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| Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata |
Welcome to Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day for March 2012.
Here in my USDA Hardiness Zone 6a garden in central Indiana, the blooms are either quite confused or we are enjoying a very early spring.
I see flowers blooming that I’ve never seen blooming in mid-March and then I go inside and check the calendar.
Yes, it is mid-March.
In past years, mid-March was the peak of Iris reticulata bloom and the beginning of the grand show of crocus blooms. I checked every year to verify this. 2007. 2008. 2009. 2010. 2011. The posts from these past March bloom days are filled with pictures of irises and crocuses.
Not so this year. The Irises are nearly gone and the crocuses are not far behind them, especially those planted several years ago.
Newer plantings from last fall are still going strong, including these crocuses that I planted in the back lawn.
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| Garden fairy view of crocus in the lawn |
I need to plant more crocus in the lawn next spring for an even bigger display.
In past years hellebores (Helleborus sp.), Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa sp.) and windflowers (Anemone sp.) would still be in bud in mid-March.
This year they are all blooming.
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| Hellebores |
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| Glory of the Snow |
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| Windflowers |
Elsewhere in the garden, a few of my favorite flowers, violas, managed to survive the winter up near the house where they got some radiant warmth from the brick. They’ve formed some nice clumps and have been blooming like crazy for several weeks, begging to be included in this bloom day post.
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| Beloved, most favored, violas |
I like to oblige my flowers and do as they say.
We even broke a weather record on the 14th with a new record high temperature of 80 F. The previous record of 79 F was set in 1990. No wonder the flowers are all going crazy and blooming like it is April.
What’s blooming in your garden today? Is spring arriving early for you, too?
We would love to have you join in for Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day and tell us. It’s easy to participate and all are invited!
Just post on your blog about what’s blooming in your garden on the 15th of the month and leave a comment to tell us what you have waiting for us to see so we can pay you a virtual visit. Then enter your name and the url to your bloom day post on the Mr. Linky widget below so we can all find your post.
That’s it, unless you also want to take the tiny, little extra step to vote for Garden Blog of the Year. May Dreams Gardens is one of the blogs included as a finalist. Just follow the link to vote. You can vote once every 24 hours until March 21st.
All are welcome for bloom day!
“We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” ~ Elizabeth Lawrence
Yes, it's been an odd year here as well. Some things are early (it rained in September). Some things are late (it's been quite cold). As for the poppies, I'm not sure they'll manage to bloom this year – not enough rain.
Makes me all the happier about the things that do bloom. Happy bloom day!
Whoa! I can't believe all the blooms in March. It's rare that I'm jealous of midwest weather this time of the year, but all my friends back in Wisconsin sound like they're having a blast in the 75 degree heat. Lots of much needed cold rain going on in our parts. Happy Bloom Day!
Hi Carol, I dosed on the couch a few minutes so I could link in yet this evening. I have this week off of work, and am having a fun time doing my spring garden clean up. It is here early, and I hope it stays.
I like all those crocuses in your lawn. We have new renters in a house down the block. I bet they were surprised to see all the bulbs blooming in their lawn. I hope they like them. They or the owner of the house planted a lawn where the vegetable garden used to be. I hated to see that.
Hoping to catch up with you and the other members of the Green Banditas at the 2012 Fling. Happy Bloom Day, Carol.
Equally strange Spring in Wisconsin though not so far advanced as yours. Wonder what the weather will be like in May? Love the crocuses in the lawn; quite magical.
Odd here too. 76° in March???? Snow a couple of days ago? Oh well, make the best of it I guess.
We've had spring since about the first of March here in Southeast Texas. More importantly, we've had rain! So far, it is a rainy beginning to the year. Hurray!
Happy Bloom Day.
Ditto here, except we're just a bit behind you which makes sense with the zones. It sure is comfortable, but I worry about the bugs this summer. Thanks for hosting, Carol.
There seem to be change in the air in so many places when it comes to the arrival of Spring. Of course, here it's the beginning of Autumn and there's still lots of colour around the place. Loved the patch of Violas and all those beautiful Crocuses in the lawn.
All your blooms are pretty, but the Star Magnolia is really stunning!
Thanks for hosting GBBD!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
80*F that is amazing – no wonder the plants are confused! That magnolia bloom is amazing, as are the violas. we are still in the thick of the wet season, but I managed to find a few soggy blooms to post about. I have added my link
It has been a most unusual year weather wise and Spring is definitely bursting out all over. Your garden blooms are lovely! Hapy GBBD!
Thanks again, I loves me some flower photos.
Hi Carol,
how interesting! And how wonderful, you hosting GBBD for such a long time! I don´t know if I´ll do it for years…
🙂
Greetings from Berlin!
Gesine
Wow! You do have quite a bit blooming for Zone 6a and I can't believe it's been 80 already! I live in Zone 6 but just have a couple of things in bloom and I would say we are just a week ahead of the norm. Love the idea of crocuses in the lawn. I need to try it in the front lawn. The violas are gorgeous too! Thank you for hosting…
Wow! You do have quite a bit blooming for Zone 6a and I can't believe it's been 80 already! I live in Zone 6 but just have a couple of things in bloom and I would say we are just a week ahead of the norm. Love the idea of crocuses in the lawn. I need to try it in the front lawn. The violas are gorgeous too! Thank you for hosting…
Hellebores! I love looking at those tender blooms. And Pansies – they are so vibrant! I really should grow some in a pot. Maybe next time I'm at the nursery I'll get some though.
Thanks as ever – we do appreciate your hosting this meme where we can visit you and other fellow bloggers' gardens to enjoy the seasonal blooms!
Lovely to see your spring flowers – have a look at my post at Deep Into the Darkness Peering for some autumn beauty!
Its interesting as my crocus are out like yours but my Magnolia stellata and my windflowers arent showing any signs of flowering yet.
Happy GBBD
Quite mild weather in Northern Ireland as well and many plants seem earlier. Such a great time!
It's all topsy turvy here too Carol.
There comes a time when gardens like yours overtake the early start we UK gardeners have had blooms wise. The appearance of your Magnolia flowers seems to suggest that it's happened this year much earlier than usual. Mine is still firmly in bud!
Carol, your spring is just gorgeous…you are a bit ahead of me this year…my crocus in the grass I just planted in the fall has popped up…exciting to see spring come early…
It's a warm spring here too – delightful weather and the busy season in full swing for sure!
What pretty blooms you have out at the moment. Love the magnolia and the hellebores, and windflowers. The glory of the snow is new to me but so lovely.
Yes, spring is early here too. They are forecasting record breaking temperatures today as it is expected to be 84. I hope this is no indication of what sort of summer we have to look foward to. Thank you for hosting another GBBD.
I'm writing this and birds are singing away. I can hear them through the open window. This is winter in Chicagoland isn't it?
And in the other hemisphere we are still locked in summer heat, waiting for autumn coolth and rain so we can get planting.
Spring is indeed very early! Although you might actually be a few days ahead of us (here in 7a Maryland). I still have crocuses…
Well the fairies have been quite busy in your yard and mine. This weather is just silly, although I have to say having the windows open and wearing shorts in mid-March I do love!
It's great to be able to do my first GBBD in Elizabeth Lawrence country, Carol. I am gardening on a deck now in a rental home but its amazing what will grow in a pot here, even in the winter. I see you are having a record warm winter in Indiana as well. Hope this trend continues.
The weather is crazy warm here. I took my pictures on Tuesday and by the end of the day yesterday a lot more plants had poked up out of the soil (and it was hot enough just outside Philly to dry out the soil in by sunny bed). Unfortunately it meant that most of my snowdrops wilted. I did actually see several of my hosta grow yesterday as well. It went from no sign of them to the one variety being about 5" tall in one day!
Magnolia stellata 'Dr. Merrill' always a favorite!
Thank you for hosting Bloom Day.
Hi Carol, I’m so excited to be able to participate again for the third time here at GBBD. Spring in London is pretty much on schedule and I am enjoying the warm sunshine – today we are expecting 16-17 degrees Celsius.
Loved your photos of early starters, it’s nice to compare how gardens around the world are doing right now. Happy GBB Day!
Yes, spring is here! Crocuses, hellebores, seeds in ground, kids in shorts, cravings for ice cream. Gorgeous star magnolia!
Thanks for hosting March GBBD. This is a gret forum and I enjoy all of the comments and observations.
Here's to starting off the season right – by remembering to post for GBBD! Happy gardening, Laura
Wow! Your weather has been amazing. So many wonderful things blooming in March!
It has not been quite that balmy here… with snow coming and going with a few hours. But this week has been in the 60's, so everything has lept and I am thankful I was able to get everything mulched.
Thanks,
Julie
It really is an amazing year but to be honest I would rather get back to normal. A lawn of crocus would be amazing Carol. As every gardener we look to the next year and how we will better our garden. Hope winter stays away from your door.
Congratulations on your blog's nomination as Blog of the Year! Well done! Isn't it wonderful to have spring come a little early? I'm enjoying every second of it!
Gorgeous gardens and gorgeous blooms, what more could a gardener ask for? Happy Gardening everyone!
Happy Spring Carol!
I love your lawn crocuses, and your violas are so happy and colorful.
Congratulations on your nomination for Garden Blog of the Year!
Thanks garden fairies for the work you do here! Happy gardening all.
Your weather has been amazing. So pretty to see all your blooms.
I'm featuring our native Bluebonnets this month.
http://rockoakdeer.blogspot.com/2012/03/bluebonnets-gbbd-2012.html
Hi Carol,
Hope you are doing well. I saw a cute hoe sign at the Indiana Flower and Patio Show and I thought of you. Take a look at the pic on my blog.
Debbie
I was at the botanic gardens today and saw tulips blooming along side snow drops. I'm not sure I've ever seen that particular combo before. Strange spring indeed!
I love your Magnolia stellata. One Magnolia I would love to have. Spring is early here too, too early. I must enjoy your Violas vicariously, because our "winters" of cool alternating with heat waves toast Violas and Pansies. Happy Bloom Day!
Your March garden looks as if it is filling with blooms. Your magnolia is gorgeous. Thanks for hosting, and Happy Bloom Day!
Hi Carol,
Happy GBBD! It is absolutely amazing how warm your weather has been recently. We've the opposite in the PNW. sigh. Loving all your pretty blooms. Cheers, Jenni
Crocus and witch hazel are blooming here – normally these would not bloom in Wisconsin until April, so this is early for us!
Thanks again for hosting this every month. Will have my posting up in a few…
This spring has given us a longer bloom time in SC. We could use some rain, other than that, the weather has been glorious.
@Tom: Tulips and snowdrops is indeed strange. Carol, do you have any snowdrops?
Very lovely and dainty flowers in the photos.. Congratulations for being one of the finalist in the Garden Blog of the year!
This weather sure is strange, although things here aren't blooming quite as early as they did in 2000 (I'm glad I kept a record). Your lawn crocuses are so cute, and the pansy color combo is just stunning. Happy Bloom Day, thanks for hosting.
80 degrees!? Blooming Magnolia? Wow you guys are way ahead of us out here in the PNW!
Spring is in full swing in East Texas, with the warm weather, a lot of plants are a couple weeks ahead of schedule. Flowers posted on East Texas Gardening are from my home and the Tyler Rose Garden where we have demonstration gardens in addition to the beautiful displays throughout the garden. Except for a few once-blooming roses like Lady Banksia, the rest of the roses have been cut back and are pushing out new growth to bloom toward the end of April.
I am So jealous of your hellbores. Not a single one of mine has bloomed, and my neighbor's are beautiful. Oh well, maybe they just need to be relocated.
GREAT Photos Carol! Thanks so much for hosting. I really enjoy seeing everyone’s blooms!
Your magnolia is a beauty Carol. This side of the pond saw some mild weather in February and everything seems much further on than usual. The crocuses have all croaked already and there are already signs of flowers that I normally associate with April. Thanks as always for hosting. It is much appreciated.
Lots of blooms here, but in today's blog I featured my apricot, blooming weeks before its normal time!
Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day is such a great idea! Thanks for letting me participate. I look forward to checking what's blooming in other gardens all over the world!
Astrid
You have a lot going on for Bloomday. Love that magnolia.
Thanks for hosting.
Happy Bloomday.
Spring has arrived here too, but a lot of plants are still reluctant to flower, or maybe it's just too early for them.
Our magnolia is blooming too. Isn't this weather just crazy? Love it though. Happy GBBD.
Your violas are just lovely! I love them, too, but I fear it's already too warm in Austin for them to be happy. Happy bloom day!
Looking good Carol – and congratulations on the nomination!
It's daffodils all the way in my garden – my GBBD post is here: http://www.wellylady.blogspot.com
Spring is very early for me too, but funny . . . you and i have many of the same things. I'm about a week or two ahead. How weird is that? I love your fairy lawn.~~Dee
You're early, we're late…the garden gods have lost their minds!
love your flowers! the crocus in the lawn is wonderful.
We had almost no winter, so we're all planting what would normally be considered ridiculously early. Still, probably have the opposite problem next year, so better make the most of it:
I'm worried that my tulips are almost ready to bloom – will anything be left for May!?!
Yep, mild winter and early spring here, too. I've never seen a crocus lawn; must be pretty stunning in person. And the creamy color of the Star Magnolia is gorgeous!
Thank you for organizing this!
We have crocuses too. And a thunderstorm.
Spring is truly here in my zone 5b garden.
I've temporarily renamed today on my blog to "Garden Flower Bud Day" because there sure aren't many blooms in my yard this time of year. Hurry up, Spring!
It has been so warm and snowless, we are a good month (I estimate) ahead of myself in upstate NY. Weeping willows are greening up, my lilac buds are opening, crocuses are in bloom everywhere and my primrose buds are opening up. It's been incredible!
I look forward to seeing many of these Bloom Day posts. Thanks for hosting Carol. What a great and prescient idea it was.
Thanks once again for Bloom Day!
Hi Carol-
I am amazed how much further along your Zone 6a garden is than mine in Metropolitan Boston! We were just reclassified to a Zone 6 this year, and despite a warm winter, our flowers are nowhere as prolific as yours yet. It's so nice to have an early spring though! Enjoy!
80 degrees yesterday? Ridiculous! We have our predictable wet weather here in the Pacific Northwest, but it's not holding back the flowering natives like Mahonia and Huckleberries. Happy Bloom Day, Carol, and thank you for hosting!
I enjoyed seeing your early bloomers. A newspaper story this morning pointed out that the East Coast was unseasonably warm while my coast was more on the cool side. Cool it is today, and the season's been dry. We have flowers but it's unusually somber for March.
Wow, so many blooms (blogs) to go through this month. This spring sure has brought out the gardeners early.
It has felt like spring in NE Georgia since February we have been elevated to summer like temperatures (86 today). It makes me wonder what kind of hot summer we will have. Your spring garden looks great…I love all the crocuses in the lawn!
Superstar Chicago weatherman Tom Skilling predicted a "pneumonia front" (40-degree drop) this afternoon, but I emerged from work to the sight of downtown tourists in tank tops. Still unseasonably warm. Daffodils opened just in time for Bloom Day!
Sorry. Way too busy this week to create and post scans. Have been tied up with the 'blessed event' at work at Cornell University: The flowering of a rare plant, titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). Follow the link and you'll find livestream (during daylight, and with artificial light at night when flower opens).
thanks as always.
Is this March Dreams Gardens? Am I in the right place for posting my flowers? It'spring madness I tell you.
It's been a long while (a full year since I've posted!) – it's nice to stop by, and see how everything is still blooming around here. Happy Bloom Day!
It's been crazy here in NC as well – with temps up in 80's it's actually getting hot.. 🙁
Back after a long hiatus. Thanks, as always, for hosting!
Thanks for hosting bloom day. It's nice to hear you're having a warm spring with flowers earlier than normal. I can't find anything happening early in my garden, even though we've had a wet and dry winter. Everything seems normal, which I guess is good enough. Can't complain about flowers in March.
Carol, Spring has arrived early in my garden, too. I don't have anything blooming yet in May, but it's amazing how many plants already have new growth showing. I don't believe I have ever begun spring clean-up in this garden in March before — but with temperatures in the 50s and 60s and snow gone from the south-facing parts of the garden, why not?
I love the cheery spring faces of your violas. What a treat! -Jean
Well, I guess everyone is noticing the rapid approach to summer. How crazy can this be? Hardly any snow at all this year and the snowdrops are giving way to leucojums already. All we can do is spend every moment outside enjoying it!
Love the violas! This spring is going way too fast for me! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous blooms! Thank you so much for hosting Bloom Day–it's always such a good reminder to get outside and really enjoy our gardens. And then, I fret about the weeds that need to be cleared, the mulch to order… 😉 Happy gardening!
Nothing better than a Bloomday in spring.
Love the crocus in a lawn. We've had high temps too but are promised some rain at last this weekend. Happy Bloom Day, Carol.
Dear Carol, Thanks for hosting our favorite meme! Yes, some unusual blooms for March this year. Happy GBBD. Pam x
I love the crocuses in the lawn. I'm going to try that next year.
Thank you for hosting!
I'm a little late in sharing my blooms, but I love GBBD 🙂
Dear Carol,
please do me a favour:
accidentally I put my old URL in the list! Please delete Nr 17!
Since a few weeks I have a new one because I missed to renew the old one and now there is a japanese side which do not belong to me!!!
The original "Seepferds Garten" you will find here:
http://seepferds-garten.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much!
Gesine
Lovely pansies, gotta love a flower that can be so delicate and so tough. And I like your frilly hellebores too. I didn't expect to find much outdoors but Spring snuck up on me.
Stunning violas, and a lovely collection of other blooms too.
Hm this word verification form still won't take my wordpress sign in 🙁
Thanks for the pics, Carol. Just tweeted your post out to our followers (@lochnessponds).
~ Scot
I'm so glad you included the violas–such pretties! They deserve a chance to be in the spotlight after braving through the winter.
We've also had records broken here, and I have more in bloom than ever before in March. It makes me wonder what the summer is going to be like…
I'm a little late to Bloom Day, because I spent yesterday in Indy with friend Beckie at the Indianapolis Flower and Patio Show–well worth the drive!
Carol, you're way earlier than us and we're early! Hasn't hit 80 here yet though… Thanks as always for hosting!
Many thanks!!!
🙂
We are finally getting the rain our gardens need but it is hard to sit thru when you hear of others across the country enjoying 70 and 80 temps!
Our summer will come.
Even if the odd weather makes you worried or jumpy, Carol – for right now please enjoy that unfrozen, absolutely gorgeous Magnolia stellata and the field of crocus… and the hellebores! Looks like a dreamy spring to me!
My GBBD list with botanical names was actually up yesterday but tonight's GBBD post was labeled Late for more than one reason.
Happy March!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Pansies and violas are some of my favorite temperate flowers, and since i am already bored posting our own, i posted the temperate climate plants including the pansies.
Happy GBBD Carol, I'm so pleased that you have so many tings beginning to bloom in your spring garden. Spring is catching up after the snow here in Italy. Christina
Here's my link http://myhesperidesgarden.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/gbbd-bright-light-and-new-growth/
It's exciting to visit your garden and see what's coming up! The pansy color is fabulous. Thanks for sharing! ~~Rhonda
Your pansy's are very pretty! Still not much blooming here in PA but I do have a few daffodils. Warm hugs, Esther
Whats the lowest zone you ever get on your join-a-longs? I look out at the unseasonably warm weather thinking … yeah that won't happen. Hopefully the snow sticks around a good month more so we don't drought out this year.
Lovely blooms!
Love your blooms! We are zone 4 so we are a bit behind you – love to see your flowers – thanks for sharing – makes me all giddy knowing what is coming in a few weeks! thanks for hosting this. This is my first time with you.
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((¸¸.·´ ..·´ *-:¦:- Paula -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/
We are getting the 80 degree this week as well. I'm also zone 6 but not nearly as many blooms for me though.
The voles made a winter salad of our windflowers so I'll have to be content to enjoy yours! It looks like we are enjoying many of the same early blooms, although my white hellebores were a couple of weeks behind hte mauve and aubergine ones.
Thank you for leaving the garden gate open! I was worried I would be late for the treasured visitations.
the crocuses in the lawn are so romantic. thanks for hosting – I am having difficulty staying within the parameters but enjoying the meme anyway.
Thanks again for hosting this, Carol. Love your magnolia – miss mine 🙁 Just a tad late for this month!