It’s flower Friday again and it’s getting harder to pick the top nine new flowers of the week. But at the top of the list is . . . .
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Spectacular in bloom and scent, this flower was my mother’s favorite and one of mine. Snuggling up to a bloom, you want to embrace your inner pollinator.
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca): This fast spreading perennial is quickly becoming a major part of my lawn and the countless yellow flowers should deliver countless tiny strawberries that the local bunnies will feast on.
Domestic strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa): These berries I am not willing to share with the local wild residents. In another week or so, I will be netting them up to keep everyone out (except my grandchildren and Juana).
Celandine (Chelidonium Malus): Related to the poppy, this perennial spreads itself with abandon in my gardens. Even with aggressive thinning, it remains a key plant that the garden gods have granted to me.
Crabapple (Malus): There are still quite a few dried orbs hanging from the tree while new flowers reveal themselves looking for pollination and setting this Fall’s fruit.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): These delicate and tasty flowers are lovely to observe and sample. My favorite use is as a salad topping that delivers a citrusy, sweet-pea kind of taste. Yum!
Kenilworth ivy (Cymbalaria muralis): Lovely to look at but highly invasive. It graces parts of my greenhouse foundation and I try to keep it under control as best as I can.
Bolting brassicas: This mustard plant is going to seed but it is so pretty I don’t have the heart to pull it.
Lungwort (Pulmonia longifolia): This semi-evergreen version has very tiny flowers that are a favorite of very tiny flies.
