The Lovely Roses of Richmond

Garden in Spring

I have no idea what these are called. They were here when we moved in. When we moved in, these were dormant, as so many of the colorful flowers were dormant. I was keen to remove these, before I knew their value. They are blindingly pink, unjustly represented in these photographs.

Apparently, the woman who lived here before put these in. She was an exquisite gardener, with a penchant for pink. Sidling these are blue-purple Rosemary and Spanish Lavender. I am happy I placed Stock here. Their colors match perfectly.

Black Barlow Aquilegia

This Black Barlow Aquilegia, also known as Columbine, has a unique purple-black color and interesting blossom. Not at all like the Columbines I know. Nonetheless, it is beautiful. It has opened my eyes to the vast world of Aquilegia, and their infinite varieties of colors and shapes.

Foxglove

This year, the foxglove is very happy at Richmond. This particular variety, "Camelot", has such lovely colors. I love it's transition from pale yellow-green, to this delicate purple. Very lovely indeed!

This Dalmation Foxglove is the latest addition to the family. It has literally doubled overnight with this sneak preview of vivid pink blossoms and a bright yellow pistal. As this plant develops, I will update with photos.

Apple Blossoms

Check out these blossoms from our apple trees, which we eagerly anticipate (sorry for the crooked picture). Aren't they beautiful and sweet? They smell incredible too. The apples they bear are delicious as well.

Croton

I said I wouldn't buy another plant until I got a grip on what we have, but I'm finding I'm a sucker for anything colorful, or conjuring of tropics. This Croton, allegedly from India, is absolutely vivid. The hot pinks and the neon greens are impossibly beautiful. This,  I swear, is the last plant I buy (yeah right).

Bird Nest

Not the kind of Easter Eggs one wants in their garden container plant, but it's charming nonetheless. It is especially charming watching the parents as they sing, dance, and flutter in and out.

The Roses

These are the roses which Will has cultivated. Last Winter I was horrified to discover that Will had completely sawed away all the roses to their base, not knowing why. This Spring, they have returned almost double in size, with double the roses. This pink one has an incredibly sweet fragrance. It is lovely to look out the window and see so many sterling silvers, white roses, and these neon pink kind.