Spring Is Finally Unfolding in the Garden

Looks like the gardens will peak just in time for our Mother’s Day Party on May 7 & 8! Get all the deets HERE!

Everything is blooming about a month late because of the cold and the rain and the hail (and the rain an the hail and the cold). We didn’t know if this year’s gardens would end up a complete disaster after an unusually brutal Winter but once again, Mother Nature is delighting us with her magic.

Lupinus 'Thomas Church' and Aquilegia v. 'Blue Barlow' looking spiffy!

The California natives seem to be especially slow, with California poppies yet to bloom and Nemophila menziesii “Baby Blue Eyes” growing in slow motion. But, the Lupines are earlier than ever and thriving!

Omphalodes linifolia provides a delightful white skirt to our boy 'Thomas.'

Layias were one of the CA natives not affected by the rain and it didn’t seem to mind the cold. Some of them did get a little beaten down by the hail, but they’re sure bringing their rays of sunshine to the beds right now.

Layia platyglossa "Tidy Tips" and Penstemon pseudospectabilis with Campanula glomerata.

Layia glandulosa makes the perfect partner to Nemophila menziesii "Baby Blue Eyes."

We’re LOVING the true form of Layia glandulosa. Everybody loves blues and whites in the Spring garden, but you need soft yellows to balance it out and bright pinks to make it pop. I’m so excited because this is the perfect soft yellow to go with all of our Spring bloomers!

Gladiolus carneus "Painted Lady" and Glaucium grandiflorum make odd bedfellows.

Every year is different and full of surprises. I’ve never seen these two plants bloom at the same time before, hence the unusual color combo! That’s Gladiolus carneus, a South African bulb, returning for another year and Glaucium grandiflorum (orange), blooming much earlier than it usually does for us. Both require no Summer water.

Just coming into bloom is Delphinium belladonna ‘Cliveden Beauty’, Sidalcea hendersonii and ultra-blue CA native Phacelia viscida. The Sidalcea is one of my favorite perennials, I use it everywhere because it blooms Spring thru Fall and is so very reliable, becoming bigger and bloomier every year.

Also joining the late-spring surge is Penstemon ‘Catherine de la Mare’, a graceful hybrid beardtongue producing tall spikes of soft lavender-blue tubular flowers. This long-lived perennial is especially attractive to bees and hummingbirds, which are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it performs best with minimal summer water once established. Its vertical flower spikes add another layer of movement and color to the spring garden, blending beautifully with lupines, delphiniums, and other early-season perennials.

From left to right: Delphinium belladonna 'Cliveden Beauty,' Sidalcea hendersonii and Phacelia viscida.

Bumblebee magnet Phacelia viscida how we love you!

Believe it or not, there are a whole lot more plants still to bloom in this garden. I think they should hit their peak just in time for our Mother’s Day Party on May 7 and 8. How cool is that? You should definitely come – bring your Mom AND your camera! MORE ABOUT THE PARTY HERE!

Carnival colors: Greek poppies (red), Layia platyglossa (yellow), Cheiranthus allionii (orange), Eschscholzia caespitosa (shortie yellow) and Aquilegia c. "Rocky Mountain Columbine" (light blue in background).

FAQs: It’s starting to happen!

Why do some spring gardens bloom later than usual?

Spring bloom timing is strongly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and seasonal weather patterns. A colder or wetter-than-average winter can delay soil warming and slow plant growth, leading to later flowering in annuals, perennials, and bulbs. Many temperate plants require a certain amount of accumulated warmth (often called “growing degree days”) before they bloom.

Are California native wildflowers sensitive to unusual weather?

Yes. Many California native wildflowers are adapted to Mediterranean climates with wet winters and dry springs, but their germination and flowering can still shift with abnormal conditions such as heavy rain, hail, or extended cold. Species like California poppies and baby blue eyes may bloom later or more sparsely depending on seasonal stress.

Which spring flowers are good for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds?

Many spring-flowering perennials are highly attractive to pollinators. Plants such as lupines, penstemons, delphiniums, phacelias, and salvias provide nectar and pollen that support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These plants are commonly recommended by university extension programs and botanical gardens for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Do drought-tolerant plants need summer water after spring blooming?

It depends on the species. Many drought-adapted perennials and bulbs, once established, prefer minimal summer irrigation or a dry summer dormancy period. However, young plants and those in unusually hot or dry conditions may still need occasional deep watering to maintain health. Proper drainage is critical for most drought-tolerant plants.

How can gardeners extend color and bloom diversity in spring beds?

Gardeners often combine plants with different bloom times and heights—such as bulbs, annual wildflowers, and long-blooming perennials—to create overlapping waves of color. Mixing early, mid, and late spring bloomers (for example, poppies, columbines, lupines, and penstemons) helps ensure continuous flowering and supports a wider range of pollinators.