Quince, Of Course {+ Other Garden Developments}

In the last week, our garden has erupted in color as flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees awaken to the spring. I wish we could take credit for each one, but we are the lucky beneficiaries of a previous owner's choices, which include a mature pink magnolia, a star magnolia and two coral quince.

This weekend the quince buds opened and, despite their thorns, invited me to snip some for display around the house.

I especially love the contrast between the delicate petals of the quince and the hard stone exterior of our house. The sprigs I cut look right at home in the antique urn vase and equally-aged bamboo etagere in the guest bedroom (which I'll be showing off in the coming weeks!).

Elsewhere in the garden, the bulbs we planted last fall have sprouted. It's been fun discovering the occasional muscari bulb--relocated by squirrels last fall--emerging from the roots of a large tree in the front yard.

The poet daffodils and black parrot tulips are almost ready to bloom and I can't wait for them to make their appearance.

(all via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

I'm happy to say--after a particularly harsh winter--that spring has sprung in Philadelphia.

What is blooming in your garden?