I am about a week early with blooms. Still not overwhelming yet, so I have been enjoying the few blooms I have. Next weekend may put things into overdrive. Temps are supposed to hit 97 on Thursday and Friday. I don't mind the heat as it sure beats sub-zero temps and snow.

The first one is THE GIFT OF GIVING. I put up two pictures: one in the sun and one in the shade. I love the color.

BURTONSVILLE BLUSH (Bennett Intro) I've told the story before that this was one of the first ones I purchased from him. This picture was first thing in the morning. This is one of my favorites, but I probably grow about 450 favorites!

Here it is at 2 pm:

CLIFFJUMPER: Nice and tall. Love to contrast of colors.

SILOAM APPLE BLOSSOM: A nice early season pink

PURE AND SIMPLE: More of the orange sherbet look in the morning.

BOLD MARAUDER: An older Curt Hanson intro that I seem to like.

POLY ESTHER: Large yellow bloom. I am a sucker for puns. Polys about 25% of the time.

SAMWISE THE BRAVE: It was supposed to be EDWARD ABBEY. Glad that the grower was able to identify it. It is leaving the garden this year. This one does not appeal to me.

Tomorrow looks like I will have some others opening for the first time this year.

David