In Bloom, May 19, 2018

We haven't seen the sun much lately, so these photos were taken under low light conditions. But here are photos of the things that have come into bloom in the past week.

No idea what these are, other than "weeds growing amongst my roses." So I'm just going with "wildflowers."

The rest of the rhododendrons - we have about a dozen - are starting to open. This was not open yesterday.

Obligatory high-contrast monochrome version. I've always wondered what the pattern of spots above the pollen-bearing bodies look like to bees. They seem to fixate on them while they pollinate the flowers. 

Iris (right group) in high-contrast monochrome.

Iris (right group.) These are a different color from the irises in the left group.

The irises of the right group. There used to be dozens of these, but they choked themselves out years ago.

The irises of the left group. Note the completely different color from the right group.

White azalea.

Grotto of Mary in front of azaleas.

May 19, 2018

May 7, 2005 (brand new)

White and pink azaleas intermingled.

White azalea in high-contrast monochrome.

This white azalea is using a holly bush as a trellis.

Pink azalea 2. This has been in bloom for a few day.

In high-contrast monochrome.

Either this is two different azaleas growing together, or it is one azalea with two different types of leaves.

Almost in bloom: one of about a dozen lilies of the valley under the Japanese red maple tree. I planted these years ago - possibly in 2002 - but have only seen them bloom once. I'll be keeping an eye on them.