Along the North Fence

I’ve always subscribed to the theory that it’s better to be early than late. That goes right along with ‘take a good book with you.’ I’ve done a lot of great reading during those many ten or fifteen minutes of waiting for meetings to begin, doctors to be ready, or symphonies to tune up – to say nothing of waiting for friends for whom being late is a way of life.

My grandfather was chronically late. His tardiness depended largely on the activity or event for which he was headed. He always made it to church, but never quite on time – say five or ten minutes into the service. He always made departure times of trains and boats – often jumping aboard with the first chug away from the station or with a leap from dock to deck. He was known for those skin-of-your-teeth arrivals.

So, I don’t think that my penchant for being early is necessarily a genetic quality. It’s probably that old nature vs nurture question – and the fact that my mother instilled in me that it’s better to be the one waiting than to make others wait for you. But when it comes to the flowers in our garden, I don’t think nurture comes into it. They are definitely early this year and, with our mild winter and spring I’m pretty sure it’s Mother Nature orchestrating their timeliness.

Near the Croquet Court

About most timing in the garden I’m truly oblivious. I enjoy whatever is happening (except those pesky weeds) and don’t pay much attention to early or late – with one exception. Our Jean Marie Rhododendrons have traditionally been in full bloom on May 12^th. I know that for a fact because that was my dad’s birthday. He planted the Jean Maries all along our east fence and marveled every single year when they “came out” for his birthday.
Yesterday was April 12^th and the Jean Maries were showing color. A lot of color. I don’t know if they can slow their pace enough to still be gorgeous a month from now. I’m trying to think if they’ve ever begun blooming this early before. I think not.

And here come the Jean Maries!

And, besides that, there are other rhodies in bloom in our garden – the Mrs. G.W. Leaks are the only ones I can identify. But there are at least four other varieties out there doing their stuff. I think they are way early. No waiting patiently for them. Oh no. No biding their time by reading a good book. They are strutting their stuff without regard to clock or calendar.

I fear for Water Music’s Rhodie Tour scheduled for May 2^nd. That’s almost three weeks away. Will there still be lots of rhododendrons in bloom? I hope so. But, meanwhile, I’m reveling in their early display. I’m pretty sure Dad would have, too!