The bromeliad (or air plant) is finally blooming. Then it will produce a new plant clump, or pup to the side. It is rather interesting that it does all of this with just a little water now and then. This plant moved in with us some years ago and was only one clump at that time.
Here are the stone "endcaps" in place in the garden. I hope they'll be a nice way to separate bed and grass, and easy enough to trim around. These stones had been elsewhere around the house. You can see some progress on the expanded herb/flower area (new bed #2 here, also with the chair in it). Check out this link to compare May and April photos and see earlier monthly photos. The other 2 new beds this year are at the far end and have the bean structure in them. They still need some preparation. The little A-frames are giving a little protection to the tomatoes.
I can also see that the "endcaps" are also going to be a nice collector of rocks. Later, I'll move them to the growing rock pile outside of the garden.
These chives are offspring from my first herb & vegetable garden in Alabama. They've moved along with me several times. We've been picking the most open flowers to include in our salads, but I think I should let some fully bloom now. 
This Aquilegia / Columbine is the most prolific self-seeder and bloomer in the garden so far. I hope the hummingbirds have found it.
This Aquilegia (right?), above, has been the most surprising. I don't remember if it bloomed last year after it was given to me, but if it did, I don't remember that it looked like this.
This sedum flower is the most unreal! It's like a little outer space / alien flower.
Scratch and sniff this Dame's Rocket (thanks to a reader, now I know it's not phlox) above! It blooms every year beneath the window by the computer. I love being outside at dusk when it is especially fragrant. The lilacs are also in competition, but I walk by this flower bed so much that it is imprinted in my spring memories.
So here it is! This little wonder is the number one stop on all of the bee tours right now. You can hear the tree buzzing from across the garden. That's what brought me over there close enough to see these flowers, each only about 1/8 of an inch across. Rhamnus purshiana - the native Cascara in the NW. Before long, the beautiful Waxwing birds will be socializing in the trees while munching on the Cascara berries. I wonder if I can sprout more of these small trees from the berries or a cutting. Now watch out for the bees. They're flying distracted and likely to run into you.
Hey, that's me growing in the garden! I'd like to see Petunia soon, though. There are 5 tomatoes planted out under several of these little protective A-frames (and I'm wearing protective fleece). My neighbor gave me plants from an heirloom mix she seeded so I'm hoping for some colorful tomatoes. I tried to capture the two under this frame and captured me too.
This A-frame has 2 more tomatoes, plus 4 younger Sungold tomatoes just getting used to the outside world. These 4 are from the March 24 seedings. The planted tomato in the bottom left corner is one of the tricky tomatoes from the March 3 seedings. All of the Sungolds had nice strong stalks. The one in the ground was planted deep so he looks rather short. The anise hyssop with them will be planted as soon.
Later this week, I'll have updates on the main garden. Today, I did get the sunflower bed (left side, above) and the pumpkin patch (right side) prepared. I planned to plant sunflowers today, but decided another day or two wait won't hurt.
The hawthorn tree that protects our little hillside retreat is blooming. With no sheep or other creatures eating the seedlings, one day there will be a hedge of these trees. Being on this hillside, that is just fine by me. 
I must not have looked at them very closely in the past. Very pretty and with a light fragrance, I think. Here is the same tree, decorated for the fall.
Monday evening was the official season opening of our hillside retreat. We trimmed the path, carried up the chairs and then dear husband, Emily the cat and I had a nice sit. During the preparation, I came across this tiny wildflower. Any idea what it is called?
This small borage plant, and one other, overwintered. Now, they're full of flower buds while the self-seeded starts are just getting a full set of leaves (all over the garden). Borage becomes quite the bee magnet so I'm happy this one is open early for business. Some gardeners like the flowers and cucumber flavored leaves in salads. They can be a little prickly, though, so I mostly enjoy watching the bees and other critters that visit the flowers.
Ahh, sorry Becky! I missed World Naked Gardening Day! Sunday was going to be a bit too cool for a make-up day, so here I am on Pajama Gardening Day (the day after WNGD), in fleece PJs and robe. Actually, I'm weeding. After heating water for coffee or tea, I go "water" any weeds creeping up between these pavers by the patio. Today, this weed was nothing but a dry brown leaf that crumbled when I rubbed it with my foot. I have to admit, though, I don't limit PJ Gardening/Weeding to one day a year. It is a very productive way to start off the morning out in the fresh air and birdsong.
A younger ornamental cherry tree in the yard is now blooming. Its flowers are very fluffy! Very different than the earlier blooming cherries.
Sleep! After a little time tucked in like this, I'll be as good as new. And I'll have a field day visiting around the blogs. The special event wrapped up today. I gave up a beautiful gardening weekend, but the out-of-towners had nice weather.
I've not hosted an event quite like this before, but we used the space we had and I think everyone had a seat and something to eat! It's a great group of people in my profession and we always have lots to discuss. Looking forward to next year (and in another city)!
