Welcome the Spring of 2013

Despite its short blooming season, nothing is more rewarding than the long-awaited huge PEONY bloom (left) that perk up the garden each spring, year after year. Each bloom is as big as the open palm of my hand.   The tissue paper-like petals are very delicate so we have to cut the blooms right away and place them on a vase to prevent the strong splash of water from the automatic sprinklers shortening the life of these exotic blooms.

After a very short break (dormant period) during late winter, the FUCHSIAS (below) are now loaded with thousands of buds that can not wait to burst its fusion of contrasting colors that filled the scenery as we walk through the garden each day.  These hardworking plants will continue to bloom till winter and will never fail to impress.  It provides an endless and striking display of vivid colors. 

These vigorous upright FUCHSIAS (left), along the side of our garage, continue to attract hummingbirds and cheer up by-passers who will stop and pause to enjoy their endless blossoms.  Morning sun and afternoon shade provide adequate light that keeps these active plants to continue producing thousands of eager and impatient buds throught the year.

The bright color blooms of  KALANCHOE (below) lasted for several months (February through April).  These are from the cuttings we planted last year and now it's almost time to prune them again.  Wonder what we're going to do with all these cuttings?  Guess we're running out of space to plant them. 

The double golden yellow KALANCHOE (right, in pots) filled our kitchen window outside with awesome colors for several months!  The double deep orange KALANCHOE (below, in tuscany urn) greets you by the patio door.  So, whether you're going out or coming in the house, these wonderful succulents will surely put a smile in your face.  Make you want to stare at them the whole day and sing "What a wonderful world".  Oh, yeah...

  

These cheerful FREESIAS(right) is at the very end of its blooming season (February-March) but still their captivating sweet fragrance fill the early morning air along the walkway.

BLUE CLEMATIS

One of our favorite spring flower is the purple-blue clematis (below) that clings itself on the tropical hisbicus while it is still dormant.  Once the clematis is done with its dramatic role, the double pink hisbicus will take over during summer till early winter.

Ever wonder why they called this the BIRD OF PARADISE?  Well, look like these birds are ready to take off, but they're not going anywhere.  They're here to stay and even when they're gone in summer - they'll fly back again next spring. - faithfully on the same spot.

Gardenias bring fragrance to the garden (and inside the house too when you cut and bring them inside) like no other flowering shrubs.  Here in Southern California, it requires afternoon shade or the buds will either get burned or will drop prematurely.  Also, need to keep the soil evenly moist during the hot dry summer season.  It's very fuzzy about its location but once it got established, a little TLC will reward you with its elegant pure white fragrant blooms from spring to summer.