Muscari

Our various Muscari planted throughout the flowerbeds are at peak bloom right now. Unfortunately, we have lost the names of most of them but it certainly doesn't stop us from enjoying their beauty.

This one might just be my favorite. It begins as a deep blue at the base of the bloom. The middle section is a pretty medium blue and it is topped by a white crown.

Perfection in such a small little package.

This clump is more of the traditional Grape Hyacinth.

It reliably produces loads of blooms each year.

Here's another favorite of mine. Deep purple on the bottom topped off with lavender at the top. The plant doesn't make a lot of blooms, but even with just four or five blooms a year, it is worth having in your garden.

Now this group certainly doesn't look like the traditional grape hyacinth. Each tube on these big, fat periwinkle blooms are shredded or torn. 

Each bloom looks a little bit like a fireworks explosion.

Here is another "non-Traditional" Muscari. We actually have the tag still next to this clump. It is "Muscari Plumosum".

Another Muscari with a case of bed-head but in a rich plum color. We also have a few other varieties of Muscari planted thought the various flowerbeds. They are early blooming types and have mostly finished up for the season. One of my favorites is pictured below. A simple, pure white Muscari that I purchased a few years ago.

Lilacs

Across from the Big Garden, our neighbor's Lilacs are blooming. They have three old bushes that were planted long ago by the former owners of the home and property. While the variety names have been lost over the years, their beauty each Spring carries on.

I am guessing that two of plants are the same variety since the blooms are the same, soft lavender/pink color. 

Since the day was sunny and warm, the air was filled with the unmistakable lilac fragrance.

These lilacs, like so many other plants this Spring, are ahead of schedule. Typically, they would be in full bloom closed to the May 1st. But this year we get to enjoy them a few weeks early.

Jamestown Daffodil

My clump of "Jamestown" daffodils in the front flowerbed are just finishing up their yearly display. It is one of the very last varieties to bloom each year, so I think it makes me appreciate it that much more. I purchased this Irish introduction in Maine during a trip in the Fall of 2012. The bulbs have settled in nicely and I had 30 blooms this year.

Apple Blossoms

Our wild apple tree, growing through the fir trees at the bend in our driveway, is just coming into bloom.

Most of the year you don't notice the poor bent apple, as it is so twisted and hidden among the competing fir trees. But then each Spring, for a week or two, it demands attention as it bursts into bloom.

The apple buds are a deep pink and open to a soft shell pink.

As the days go by, and they are exposed to the sun, the petals turn white.

The color change makes for such a pretty, feminine display.