April Iris Blooms

In late March I posted about how excited I was about all the buds on my irises. Well, bloom they did! It has been a spectacular year for these pretty purple plants.

By April 1 the first iris blooms had opened up.
Previously, these irises were planted in a very shady part of the backyard garden. Once I moved them to the sun, they multiplied very quickly. I've had to divide them every other year so far. Talk about prolific. This year is a divide year, so after they are done blooming, I'll have some irises to share with some garden friends!
I've had quite a time trying to figure out the cultivar/variety. I have some guesses, but no clear identity. Isn't it a beauty though? I love the rich color. I think it is stunning.
They are the perfect component in my front porch bed.

Happy Easter!

Yesterday I made an Easter Bunny cake for today's Easter lunch with my family.





It is a Carrot Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese frosting. The recipe is from "Come On In" (Junior League of Jackson, 1992).

Happy Easter, y'all. I hope you enjoy this beautiful spring day with your loved ones.

-- Post From My iPhone

English Rose Bouquet

Lovely English Roses

I love English roses. I can't even begin to describe how pretty the blooms are - pillowy and delicate with such lovely color. When I left for Oxford last week, I had shrubs that were covered in buds and a few blooms just opening up. When I got home on Saturday evening, the shrubs were covered in pretty yellow, peach, apricot, and blush pink blooms.

Golden Celebration buds on April 4th. Molineux just opening up, Monday, April 4th. Covered in buds on April 4th. On the left is Tamora. Molineux is in the center. Golden Celebration is on the right. Yesterday I grabbed some shots before heading to Sakura Bana for sushi. Here they are in full spring bloom on April 10th. In the back and right is Tamora. On the left is Molineaux. In the front and right is Golden Celebration. These are definitely the best blooms I've ever gotten from these shrubs. I transplanted Tamora all the way from Oxford. In January 2009 I moved Molineux and Golden Celebration just a few feet from their original spot to their new spot. The "before" photo from 2009 is telling - check out my Rose Victory post from May 2009. The fragrance on Tamora is amazing, very intense. This morning I cut some and brought them into the house, so I should have some pretty arrangement photos later in the week. Ambridge Rose is holding on. She's still very tiny, but she did produce two or three blooms this year. I really hope she takes off this year!

H.F. Young Clematis Blooms

It's that time of year again. That time of year when I really need to post new garden photos every single day, otherwise you guys are going to miss something! Early this week as I was getting ready for work, I looked outside our bedroom window to see this beauty in bloom. I've gotten some lovely photos over the past few days. H.F. Young, also known as Horace Young, clematis grows on the fence around our pool pump along with an agressive jasmine vine. I have clematis blooms both on the outside and the inside of the fence.

When the blooms first open they are a deep, rich purple color. As they age just two or three days they lighten to a pretty violet. As they age even more, the center of the petals becomes almost white and the outside is almost blue. I think these color variations are just fantastic!



I think the best way to admire a clematis blooms is from up close, so I took at few close ups for you.
A baby bloom. Just opened today.



I have roses and irises blooming, too. I have taken a few photos, and will do a post on those soon. Maybe tonight!