There's a popular saying that "April showers bring May flowers," and here in the Pacific Northwest, that couldn't be more true. After a long, damp spring, the garden suddenly explodes with color in May, making all the patience and hard work worth it.

This year, the main event on our homestead is the triumphant first bloom of our bearded irises. I ordered them last year, and they arrived so late in the fall that I planted them in a raised bed, hoping to give them a head start. I was completely surprised and delighted to see so many of them bloom in their very first year!

Come take a quick tour of what's bringing us joy in the garden this month.

The Stars of the Show: Bearded Irises

Irises are one of the most elegant and varied spring flowers. The intricate patterns and bold colors are simply stunning. Planting them in a raised bed provided the excellent drainage they love, which definitely helped them settle in and put on this amazing first-year display. Adding perennial flowers like these throughout the vegetable garden is one of our favorite ways to attract pollinators and ensure there's always something beautiful to look at.

 

Other May Blooms on the Homestead

While the irises are stealing the show, they have some beautiful supporting actors:

  • Rhododendrons & Azaleas: These classic PNW shrubs are in their full glory, with massive trusses of pink, purple, and white flowers.
  • Alliums: The tall, purple globes of ornamental onions are starting to pop, adding a modern and whimsical touch to the garden beds.
  • Columbine: These intricate, delicate flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and thrive in the partial shade of our woodland edges.

May is a month of vibrant transition, bridging the quiet start of spring with the coming explosion of summer growth. It's a truly magical time to be a gardener in the PNW.