@scottij and other gardeners, So much fun to read what is in various stages of bloom, Scott, in your gardens. Geraniums are one of the most consistent bloomers in my yard but alas, my indoor light isn't sufficient to overwinter them like some here can do. I am jealous that yours have been blooming since Dec. May I ask what state in U.S. you live?
As for your Mex. petunias, mine are filling in around a front tree but still bare sticks and the hardier lantana for me is the TX Gold variety which returns but not so the more stunning purple or multi-colored varieties. Soil and climates differ so greatly even within the same state that it is wonderful to learn about what works well where.
My earliest spring bulbs have mostly bloomed out but I'm eagerly imagining their "spread" next year. One bed in front is filled with pink evening primroses which surround a med. high salvia. Both, along with other red/rose salvias, are still dormant and I do hope they haven't died out. However my steady eddie May Night salvias are boasting there first deep purple blooms.
In West TX, each year is a wonder of what survives and what needs replacing. My neighbor's iris showed its first blooms yesterday which means mine will ff in a couple of weeks. Hollyhocks are mounding and my pink oxalis lining one bed by street are in full bloom.
A dozen baby snapdragons were installed along with 9 new strawberry plants yesterday. We had a mind tingling freeze last week which had me "wrapping" some of my new bloomers. Looks like they withstood the shock and today the temp is to reach mid-80's.
Can think of no more mood lifting therapy than that of spending time in nature and our gardens. Would love to see pics later of your trailers spilling over and around your sago palm. And as for meeting nice folks, can't remember ever getting acquainted with a gardener who wasn't just as likeable as they come!
I've not tried peonies before and had bought bulbs still to be installed along with 6 dahlias, another newbie for me. Our hard clay soil nearly did me in as I dug a new area 10" deep for the dahlias. I do my own soil mix and am so glad to have a wheel barrel for the "mixing".
Imagine my glee when my neighbor offered me two of her dinner plate peony sprouts to add to my new tubers yesterday. Although multiple sprouts, they seem in shock and I have them in potting mix until their new home is prepared and keeping my fingers crossed they make it.
@fiesty76 I have only lived in this area for two years now. I am a wanna-be gardener. This year, due to health issues, I will be an observer. The weeds are gleefully sprouting everywhere. We had big plans for our outside area until my back issues came along in January.
Around here, those who garden for veggies or flowers, take it mighty seriously! It definitely is a 4 season area. The starts and plants are showing up in not-so-local nurseries and big box store garden sections. Our local classifieds and trade pages on fb abound with people selling or trading seeds, bulbs, starts. The elementary school has an annual plant sale. People over-winter seedlings and starts indoors or in greenhouses with propane heaters going. I don't know if this is because there is not much to do in this town, to place such importance on gardens. The deer, squirrels, and other critters make it a challenge to be successful. Deer don't like daffodils, marigolds, lavender, but they love our blooming cherry trees!
Ginger