Tag: Lilac trees

Rain Can’t Wash Out Spring’s Colours

Rain Can’t Wash Out Spring’s Colours

In our part of the country we may be setting a record for the amount of rainfall this spring but, on the up-side, things have seldom grown so fast.  The plants are taller and the greenery is greener, and we can still find spots of colour under cloudy skies.

Papery-thin petals of a tree paeony slowly unfold.
Papery-thin petals of a tree paeony slowly unfold.
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An Azalea “flame” shares a border with a “Bridal Wreath” Spirea.
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This peach-coloured Azalea has a lovely fragrance to match its delicate colouring.
As the season moves on, the lilacs are already beginning the transition from blossom to seed pod.
As the season moves on, the lilacs are already beginning the transition from blossom to seed pod.
This Rhododendron with its creamy blossoms is an unidentified specimen from the late Captain Steele's collection.  eye
This rain-spattered Rhododendron is an unidentified variety obtained from the late Captain Steele.
Siberian irises add a bold splash of purple to the ever-present greenery.
Siberian irises add a bold splash of purple to the ever-present greenery.
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Kerria japonica produces double buttercup-like flowers, rather like pom-poms.

These plants are a sample of the many varieties now in bloom in Chester gardens despite the unusual weather patterns we’re experiencing this spring.  Anyone looking for more exotic garden species, might do well to attend the next meeting of Chester Garden Club, on June 17th, when the guest speaker will be giving a presentation on Orchids.  For details, check out the poster on the Current Activities page of the blog.

Bloom Day North in May

Bloom Day North in May

To continue our custom of acknowledging plants in bloom on the 15th of the month, we are pleased to include the following varieties on this day in Chester. The first two are small ground covers – a Euphorbia nestled among a few granite rocks and a scattering of violets that have invaded a pebbly path.

a sunny euphorbia nestled among rocksa carpet of violets

lilac buds about to open
Above, we have a cluster of buds of Syringa vul. President Grevy, appearing like miniature grapes, not quite actually in bloom but so full of promise in colour and fragrance that we had to include them.   Below, two clumps of daffodils are nodding in the breeze: (N. Merlin, if my records are correct) on the left,  and N. Cheerfulness on the right.
  
daffodils N. cheerfulness
PJM rhododendron
The PJM Victor Rhodo, with its delicate blossoms,  is one of the first to brighten the landscape, as is the rhododendron Aglo, seen below. 

yellow primula

Yellow and mauve Primulas, and a thick tapestry of ruby-coloured blooms flowing over a garden wall, add more delightful  spring colours to Chester gardens in mid-May. [thanks to Sandy for her photos]