Blooms

Well, the rhododendron is definitely in bloom. I remember the first time I ever saw them bloom. One of my first trips to Ireland and we were going around the Ring of Kerry. The mountain side was just awash with purple from the blooming rhododendrons. I loved it. Of course where I lived at that time, growing them was near impossible because of the soil, so having one in the garden right now is just a treat. 

But it is not the only plant blooming in the garden right now. There are also peonies that are just beautiful. I remember my parents having red ones and they were the only roses (in Dutch they are called peony roses) that I actually liked. The fullness, the colour. Just beautiful! 

Close-up of the rhododendron

There was one other garden flower that I always loved and once a year* I would tell my parents that I wanted to be given those flowers: the spit flower. So called by me because they always seemed to have spit on them. It took a bit of searching, but I think they are called Sweet Williams (duizendschoon). Unfortunately none are in the garden here. 

Peony in bloom

*In the Netherlands, most towns and villages organise an annual 4-evening walk. Every evening you can walk either 5, 10 or 15 km and schools, sport clubs, other clubs and individuals join one distance. At the end of the 4 days (or 4 in 5 days), there is a big parade with music and everybody gets flowers. I wanted the spit flowers. Or Sweet Williams.