Millions of Daffodils, and More!

One's senses can hardly process the grandeur of the impressive sweep of daffodils - waves of them covering hills and lining paths through the woods, edging streams and covering meadows - for which Gibbs Gardens in northern Georgia is noted.Last year when I visited in April, I missed the daffodils, advertised to number 20 million. While the April scenery was spectacular, I wanted to go back in March this year to see those daffodils. Did I see 20 million? Not quite. It seems the daffodils are planted so there are successive blooms of early, mid, and late blooming varieties. I saw the mid bloomers, so about a third - only 6 to 7 million, with lots of foliage to attest to the presence of the other 13 million. No complaints from me; it was wonderful! Here are images of all those daffodils, and more!

While the mass of daffodils is inspiring, one could not fully appreciate their beauty without stoping to examine individual blooms.

Tulips were also blooming, thousands! The largest display attracted so many people it was impossible to get an image that didn't include lots of people, all taking advantage of the perfect photo opportunity. I finally decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! I don't know the people in the following picture, but I couldn't resist a shot of this group taking a selfie.

More images of Gibbs Gardens in March:

Cherry trees were blooming.

Gibbs gardens has some interesting rock formations. Turtle Rock is one of my favorites:

Here is the world's largest Bonsai!

A couple more structurally interesting trees:

Some great sculptures of Mr. Gibbs' grandchildren:

Finally, some more pretty March blooms:Clockwise from top left:Camellia 'Peppermint'; Kerria japonica; Piers japonica; Trillium (unidentified variety).For additional information about Gibbs Gardens and for photos of it in its April glory, see my previous post  Gibbs Gardens, a World-Class Garden in North Georgia. As you can see, one visit is not enough!

Winter Web and Signs of Spring

When I look outside, I see an untidy, winter web of branches. It can be striking when afternoon sunlight glows amidst the tangled limbs, but mostly it is a reminder that Alabama is derived from an old Choctaw Indian word meaning, "I clear the thicket."

All these bare stems have me longing for spring, and it won't be long! This weekend, between rain showers, I went sloshing through the garden in search of signs of spring, and I was not disappointed. Here's an assortment of images that lifted my spirits:

The flowering quince shrubs are finally budding out! Chaenomeles usually begin flowering as early as January, so they are late this year, making me even happier to see the bright red-orange buds.

Camellia japonica is also starting to flower. The larger photo below is 'Red Candles', a very reliable bloomer here, no matter how cold the weather, and the paler pink one is called 'Something Beautiful.'

Hellebores have begun to flower in earnest:

Daphne odora 'Variegata' is almost ready to open its fragrant buds:

Daffodils are also later coming up this year, but it won't be long before their cheerful faces are brightening the garden:

Velvety Edgeworthia buds will soon open:

Here is an assortment of more buds and emerging foliage:Clockwise from top left: Native azalea; Variegated hydrangea; Forsythia; Rosa rugosa 'Alba'.

I am excited to see all these opening buds; they promise that soon there will be a springtime riot of color in my garden.