I still have few pictures in my phone from the spring. Daffodils are now gone and we need to wait the whole year to see them again.
Tahiti (Narcissus ‘Tahiti’) bloomed beautifully in May and managed to take a photo when they were at their best.
Summer has finally arrived to the north. After a cool May we have had quite nice weather up here in the north for change.
I did not even remember planting few Princess Irene tulips (Tulipa ‘Princess Irene’) by the lake.
The color of this variety is quite unique and beautiful. Makes me want to have more of them in the future.
The Princess Irene is quite short Triumph tulip and likes full sun and well drained soil.
It has been cool spring up here in the north and daffodils are still at their best. The late spring means that the tulip season is just about to begin.
The Strikes (Narcissus ‘strike’) have enjoyed the coldness and are blooming by the lake.
I do not have many vacation days this summer which has meant way less plants than normally. The simple reason is that I am not here to water them. Luckily the perennials are there to brighten the flowerbeds.
We have had a beautiful Easter up here in the north. It is not too warm yet but the sun has shone the whole long weekend.
The good weather got me to go to a store and do some shopping.
The first Pansy (Viola) found its way to my balcony. Chose a bright orange one with wrinkled petals this year.
Just made it on time to the summer cottage to see the Sunny Boy (Dahlia ‘Sunny Boy’) to bloom before the frost got its hands on it.
Sometimes I wonder why do I bother to grow dahlias up here in the north. The summer is too short and they barely start to bloom and then they are gone. I guess the answer is simple. The blooms are just stunning.
I guess I need to start buying them cultivated in stead of trying to grow them from root balls. This way I could enjoy them all summer. The thing just is that growing plants is part of the fun and when buying them fully grown you loose that part of the enjoyment.
If you ever want a unique looking lily the Apricot Fudge (Lilium ‘Apricot Fudge’) is a safe choice.
I have had them for several years and they are doing well. Reliable bloomers and tolerate the coldness well.
The look is so unique that I am never quite sure if I like them or not. For sure they always stand out.
Erfurter Orangefarbige (Calendula officinalis ‘Erfurter Orangefarbige’) is a variety of calendula bred specifically for its medicinal virtues – astringent, vulnerary and anti-inflammatory. An ancient remedy for dermal wounds and irritation.
This variety of Pot Marigold is easy to grow and blooms early. I have other varieties planted as well but those are not even close to blooming.
My plan is to use the flower pedals for meals, just to bring some color.
The California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica ‘Aurantiaca Orange’) are enjoying their spot in the full sun. Their roots grow deep and in this spot reach an endless supply of water.
They started to bloom few days ago and with good luck continue to do so for the next month. The flowers are in various shades of gold.
We have been promised dry weather which suits them well.
Tulips are still blooming up here in the north. This year the weather is warm and it will make the season a short one. Cannot complain, I just enjoy the sunshine.
Beauty of Apeldoorn (Tulipa ‘Beauty of Apeldoorn’) is doing well and displaying its beautiful colors.
Already made the tulip bulb order for the autumn and going to have two more varieties in the garden.
The spring flowers will soon be gone. The nice warm weather we are having will make sure of it.
The Marinettes (Narcissus jonquilla ‘Martinette’) are late bloomers and only made few flowers this year.
All the summer birds have now arrived and the black-throated loons (Gavia arctica) are swimming in the lake. They are quite many this year because the last year’s chicks are still with us before finding a lake of their own.
Gardening in the North 