The Lilacs Are About to Bloom!

Syringa patula 'Miss Kim"

Today's discovery!  The Miss Kim Lilac (which didn't bloom last year) has buds, not many--but some.  In my garden journals, I noted that it bloomed profusely in late May of 2009, but not at all last year.  I gave it blood meal last year after it didn't bloom. I bought the blood meal at Jessica's Garden Center, but I didn't record the brand. I'll need to stop in and see what brand she sells so I can record it here this year--and use it again.  I also read that the Miss Kim Lilacs don't bloom after drought if they have not been watered well. I will need to be more watchful this year of its watering needs.   I also read that this lilac attracts praying mantises, so I will be watchful also for a visit in my garden from that wonderful insect

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I couldn't resist taking another photo of those Big Smile tulips.  Their curling petals and brilliant yellow dancing in the wind do make you smile!  And seem to be very healthy with no extra care and watchfulness required.  Another plus!

Rhododendron yedoense 'Pink Discovery' or Korean Azalea

The Korean Azaleas that flank the bird bath are blooming now, just as they did the past two years in mid-May according to my garden journals.  They always surprise me with their bloom because they look almost dead until just right before blooming. They seem to have some kind of rust on the branches. I gave them some compost and manure sprinkled with Osmocote earlier this spring.  I may need to give them some more care or treatment through the summer.

The secret to carefree gardening seems to be the right plant in the right place, but it's not always that simple.  The fragrance of the lilacs is worth some extra time and effort in their care until they are established.  The azaleas give me an extra season of interest with their bronze leaves in the fall and their compact size fits the scale of my garden.  Sometimes watchful, careful gardening is needed to delight the senses through the seasons.