The first spring bulbs have begun to open their first blooms here, braving the month of February as it has been a very mild one. Our recent days of rainfall have also, no doubt, encouraged the arrival of these flowers.
Narcissus “Minor Monarque” was the first. Its white stars surround a gold cup, and the scent is pure spring. I wish it would multiply, but it has not so far, which worries me. Perhaps I should locate it elsewhere in the garden. Other, later-blooming narcissus varieties have multiplied nicely, including “Scarlet Gem” and the elegant small-cup daffodil “White Lady”. But, alas, not “Minor Monarque”, the earliest to flower.
And just yesterday, the first hyacinth floret popped open. This is my lovely little Roman hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis var. albulus. There is no question about this one multiplying; I expect to divide the clumps later this year.
I’m so happy that these small, but intensely fragrant, charmers don’t require much winter chill, also that they survive our hot desert summers happily dormant and dry in the ground.
What a delicious china blue!
Hi Amy, the first signs of spring are always such a gift. Even after all those years on this planet I stand in awe when things start to grow and flower again after the winter. Minor monarch is very handsome. I wish I could smell him too! Best wishes, Annette
I'm glad to hear you're seeing the first signs of spring, Amy. I'm impressed by your Hyacinth, a bulb species I've never had much success with.