Spring Azaleas

Living in the south as a child I always looked forward to spring and the azaleas in bloom.  My granny had a large azalea border in her Florida garden that was always so beautiful.  She instilled in me a
 love of gardening and
 taught me so much!  Her azaleas were called the
 'Pride of Mobile' and the color was similar to this azalea
I photographed in Muskogee.  Funny how 
this plant brings happy memories of her!

Here in central Oklahoma growing azaleas can be a challenge but I have managed to successfully grow a few on the east side of my house by adding lots of peat moss to the soil.  My  Coral Bell azaleas are doing great and I love the profusion of

 pink blooms.  This plant is smaller than the
 'Pride of Mobile' but reminds of it just the same. 

This weekend we took a drive to Muskogee and visit Honor Heights Park.    This park is known for it's annual 
Azalea Festival and is a great place to see the
 azaleas that do well in Oklahoma. 

The park was full of visitors taking pictures and having
 fun with their families and taking prom pictures 
on the bridge. 

 The park has expanded to include a new Butterfly Pavilion that will open in May.  The last of the tulips were
 in bloom and the colors so pretty. 

Dogwoods were still blooming too!  I've tried in the past to grow a dogwood in my garden a few times without success but after seeing these beautiful trees in bloom I'm ready to give it another try.   

The weather here has been warmer than usual and 
I know some areas of the country are getting snow again. 
We are getting lots of rain and everything in the 
garden is growing nicely.

Hope you are enjoying your Spring bloomers!