To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. – Audrey Hepburn

Every spring, the warming weather hooks me with its promises of color after the long Ohio winter. Every spring, I can’t help myself and plant a few more flowers. Last year, I planted poppies. A few years ago, I planted peonies. And just as the best time to plant a tree is last year, the plants hardly flower on the year I plant them. But this spring is completely different.

Just outside the back door, below the kitchen window, hundreds of peony blossoms are readying to open. And just beyond the peonies, the oriental poppies are bursting with papery blooms, brilliant crimson and vanilla white. It makes me endlessly happy.

Poppies and Peonies: Stars of the Spring Garden

Oriental poppies in my garden

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” – Luther Burbank

Clematis

The clematis climbs the sides of the deck, and this year had twice the number of blooms as last. It’s hard not to love.

“Flowers are happy things.” – P. G. Wodehouse

Peonies, about to open

“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.” – Emma Goldman

Bearded Iris: the color

“The artist is the confidant of nature, flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him.” – Auguste Rodin

An opening Anemone Peony

“Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is no greater promise of life than flowers about to bloom. I hope you’re enjoying this spring and planting some new beautiful colors. Share some favorites here with us, too. Happy spring!