The Whispering Angel has presided over the backyard at two of our homes–thru sun, rain, sleet, snow and even a couple of hurricanes during which she was unceremoniously laid over on the ground to prevent any injury. The winter is finally over and she is surveying the damage from several freezing spells. Right now we are enduring the annual pollen dust storm, and that yellow stuff is coating the gazebo roof, the plants and everything outdoors. We’re due for rain again, and hopefully the rain will wash away the nasty stuff. Luckily no one in our house suffers from allergies. 
Here is one of the many sago plants in our front yard. This is an emperor sago, and it is a member of the cycad family, one of the oldest plant families on earth. The cycads were growing when the dinosaurs walked the earth–65 millions years ago. Kind of a comforting thought that the earth is that old, and that we can enjoy these beautiful plants without hearing and running from the roar of a Tyrranosaurus Rex! Notice how the sago is tired of her skirt of freeze-damaged fronds and is bursting forth with an entire new flush of leaves.
Here is an experiment–beautiful perfect specimen of plastic–a faux shrub. Hoping the color survives the summer sun–looks like winter had no effect!
Above are two hardy specimens–the holly tree and wax leaf ligustrum tree. They love cold weather and actually look better following winter freezes.
Here is a small waxleaf ligustrum shrub, related to the tree above, just not grafted onto wood.
The boxwoods say thank you for the freezes, they are showing their bright green spring flush!
Here is a king sago palm showing the typical freeze damage on all fronds.
Sharing pictures above of the great new rock edging on our mulch beds–a nifty way to install permanent edging. Put down Vigoro no-dig edging. Then pour Quickcrete fast setting concrete powder onto the dirt where you will install the stone blocks. Set your block on top and make sure all is level. When all powder and stones have been set in place, merely water with a garden hose lightly to set stones into concrete. Then come back the next day and water in very well. Very easy to do–with professional results!
Here is the trusty bicycle chained to the pine tree so no kids try to take a ride–believe me a few have tugged at the chains! My husband said it was too early for the flowers, but in my opinion it’s never too early for blossoms–especially pink ones!
Spring always reminds me that plants suffer the trials and tribulations of winter, yet they persevere, waiting for the bright, golden orb of the sun to warm the earth and begin the annual process of rebirth!