Enjoying flowers both inside and outside

Last month, I was given these cream roses by a friend and they lasted really well.  I trimmed the stems and changed the water and they lasted for two weeks.

Outside, the run of a few days of sunny and warm weather have brought plants on really well. It's nearly the vernal equinox too, so the lengthening daylight is also a signal to grow.  Primroses are out, both the native ones and...

others which have self seeded under the patio table, but as they are so pretty, I haven't had the heart to dig them up and move them.

Muscari (grape hyacinth) flowering in a bowl on the patio.

Some different varieties of grape hyacinth in a pot.

Scilla going over a bit, but still a lovely sky blue.

Camellia St Ewe with its bright pink flowers and egg yolk yellow centres.

Tulips are also in bud in the border.  I did plant some in pots too, but they are not looking too good.  I think they have got too wet over the winter, so may have rotted. We'll see whether I get anything at all.  However, there will be lots of other plants to enjoy, so I shall focus on them instead.

Spring flowers

Spring is one of my favourite times of year. To be more precise, the time between April and the end of May is one of my favourite times of year.  Everything looks new and fresh.  Primroses are in flower.

I bought mixed grape hyacinths last autumn and planted them in various pots in both the front and back gardens.  I do like this lighter blue one.

The shape of this one is rather fabulous too.

The scillas are flowering away now.

Another 'mixed blue' grape hyacinth.  I like the different shades of blue in this one.

My little standard cherry is in full flower now and I am really enjoying the flowers. They don't last that long, but are a beautiful sight.

Finally, these tulips are the earliest into flower in the border.  I think they must be Brown Sugar (although they may be Cairo).  There are lots of others on the way, so they will probably get a blog post to themselves.

Here's a close up of one of the flowers.  I hope we don't get a prolonged cold snap this month, like there was last year.  There is a lot more to enjoy in the next few weeks.

Spring has definitely Sprung

 I know, more gardening photos.  I can't help it - I just love this time of year and when something else is flowering almost every time I step out of the door, I just have to share my excitement.  Above is the little cherry I bought recently, looking beautiful.

 The deep azure blue of Scilla sibirica, grown in a pot, in shade, and still flowering away happily for the second year.

 A viola with delicate hints of amethyst on the very edges of the petals.

 Magnolia 'Susan' with its buds beginning to break and show the rich pink of the petals inside.  It has only just started to flower in the last two days but is being encouraged by the sun we're getting at the moment.

Some of the flowers, enjoying the sunshine.

The inside of a flower, with a fuchsia pink centre.  It also has the most delicious fragrance of lemon which is why I am so pleased it hasn't grown too tall yet, so I can still get close to the flowers.  How can you not feel joyful with all this going on outside?

Another reason I am feeling particularly happy today is because I entered a giveaway on a blog that I follow and have just found out that I am a winner!  The prize is a beautiful floral apron made by the blog author and I'll devote a post to it when it arrives.  I don't win things very often so am absolutely delighted! Thank you so much to Thomasina (Elizabeth) of  http://mrsthomasinatittlemouse.blogspot.co.uk/