Today's Joy: Passion Flowers Opening.
I am ecstatic, Reader! Came home from work today to see my new purple passion flower in bloom. I fell in love with these wonderously weird tropical plants several years ago, when I first saw photos of them in magazines and on screen savers. But I figured I'd never actually see one in person. Finally got my chance while visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo over Labor Day weekend in 2008. I was smitten!

A few weeks later, I stopped by the Heinz Bros. Greenhouse in St. Charles, IL, where they were having a huge end-of-season sale. For $5 each, I took home my first hibiscus tree (a topiary with a braided stem of both red and pink varieties) and--couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it--a 5 foot tall blue passion flower. Though it was remarkably finicky (shed its leaves almost constantly) from the moment I brought it home, I did enjoy a few months of sporatic, gorgeous flowers before it mysteriously gave up the ghost the following January.



The passion flower is one of the most fascinating plants I've ever seen. I've often wished to have another. This spring, while visiting our favorite high-end garden center, on a lark, I asked if they had any. Turns out they had just one left and it was about to bloom. It was also pretty darn cheap as exotic, tempermental tropicals go (I doubt I will ever find such a deal for $5 again). So we brought it home. I fussed over where to put it so it would get the right amount of sunlight without drying out. I fussed over how to fertilize it and if I watered it too much and whether or not to re-pot it before it blooms.



Then, the minute I go to work, the little blossoms begin to open. They don't stay open very long--a day or perhaps less--but there is nothing like seeing that distinctive, zany flower unfurl on your back porch, offering a breathtaking private show. Amazing! Now I'm busy reading up on everything I can find about the care of these magnificent plants.

Today's Joy: What the Rain Brings.
It's been gray and cold and rainy for two days now, Reader. In an effort not to mope about the lack of sunshine, I've been extra perky and wearing brightly-colored scarves. Then I noticed this afternoon that Aunt's irises are beginning to pop. So lovely! Isn't it funny how fresh, living things lift your mood? Like a little present from God. So here are a few of those just open, rain-kissed flowers in case you need a little pick-me-up too, Reader!

Photos: Aunt's Pink & Yellow Irises, Aunt's Herb Garden, May, 2010.

Today's Joy: Being a Proud Parent.
Well, Reader, after a month of watching, waiting and (probably unnecessary) fussing, today the first flower opened on my Lady's Slipper Orchid: Paphiopedilum 'Raisin Pie'.

I adore Orchids. They're elegant and resilient plants. They come in many distinct forms, each adapted to life in a specific climate, and they grow on every continent except Antarctica. I love their unique shapes and colors--the way many of them look like strange, alien life forms. I especially love the varieties whose flowers stay open for weeks and even months at a time. Nothing seems to brighten up cold, winter afternoons like a tray of Orchids in full-bloom.

The Lady's Slipper varieties really appeal to me. This particular plant came from the 2010 IL Orchid Society Show, held at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in March. Could hardly wait to see it bloom! Here is a photo-a-day series of 'Raisin Pie' opening over the last 5 days:

Gorgeous!!

Today's Joy: Warm Weather.
Slept with the windows open last night, Reader, and was it delightful! Then woke up this morning and saw blossoms opening on the magnolia tree in the backyard. Here are a few shots of them and some of the other goodies popping up in the garden. Hard to believe it's already the middle of April! Am suddenly in the mood to put on a sundress!

Photos (top to bottom): magnolia, daffodil, yellow tulip, crab apple blossoms, daffodil, pink tulips, magnolia, white tulips. April, 2010, Hampshire, IL.

Today's Joy: The Garden Comes Alive.
My aunt's herb garden and flower beds sprang to life this weekend. These cute little purple guys suddenly have the front lawn jockeys surrounded. While the white Star Magnolia (below), which didn't bloom at all last year, now has blossoms popping open like microwave popcorn. Delightful!

Today's Joy: Spring at Platt Hill Nursery.
Good evening, Reader. Did you have a lovely Sunday? If you happened to be perusing green things at the Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville, IL this afternoon, you might have seen me milling about with my camera. Platt Hill is my favorite garden center to visit. They have an extensive selection of plants as well as the most creative assortment of garden accessories and gifts I've ever seen. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. There were so many wonderful flowers already in bloom in the greenhouse! Ranunculus, pansies, begonias, hydrangea and many more. I snapped a few to share with you.

Ah, doesn't that make you itch to get out and plant something? Let the gardening commence!

Today's Joy: Daffodils.
I was reading the latest issue of Midwest Living this morning, Reader, and came across this fabulous article on the top ten daffodils for the midwest.  Is there anyone who doesn't love these first-on-the-scene, perky-yellow perennials?  This year especially, it seems I can't wait to see them popping up out of the freshly-thawed ground.  All of my springtime childhood memories involve their sunshiney little faces.

If you're in the mood to see yellow, stop by the Missouri Botanical Garden in April for their spectacular annual daffodil display, featuring 750 types of the little darlings.  You can also hike the scenic 'Daffodil Trail'.  I think we should put this on the must-see list for next year.  Drop me a line if you're up for a little yellow road trip!

Photo: Daffodil, St. Charles, IL. Spring, 2008.          

Today's Joy: Primroses. All week, as I come and go to and from work, braving the frigid temperatures outside, one little reminder of spring has kept me from falling into a winter malaise. These darling primroses.

A gift from Brother to welcome me home, four different colors of the happy little plants were presented to me. Not sure which one you'd like, he said. I love them all, of course.

Now they're clustered on a little tray in the kitchen where I can pass by several times each day and inhale the fresh scent of live, growing things. It's like having my own little spring indoors. And seeing as the real thing is still at least a month off, what a blessing! Reader, if you haven't already, go get yourself a little live color therapy. Happy Tuesday!

Today's Joy: Feels Like Spring!

Good Afternoon, dear Reader. Does it feel like spring yet in your neck of the woods? I stepped out of work and couldn't help feeling giddy over the 70-degree weather, blue sky and glorious Texas sunshine.

On a whim, I stopped at our local Calloway's Nursery to see what's shaking. Walking in the door, my nose was immediately filled with the thick perfume of Cyclamen......ahhhhh. Bliss! Everywhere I looked there was flat upon flat of pansies and primroses--any color you want! Yep, spring has definitely arrived at Calloway's. So I shot some photos of all the wonderful flowers--had to share the joy with you, Reader. Enjoy!

Flower Shots: orange primrose, pansy, red primrose, Kangaroo's Paw & ornamental cabbage.