Bloom Day - April 2018

We're finally starting to have temperatures above 65 F on a regular basis here in my Zone 8a garden in South Carolina.  The oak and pine tree pollen has been covering everything in a sulfur-yellow dust, so the regular rains that I dreaded during winter are much appreciated now!  I think the chance of frosts have passed and I can starting focusing on new planting projects!  Here's a look at what's been blooming in my garden lately:

The early old fashioned irises have been blooming their heads off!  There are a couple of other varieties forming buds now so the iris show will continue for a few more weeks.

My favorite old fashioned purple and mauve iris.

Old fashioned white "cemetery" iris.

Another example of my favorite blue & yellow plant combination; although this one was a happy accident:  'May Night' Salvia & 'Ascot Rainbow' Euphorbia. 

Sweet William

Electric pink dianthus blooms.

Variegated Weigela - the foliage looks beautiful in floral arrangements.

The Southern Indica azaleas did not do too well this year due to the snow and late frosts damaging many of the buds but the blooms I did have were beautiful as always.  (Top:  'George L Tabor', Middle:  'Formosa', Bottom:  a reblooming Encore Azalaea)

The Heucheras and Ajuga are still blooming.

Even though we've have several humid days with temps in the 80s, the violas and snapdragons are still looking quite nice.