Spring is the best season for flowers and blossoms

In Spring, there is an abundance of wonderful flowers and blossoms. The dormant bulbs erupt into spectacular displays of tulips, daffodils, crocus and many more striking examples. Fruit and ornamental trees become covered in gorgeous, delicate sprays of flowers. Throughout the season, you'll find a multitude of horticultural sights. It is a season of new awakenings, described beautifully by the colors and fragrances of the Spring displays. Be sure to stop and check the flowers. Each one offers a glimpse of perfection and hope for the future. The people of Japan have known this for years. They marvel at the new cherry blossoms each Spring. They know that the season signals a new beginning, topped by the beauty of the cherry trees. 2011, of course, brings a stronger need for future hope in Japan that perhaps any other year in recorded history. While much must be done to restore the country, the people will still allow themselves a little time to reflect on the perfection of the Spring flowers and blossoms. We should all do the same and remember the Japanese tragedy as well.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These are very amazing spring plants. They come in an wide variety of sizes, colors, and types. Some are deciduous and other are evergreens. Some are small, some huge. The colors cover the entire spectrum and many of the blooms are multiple colors. These are widely grown in practically every climate zone. They tend to do better in the warmer areas, however. Gardeners do manage to grow them in colder areas if they protect the plants in the winter. These are highly recommended for most gardens. Most pests do not bother these plants. There are special azalea fertilizers that you should consider if you grow these. They require certain acidic conditions to thrive. Be sure to water them well during the driest part of the summer.

Forsythia
This is a great early bloomer. They have vibrant yellow flowers, typically. The bush grows rapidly and is very tolerant of pruning. You can train it to fit any space that you need to fill with color. Quite tolerant of cold winters. Generally, Forsythia is not bothered by garden visitors such as deer and rabbits.



Flowering Ornamental Trees
Various trees are available that have extremely beautiful blossoms in the spring. These are available as flowering cherry, plum, and even apple. Depending on the variety, they can produce very intricate tiny flowers, or extremely large flowers. Some are very frilly while others are quite simple. As mentioned, the people of Japan revel in the gardens that are highlighted by ornamental cherry trees each spring. Some of these are historic, having been planted many hundreds of years ago.

Fruit Trees

Regular fruit trees are also vibrant with blossoms in the spring, although some bloom in the late spring. These have the advantage of producing fruit, of course. Apple, cherry, plum, and other fruit trees are available. These are available in large or dwarf sizes. Check with the nursery staff to find the right specimen for your property. With these trees, fitting them into  a particular space is the primary requirement. The blossoms, while very nice, are obviously a more minor benefit.

Flowers From Bulbs

Crocus
A Spring favorite. These small flowers come in a vast range of colors. Purples are amazingly vivid. Whites are crisp and gorgeous. They can actually cover an extremely large area if they get the right conditions. A yard carpeted with crocus is a beautiful sight. Crocus flowers can be disturbed by deer and rabbits depending on the availability of food for these animals. A similar "Fall Crocus" is also available. This is a larger flower which blooms in the autumn, naturally. Most gardens with regular crocus flowers will also support the fall variety.

Snowdrops
Probably the first flower to show in the year is the snowdrop. These often bloom even through patches of late season snow. Usually very small white flowers that drop from the stalk. These can be beautiful when the last clutches of winter are still evident. Snowdrops herald the better weather. They are usually undisturbed by animals that visit your garden. Small bulbs are available from most nurseries. Plant them according to directions in the fall for the next year's display.

Daffodils and Narcissus
These early blooming flowers are very attractive in most gardens. They are available with various sized flowers. Daffodils are typically yellow, or a close shade of that color. They may be small, medium or large flowers. Narcissus have been developed with an extensive variety of flower heads, colors and sizes. This flower comes in double, (or more), bloom types. All are available from the nursery as dormant bulbs. Plant them in the fall to ensure a full growing season the next year. Every few years, you should dig up the bulbs in the fall. They will have multiplied over time. Separate the bulb clumps and plant with spacings. This will allow your garden to contain even more flowers in the years to come.

Dealing With Deer

Unfortunately, many gardens are bothered by deer. These animals eat vegetation of all types, with certain exceptions. They do not bother conifer trees such as fir and cedar. They tend to leave azaleas and rhododendrons alone. They also avoid daffodils. They may eat crocus and other bulb flowers, particularly tulip. They have been known to chew tulip flowers and leaves to the ground. They then return to eat the tulips as they struggle to overcome the earlier onslaught. Various types of deer deterrents are available to deal with these animals. Most of these are sprayed onto plants in the garden, making them undesirable to deer. Read the directions of these products. Be sure to re-apply these products after heavy rains as water will wash away the protection. Check with the nursery to find deterrent products that do not smell bad. Some are made to smell like rotten meat. Depending on your yard, you may find these products quite offensive yourself. There are less obnoxious types available.