foxgloves, explained

Here's a picture of the one time we had foxgloves
bloom in the yard. The next year, nothing.
So I put in a dozen more last spring as seedlings, and now, a year later-- it appears we will have blooms again.
Here, via Michele over at Garden Rant, is a good explanation of how foxgloves (biennials) work in the garden. And it's looking like, if I want to be sure I'll have blooms next year, I should plant more seedlings now. Just to be sure. (Our winter climate being more hospitable than hers).

some morning photos...

Here's the scene out front, where rosemary, a ceanothus, wallflower (erysimum), and a low-growing euphorbia are weaving together to cascade into the... ditch. That euphorbia has been so successful, I've moved it all around. I don't remember it being quite so intensely lime-y in the past.

In other blooming news, this nicotiana came through the winter quite happily in a pot outside. (and somehow a cerinthe seeded itself into that same pot, where they're co-habitating nicely).

And... the first poppy of the season to open... in our yard at least. Plenty of 'em out there in the neighborhood.

I know some people consider these little... violas(?) weeds... In fact all the ones we have (hmm...more every year) started with a stow-away on something else I bought at a garden sale. But anything this charming is welcome here-- even in the cracks between the bricks.

And finally, another wallflower (erysimum), backed up by artemisia limelight (in a large planter--those roots want to go everywhere).

Oh, and, Happy Easter to all of you observing the holiday today!

from all indications...

...Cat also enjoying Spring.

..and now, the blues

About a year ago
I posted a bunch of photos of all the blue & violet-hued flowers coming into bloom in the yard, and it looks like it must be that time of year again.
Here, just a small portion of the blue (and violet)-ness.