Dreaming of Flowers

 By the looks of things outside, I don't believe we will be using that umbrella any time soon.

 Even with snow on the ground and flurries in the area, I can't help but think of spring and the flowers that it brings.  Every year new varieties come into play and either prove themselves becoming gardener's favorites or they disappoint.

Here are a few of the chosen flowers for 2010.

Easy Does It Rose, Image Source: About.com

 

Fantasia Cardinal Red Geranium, Image Source: American-Farms.com

Snow Princess Alyssum, Image Source: Proven Winners

Lantana was one of my favorite annuals last year.  I planted this in full sun and honestly left it alone.  The leathery foliage resembled that of a shrub and the white flowers with yellow centers bloomed non-stop into fall.

Lantana was quite forgiving which suits me just fine.  My intentions are good in the beginning of spring and then as life gets busy and the summer heat takes over, my poor garden is left to fend for itself at times.

Diamond frost euphorbia is another favorite. 

Again, neglect was the approach and the blooms were plentiful until the first frost in the fall.

Hydrangeas are one of my favorites though.  Here is the Annabelle border that I planted several years ago.

Each fall, they are cut back to about 18" and look like dead sticks throughout the winter.  I am so ready for these lovelies to make an appearance.

A hydrangea that has caught my eye in the last couple of years is the Limelight.  Isn't it gorge?  The flowers turn soft pink as the season passes.  That is the beauty of most hydrangeas, they start out one color and fade or gain intensity as they age.  Beautiful.

Image Source: Proven Winners

I walked around the garden today, looking for signs of spring.  Guess what I found?

 

That red thing is a peony bud.  Yup.  Spring is in sight, not now, but one day.  This gives me hope.

Guess what else I found?  

Lenton Roses.  They are among the first bloomers here at Cottage and Vine.   I can't wait until Hellebore Days which is hosted by a local nursery specializing in Lenton Roses.  It is next week and I am taking you with me.  

Other early bloomers include crocus.

And Camellia

 

I hope that I haven't bored you with all this talk of flowers.  It is a nice diversion from all this goopy weather we are having though don't you think?

Cottage and Vine is located in zone 7.  

What's your zone?  Have you picked out any flowers for spring?

I'm linking with A Southern Daydreamer.