There you are

I'm happy to say my energy level has increased to the point where I've been getting out in the garden to do some much needed cleanup and editing. No doubt the lovely weather we've enjoyed has helped spawn this burst of hard labor! Unfortunately I haven't had camera in hand since I do much of the chores while the boy sleeps, and if I start taking photos nothing else would get done. Still, I managed to capture a few shots of some blooming plants in the garden. A couple of natives and a first-time bloomer for me.

Indian Plum is still blooming after a couple weeks, although I think it is on its way out. I read on Rainy Side Gardeners that the flowers are an early source of nectar for bees, but I haven't seen too much activity yet (although I've seen plenty of bees already!) Female plants will put on berries following flowering, but a male needs to be nearby for pollination. I'm not sure which I have, but I didn't see berries on this plant last year. It would be nice to add a couple more of each around the garden so I would increase the odds of fruit.

Azara microphylla has FINALLY put on the little pom-pom flowers known for their vanilla or chocolate scent. I've had this evergreen tree for about five years, when it was only about 12 inches tall. It really took off though when I planted it on the south side of our home but in the shade of a fence. When I first notice the flowers, I thought perhaps the leaves were yellowing. Makes me wonder if I'd made this mistake in the past! I really enjoy this plant for its glossy leaves and airy habit. It makes a great border screen without feeling like a wall. It supposedly responds well to pruning if it gets too leggy, but I haven't gone there yet.

White Flowering Currant (ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle') is another early bloomer in my garden, in this case along the north fence in what I've deemed the native border. It gets the brunt of the morning and afternoon sun, which it seems to enjoy once established. The plant can grow to about eight feet but mine took some early abuse from my Lab/Chow mix that enjoys resting near, sometimes on, the shrub. Despite this treatment, it continues to thrive and appears to be making a vertical climb this year.