Every season I give thanks to the gardeners that lovingly worked my land before I took over the reins. Over and over I am surprised by the vegetative blessings planted before I lived here, and this years prime example has been the narcissus. Perhaps this is due in part to the early warm temperatures that facilitated the masses of early blooms and subsequent quick departure of my hybrid daffodils, but whatever the reason, I have fallen in love with these small fragrant bombshells. 

The narcotic scent of these gems has been filling my field for over two weeks. Even as the grass is growing taller and taller around them, they are playfully nodding at their hybrid daffodil cousins, that have long surrendered for the season.

My mission is to investigate this species and to be able to properly identify my treasures. There seem to be so many different varieties. One species I have discovered is  "Poeticus Recurvus". The blossom has a miniature yellow-green cup rimmed with red. The petals are a bright white and gracefully arch back towards the stem. These babies pop the top off on scent.

I adore my narcissus and will continue to pick a bunch each day to perfume my home. I am hoping they will continue to bloom into mid May. Thanks with kisses to the gardener that planted this gift years ago!!!!

My obsession of gardening was lovingly passed down to me by my Mother, Virginia. While raising six active children she tended her garden with a wonderful passion for nature.  One of her favorite spring perennials was the Virginia Bluebell or Mertensia virginica. Every Spring we would search the woods at our property in Brown County Indiana for the large emerging leaves of this Spring beauty.

When we moved to Kentucky, I hoped that I would be able to include this perennial in my Native Shade Garden. We have now been in this house for 18 years and yes, Virginia, the Virginia Bluebells are in full bloom.

Virginia Bluebells prefer a light shade to partial sun in moist wooded areas with rich soil. The blooms will last up to three weeks, but be aware that the foliage will die back by mid-summer. I have to remember not to do some aggressive landscaping in the fall and dig up or plant over the resting Bluebells.

Right now, the Celedine Poppies with their bright yellow faces are in full bloom smiling down on the Virginia Bluebells' hues of pink and blue. In contrast with all the new green growth of a Spring Garden these beauties are a  must for your area!

Eighteen years ago, we invested in this amazing property. Since then I have lovingly planted hundreds of plants. However, every Spring I am reminded that others loved this land and planted before me.  The Anemone blanda"Gemnengd" is one of the many examples.  Every Spring they grace the side of the Herb House with the small purple daisy blossoms. These wonderful ground cover plants continue to spread across my shade garden, blooming in conjunction with the masses of daffodils. The spark of purple adds a striking contrast to the yellow and white of their early companion spring bulbs. The blooms last sometimes up to 4 to 6 weeks accenting its foliage which is very delicate and low to the ground. Thanks to the previous owners that had the wisdom to plant these Spring gems, they are going to be enjoyed by generations of gardeners.

.