let spring begin!

Anyone in the PNW will tell you, we have had some wet weather recently! And if you know me, I don't do rain very well. In fact, I don't really "do" anything other than warm sunshine. I have been wanting and meaning to get out and get planting. This feeling has translated into a need. And today, when I stepped outside the air was warm. I didn't grimace from the cold as per usual. And there was a smell... After my nose investigated for a few moments, I realized, it's spring. With the smell of spring in the air and a day off, my car could only head in one direction ... the garden centre!! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me as it was a frenzy of emotionally charged plant shopping. But the inspiration came to put together a spring planter! I just started grabbing plants as though I'd been locked up in a winter hell. The poor customers and staff (who happen to be co-workers) saw my plant shopping re-creation of Gollum from the Lord of the Rings. "My precious!"

And speaking of my precious, this euphorbia "tiny tim" has become an instant favourite! I believe this even counts as a bloom in my garden... too bad I'm a day early.

I love the red centres and chartreuse coloration!

Variegated hebe is another precious of mine. I always thought it was too tender, but I have observed my neighbours plants thrive for the last few years and have been jealous the whole time!

This lithodora "grace ward" should fill out nicely and grace the garden with it's epic blue flowers! The picture makes it look more purple but I assure you, blue.

And then there's the plant adoption tables. You know the ones where the plants look a little bit lonely and sad? That was the state of this euphorbia 'helenas blush.' After some pruning/clean up and finding a new home amongst other euphorbia friends and Mexican feather grass it already seems happier.

 Some variegated lemon thyme for fragrance, some black mondo for sexy ...

 And the inspiration was complete. And as only a true plant nerd could experience, I felt a moment of temporary satisfaction followed immediately by a desire to get the next size bigger pot and a whole new order of plants. Because lets face it, planters are always nicer in pairs! So the planting season has commenced and I leave today with a rather happy TBC (to be continued) ...