Euonymus alatus in April 2012...
OK, I know it should be June busting out all over, but in these parts April is the month when the last of the trees, shrubs and perennials burst into life.
After a very dry March, April has kicked in with some lovely heavy showers of rain to freshen everything up. Here are some images of what has been going on in my garden…
In previous years my non-hardy Fuchsias in pots have sometimes failed to survive the winter - but this last winter has been very mild...
And here's another Fuchsia - this time trained into an upright shape, breaking into life after looking dead for months...
The Cotinus is throwing out shoots from its woody base...
The Buddleia also shoots after being hacked back every winter...
This pink-flowered Spiraea japonica always has such lovely yellow-green leaves when they first appear...
While this Spiraea 'Arguta' is a very different plant with arching branches which will eventually have white frothy flowers - hence the common name 'bridal wreath'...
This Acer dissectum is well on and already has tiny pink flowers...
This Acer dissectum atropurpureum is starting to show leaf....
My blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in a pot is already in flower...
Who'd have thought it? The Choisya ternata that unexpectedly flowered in January has come back for more! Click on the image to see it flowering in winter...
This evergreen-and-purple Hebe has just kept on going all winter...
This Hosta has sprung up from nothing in the last few weeks...
This herbaceous peony always reminds me of rhubarb when it first comes through...
This Ribes (flowering currant) is already ahead of the game...
This very old and woody Rhododendron is still hanging on in there...
This Hydrangea petiolaris will soon be in flower...
This Mahonia x media Charity is full of berries for the birds - last year it had no fruit at all as a big freeze came when they were setting. Click on the image to read more about my Mahonia...
Then there are the native species…
Sycamore seedling among ivy...
Wild violets self-seed all over our gravel bed...
And finally, glorious golden lesser celandines are in season - hooray for Spring!
The Squirrelbasket 
The evergreen-and-purple Hebe is entirely new to me. I like the way it looks. 🙂
Actually I see now it’s called “Red Edge” – but it still looks purple to me.
Here’s some information…
Best wishes 🙂
brilliant idea for a blog!
Well thank you, Paul 🙂
Ahh..Spring has sprung the grass has rez..I wondered where the flowers is..thanks to you I now know..beautiful pics..This weather has really thrown nature for a loop..thanks for sharing…
Thanks for your kind comment, KJ 🙂
Hi Pat. Everyone loves the arrival of spring so your lovely pics are really welcome.I love the Lambada Fuchsia,I also like Hydrangea’s but have never been able to keep one.Actually its difficult to find flowering plants to survive the hot climate here in Crete. Geraniums seem to be the only flowers which do not suffer to much from the extremely hot sun in the middle of summer. Any suggestions?
They always say “Mediterranean” herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme do well in the dry.
Apart from that, anything you might see in the Great Glasshouse at Aberglasney, as the theme there is “Mediterranean” – you’ve probably already looked at this blog post showing the flowers…
See what you think 🙂
So nice to see nature reawakening. Especially love the fuchsia shot.
Thank you for your comment – I enjoy your Suburban Ferndale blog – this latest post on Local Color was great – love the caterpillar…
Best wishes 🙂
Thanks! I sure enjoy wandering through your site!
Hopefully some readers of these comments will also hop on over and see your latest sunny post from Ferndale, Arkansas…
Best wishes 🙂
Isn’t the Spring season the most beautiful time of the year? I just love seeing all the plants awakening and love the fresh green of the new leaves, the first flowers blooming and knowing the summer is not far anymore either.
Thanks for posting this beautiful pictures Pat.
Paula Jo
Thank you for your kind comments, Paula Jo!
I’ve had a look at your website and it’s fascinating, especially this section on Western Home Decor – it’s a “look” we don’t really have here in Britain, of course.
Best wishes and good luck with the business 🙂