting for beauty.
ALIUM
I love the alium, which stands tall over the other flowers in the garden, adding an interesting texture and pop of color.
I love this range of pinks to purples against the grey-green of the house siding.
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
