firsts

Although the time of the tulips is over, life goes on. With the warmer weather, the first flowers of some species are just opening. The first chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata, above) opened today, and I crouched down to the ground to sniff its cocoa goodness.

The very first flowers of Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' opened this week, just a hint of the show to come.

The very first of the Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) opened yesterday, looking a little distorted. I expect that the perky daisies will open more perfectly within the week.


The sulfur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) has shed its winter burgundy, and has begun its spring show of chrome yellow. In a few weeks the yellow will turn golden and then accented red before fading.
The first flowers of this bearded iris (sold to me as 'Immortality') are opening today. I planted it last year, and although it developed many growths, it didn't bloom on them as 'Immortality' is suppposed to. I'll see what happens this year.
The great thing about this time of year is that despite the passing of some flowers, others are just beginning. It's the time of year to appreciate the flowers, for as summer's heat comes, there will be less.