Azaleas are the quintessential southern spring flower.
They signal the start of spring in my zone 9 garden, and come in hues of bright fuschia, white, violet, sunset orange, red, and hot pink to name a few. When I was a kid, there wasn't a yard that didn't have at least a handful of azaleas scattered around. Many had the giant 7 foot tall Formosa varieties that were covered in blooms. But now, you see fewer and fewer as professional landscapers fail to add this southern staple to new yards. Happy Valentine's Day to all of the Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day bloggers!
The last two mornings were in the upper 30's. Hopefully this will be the last "very" cold weather we receive this winter, as spring is in the air for us. Everything is popping out and I am eager to get out in the yard and begin the spring ritual of trimming, fertilizing, planting and enjoying some "perfect spring weather."
It was a dreary day as I sat working on the computer, when all of a sudden the sun popped out. I glanced out the window for a look, and there it was - a splash of spring green reflecting the sunlight. My neighbor's Laurel oak was awash in brand new leaves. I couldn't believe it! I jumped up to check on our tree but it was still in the process with teensy little baby leaves just beginning to pop out. I was amazed at how quietly and quickly the tree had transformed itself from winter to spring. It is the "star" of the neighborhood, as it is the first to announce spring is arriving.
