Spring flowers

Summer solstice occurred just two days ago. I feel like this past spring was more beloved than any other due to record-breaking and long winter. I love Chicago but our winters are torturous! It was great to finally see the ground after four months of snow cover. Spring blooms were so delightful to see and smell for those of us who were winter-weary.

In celebration of spring, here are pics of my favorite April, May and early June blooms as seen in gardens around the neighborhood and the flower markets:

snowdrops are one of the earliest spring flowers to bloom and often don't wait for the snow to melt before emerging

tulips, of course (may's flower of the month)

anemones

sweet peas

daffodils (April's flower of the month)

 hyacinths - smells like heaven

magnolias

grape hyacinths (aka muscari)

lilacs - smells so amazing it breaks my heart

peonies, the queen bee of the season (also June's flower of the month)

ranunculus (March's flower of the month)

irises

And now, bring on the summer flowers! Hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, zinnias and more!!!

Flower of the month: tulips

This month’s flower is the tulip, which to me, just symbolizes May like no other flower. In my opinion,  a Mother’s Day arrangement would not be complete without them. I’ve been loving seeing tulips all over--in neighbors' yards, at markets, at public gardens, etc.

These flowers have been cultivated in Holland for so long that most of the world is under the mistaken impression that the tulip is a Dutch native. In reality, they originated around the area of central Asia (now Turkey) and were brought to The Netherlands in the 1500s.

They come in all colors except blue.

Vase life is about five days. The French variety will last seven days or longer.

As for an arranging tip, tulips continue to grow after they’ve been cut. So it’s a must to leave enough room for them in the vessel to grow.

Photos I took last week of tulips at the Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL.