Random Views From the Garden
Here are just a bunch of random pictures from last weekend.
I really liked how the Ostrich Ferns (Metteuccia struthiopteris) caught the early evening light.
I realized that I need to keep the Ostrich Ferns behind the Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). Otherwise the Bleeding Heart may not be smothered, but it will be obscured from view.
Our Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) on the east side of the house is blooming. It blooms a little sparsely, most likely because it’s not in full sun. Even so, the blooms smell delicious.
The flowers of Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) are past their prime – you can see the little green berries that will turn bright red when ripe. I go back and forth on whether I should take them out.
‘Purple Sensation’ Alliums are just on the verge of bursting.
I can only think that this randomly appearing ‘Ballerina’ Tulip was planted by a squirrel. I am never grateful to squirrels, but seeing as how this is the only ‘Ballerina’ I’ve got this year, let me say this to all the squirrels in the garden: whichever one of you planted the ‘Ballerina’ Tulip – thanks. But don’t think this makes us even.
gardeninacity 
Well, you can thank that squirrel for me, too. That is one beautiful tulip. I especially like the first photo, of the ferns. I know they aren’t sixteen feet tall, but they seem especially large in the photo, and recall those illustrations of primeval fern forests.
Yes, I always they looked kind of prehistoric.
Love the ferns, but you know that don’t you! Your tulip really stands out against the background and your alliums are going to be fantastic, I hope we see a photo when they are fully open!
Allium post done last night!
Things look fabulous! Just think how short a time ago it was all under snow! The plants sure made up for lost time, I’d say.
I had the same thought.I think some of them are blooming at a smaller size than usual to make up for lost time.
Lovely photos. Thank you for sharing.
My yard has multiple ‘stray’ flowers that I attribute to the squirrels who reside in the tulip tree. Each year I find something new where I did not plant it.
I don’t mind anymore.
Might as well embrace the randomness.
Last fall I moved some ostrich ferns to a place where they get plenty of water and I don’t think they will bother another plant. They have popped up and seem to be enjoying this wet spring we are having. I just love these ferns but they can be a bit thuggish. I think you should let the wildlife tell you whether you should take out the Elderberries. If no one eats the berries take them out but if your wildlife enjoys the berries leave them. I hope this helps. 🙂 I am afraid the squirrels will always win the tulip war. Maybe since this one did ok in this position you should plant more there this fall.
A number of birds, like Cedar Waxwings, are supposed to like the berries, but as far as I can tell they never been eaten.
My ostrich ferns are loving this wet weather!
Same here.
Ferns are so lovely and add a lot to a shady yard or area.
Yes, they certainly do.
That verdant photo of the ostrich ferns seems to be the winner of today’s set of random shots. They are luscious.
That’s a good word for them. Sometimes you want to chomp on one.
I love those ostrich ferns. I used to work for people who had a bed of them much like yours.
They’re so feathery and lush.
Our Bleeding Hearts and Lilacs are blooming right now too – gorgeous sight. 🙂 The tulip is stunning, but the ‘planter’ can still hit the bricks and be gone. 🙂
I’m with you.
Oh, those ferns look gorgeous! Such lovely plants you have. Your garden may be in a city, but it looks like the most enchanting woodland garden. 🙂
Thank you, that is high praise.
LOVE the ballerina tulip – must get some into my garden this fall! You are a bit ahead of us right now – our lilacs are just starting to bud.
I’ll definitely plant more ‘Ballerina’ this fall.
Some lovely plants, our lilac is out too and smelling delicious. I love the ferns and the squirrel planted tulip.xxx
Few things are better than the scent of Lilac.
Are red elderberries rather useless? While trying to find more information about our native blue elderberries, I learned that red elderberries are toxic until cooked; but then, so are many elderberries. Then I learned that they are not as good as the common black elderberry; but I do not know what black elderberries are like anyway.
Red elderberries are poisonous for people, but some birds like to eat them. I think I have heard that you can cook the toxins out of them. The color is attractive. I like the look of bright red berries.
I sort of want to try them to compare the flavor, even though I am told they are inferior. I would prefer to get the red one that is native here. I got one coming along, but it is not the native.
I’ve tried wild Black Elderberry, they don’t taste like much.
Did you eat them fresh? They don’t taste like much fresh. In fact, too many fresh berries will likely make one sick. Red elderberries are even considered to be toxic. They are fine cooked and sweetened with sugar. I con’t know why they taste so bad fresh.
I did eat them fresh. I don’t think the black ones are toxic, they just aren’t tasty.
They are not toxic like the red ones are, but can make you sick if you eat too many. No one does because they don’t taste good. It is surprising how good they are cooked with sugar or in wine.
Lots of things taste good with sugar (though not too much) or in wine.
Well, I wouldn’t know about wine. Yes, I am a Californian of Italian descent, and I dislike wine.
How bizarre.
It works for me.
I love Bleeding Hearts, such a delicate flowers that fits so well in your garden, which is, as someone already commented, like a woodland garden. Much as I love the Ostrich ferns, I hope they won’t smother the Bleeding Hearts.
Same here – I think the Ostrich Ferns need some discipline.