I had been looking for my clump of snowdrops for several months to no avail, and assumed they had somehow been killed or absconded by some stealthy varmint.  Today, however, on my way out for a quick MLK celebratory run, I spotted them in their usual place–and with flowers, too!  They were late coming up this year, but they grew very quickly!

It was a bit worrisome finding a mole hill right next to these precious bulbs, but I don’t see any harm that came of it.

I will work to add some more clumps around the orchard bed and in other areas in the years to come.

Leon and I have befriended the neighborhood crows, and in particular one that has a damaged beak.  We call her “Half Beak” and she comes when we caw to her and set food out to make sure she has something nutritious in lean times.  Her mate is ultimately patient, letting her eat what we set out while he forages on the lawn.  It isn’t easy for her to eat, but she is a survivor–we’ve been feeding her at least three years.

Some of the seedlings are coming up in the pots on heat in the window.  The larger seedlings appear to be Freesias, and the smaller ones all look like Gladiolus.

A happy accident occurred when Hirt’s gardens sent me a plant I hadn’t ordered.  The description for Bergenia ciliata (the plant I wanted) stated that it was an African violet relative.  I’m not sure why.  And when they pulled the order, they sent an African violet instead of the Bergenia!  I was disappointed at the time, so I threw the violet on a shelf and ignored it.  Hirt’s was awesome in giving me an instant refund for the Bergenia.  But now, I feel like I should pay them back.  The African violet has lovely double white flowers.  I’m not a huge fan of these plants, but this one is gorgeous:

I ran out and took a few pictures to share on this wet, gloomy day.  The only bright spots in the greenhouse are the orchids.

Mom’s Cymbidium never disappoints–this photo with flash.

Softer shot without flash.  This same plant has more spikes coming, and the other divisions of this plant are spiking, too.  Hard to know why some flowers open earlier than others…

Here are two flats of seed pots I planted yesterday.  Lots of perennials here–very hopeful to get some decent germination ultimately some amazing new plants for the garden.

Another timing mystery–this Masdevallia usually blooms in spring.  But it has been blooming since November.  There are four divisions of this plant from the original.  One of the parent’s names is M. ignea “Bean”, which I think is funny.

A pretty clear shot showing the amazing colors of this cultivar.

Part of the beauty of Masdevallia orchids is the way the blooms open–fantastic grace and sculptural beauty at every step.

I have inherited a few Cymbidiums over the years, so it is tough to keep track of which ones are which.  On top of that, labeling is my weak point.  This division is about to open–should be open in the next week or ten days.  It appears to be larger and lighter than “Mom’s”, but we’ll see.

 

This fuzzy picture shows a spike on the full-sized Cymbidium that we received from Karl Huffbauer.  This cultivar has nearly-white flowers with maroon spots.

 

I’m working hard to get all of the seeds planted that are left over from previous years.  Today, I planted two flats-worth of seedling pots.  Here are the seeds I planted:

Alstroemeria aurantiaca–these would go nicely in the bed in front of the greenhouse near the monster Echinops ritro there

Photo from Chillerton seeds–and also the exact same picture that appears on the Plant World Seeds packet:

Geranium “Mountain Cranesbill Summer Snow”

Geranium “Meadow Cranesbill Purple Haze”

Photo from http://www.plantamera.se/mainFro4.htm

White Heath Aster

White Forget-Me-Not

Geranium pretense

Tennessee Coneflower

Heuchera “Firefly”

Columbine “Crystal Star”

Campanula Cottage Mix

http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/248

Hardy Bulbs Tall Mixed

http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/701

Hardy Bulbs Small Mixed

http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/700?actionName=search_for_item&itemname=HARDY+BULBS+SMALL+MIXED&search_string=hardy+bulbs+small

Salvia Selection

http://www.plant-world-seeds.com/store/view_seed_item/1180?actionName=search_for_item&itemname=SALVIA+SELECTION&search_string=salvia+selection

Purple Prairie Asters

Pink New England Aster

Lady in Black Calico Aster

Columbine McKana’s Giants