Pulsatilla Vulgaris-Pasque Flower

One of my favorite early Spring flowers! The pulsatilla, or Pasque flower. The name Pasque relates to the time of year that is blooms in early Spring and Easter. Though these were taken on Apil 29, much later than the holiday of Easter due to our snows. From Wikipedia: "The genus Pulsatilla contains about 33 species of herbaceous perennials native to meadows and prairies of North America, Europe, and Asia. Common names include pasque flower (or pasqueflower), wind flower, prairie crocus, Easter Flower, and meadow anemone. Several species are valued ornamentals because of their finely-dissected leaves, solitary bell-shaped flowers, and plumed seed heads. The showy part of the flower consists of sepals, not petals." My favorite part of this plant is how fuzzy and soft it is...it is as soft as it looks! And the blossoms last for a long time. Even after they are finished, these flowers leave interesting seed pods behind. A very special plant indeed. If you are hiking in the mountains and foothills here in Colorado, they cover the hillsides in the Spring as a native plant. Keep your eyes out for this unique Spring plant.

Amaryllis Meeting-LOVE

This amaryllis did a dance today. First shot at 11:02 am and by 5:09 pm they had come together. :)

Paperwhites

The paperwhite narcissus is the December birth flower. Legend states that after Narcissus died, Apollo turned him into the flower narcissus. Paperwhites are grown from bulbs and are native to the Mediterranean.

The paperwhite narcissus is a cousin to the daffodil flower. This flower is easy to force bloom indoors. The strong scent is either loved or hated. The paperwhite is the only narcissus variety that does not require a cold and dark period to bloom. The paperwhite is the most popular variety of narcissus. This flower means that the recipient of the paperwhites is sweet.

Frank Francisconi-Rest in Peace

Another dear octogenarian friend passed away today. Frank Francisconi- a sweet Italian, WW II vet who was very proud of that! He was my garden friend from CT where I lived many years ago. We worked together for years at an amazing estate on the ocean in Waterford, CT. cutting back roses, deadheading, and eating tomatoes out of the garden; biting into them just like an apple. He took care of their glass, historical greenhouse and grew spectacular hibiscus all winter long. He worked for the same family gardening for over 65 years. His simple ways and deep appreciation for flowers and big bright blooms will surely be missed by many. He was dear to me and I am grateful for this photo taken on a recent summer visit.

Still my Favorite Perennial-Anenome Sylvestris Snowdrop

"Spirit of Spring, thy coverlet of snow
Hath fallen from thee, with its fringe of frost,
And where the river late did overflow
Sway fragile white anemones, wind-tossed."

-Lady Olive Eleanor Custance
(1874-1944

Today in the Garden

Morning Glory-Ipomoea nil, Sunflower-Helianthus maximillianii, and Cosmos-Compositae.

Zinnia Picking

You can go to Munson Farms on 75th and Valmont in Boulder, CO and pick zinnias. They are beautiful and only 5 for a buck! What a treat and a good deal for you brides if you are looking for some inexpensive flowers for your wedding.

Keeping an eye out for Spring-see more of this photographic work at Studio Darshan in Nederland, CO www.studiodarshan.com