Bright Bulbs of May

After being gone for a few weeks, the dandelions are thriving and the plants have grown by leaps.  Tulips and daffodils have appeared, and the primulas and creeping phlox are blooming bright.  Resident lawnmower-man spent the day with the noisy tools, trimming grass from edges and beheading the dandelions.  At this time of year, it becomes obvious that gardens containing perennials are the only ones with May color.  Most annuals haven't started blooming yet and most bedding plants are to be planted outside in early June.  My indoor-raised annuals are spending some time in the fresh air today, but will be pulled inside for the night.   

Impression Series mix of pink and red tulips with daffodils and blue grape hyacinths in foreground.  The Impression series tulips have very large flower cups and are blooming slightly ahead of most of the Single Late tulips. This is the first year I have grown them.

Tulipa tarda, from my ever-enlarging clusters of this naturalizing species tulip.

Fritillaria meleagris, the checkered lily.  This unique plant does well here.  There are a few more blooms each year, which is rewarding.

"Big Smile" Single Late Tulips.

I plan to go out later and get some better photos of the current blooms, but I couldn't just let a blooming garden go without observation on this beautiful sunny Saturday morning.  Even the five-year-old got in the garden mood and planted all my peas and beans!  Yay!