I tend to favor foliage over flowers because of the fleeting nature of those big old blooms. But I still appreciate the hell out of flowers when they arrive in spring and today is one of those days where they must be appropriately honored:

Exhibit A as to why ignoring a plant is often your best option. I got this Clematis from the Garden Writer’s Conference back in August and just stuck it in the ground not expecting a damn thing. Note to self: leave well enough alone more often.

Geranium ‘Espresso’ is now in full bloom and the bloom color looks fantastic in contrast to the chocolate colored foliage.

This is really the only orange blooming plant I own, Trollius ‘Golden Queen’.

Daffodil ‘Green Pearl’ was planted this past autumn and first impression is that I like it. You can’t tell from the photo, but there is a green ‘eye’, hence the name.

I moved and divided a few Phlox ‘Emerald Blue’ last year and so far so good. I like it spilling on to the front walkway.

This lilac smells even better than she looks.

I could sit there for a week straight and watch the Allium blooms unfold.

Amsonia tabernaemontana looking good.

As does Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’

The tiniest sign of color on the Baptisia is a sign of things to come, most likely later this week.