Whiteflies, blackspot, aphids. . .

Everything is not perfect in my garden.  Whiteflies have infested the shrubs by the side porch.  Black spot and aphids are on the roses.  My little swamp milkweed seedling doesn't seem to have survived. Only two of my irises have bloomed.  I sprayed the rose bush with neem oil and sprayed the shrubs with insecticidal soap.  And then I made myself feel better by taking these pictures.

The Rhododendron in all its glory.

Evening Primrose  - I love it when it's blooming even if it is the most invasive plant I have.

The snaps and penstemon are at their best.

The coreopsis is in full bud and the dianthus is the healthiest I've ever seen it.

The lilac lullaby skullcap - a rescue from the bargain table at Lowe's last fall - is blooming for the first time.  

And the goldflame spirea is beginning to flower.

Beautiful surprise

I was amazed to find a Rhododendron hidden under ivy and other vines in my backyard when we moved here in 2003.  I had always thought of Rhododendron as needing cooler temps than Eastern North Carolina provides.  But this one has done well under the shade of tall pines, and I was exited to see the beautiful blooms begin to appear this weekend.

Coming Soon - I hope!

Thanks to Tootsie Time for hosting "Fertilizer Friday", an invitation to garden bloggers to "flaunt their blooms."  Head on over to Tootsie Time for more information on Fertilizer Friday and where it gets its name.
Most of my blooms today are on azaleas and dogwoods, pictures of which I have recently posted.  So I'm sharing with you pictures of blooms that I hope to see on my plants soon.  These pictures are from previous seasons but all of these plants are loaded with buds at the moment and I'm hoping for a big show soon!