STATE FLOWER

what a beautiful pic, Harli, i do love Rhododenrons - i have several myself which are coming into bud just now. i don't know if we have a county flower for Essex - i don't think so, but you know of something else - everyone has a birth flower! i think this is world wide my mum sent off for mine when i was a kid, and i was first taking an interest in plants and gardens ect. i wonder if there is a website on this? i believe mine is a Chysanthemum, do you know what yours is?

Hello Majeek :) Mine is either Gladiolas or Poppy for August.
Here is a link to the information

http://www.babiesonline.com/flowersbirthmonth/

I can imagine that rhodedendrons grow well there, Harli. You have some in bud already, Majeeka. Here, I always associate them with May/early June, although they bloomed slightly earlier last year. This also reminded me that I was looking for a variety called "Dreamland" and found one - but forgot to go back and buy! Must track it down again. Thanx for that!

yep i do, but they are still green buds, not yet showing colour. but then i also have late tulips going strong too, but to be honest we have'nt had a proper winter at all here in Essex, no snow at all just a few heavy frosts! so maybe this is why?

Maybe! But also, the 450-mile distance from you to here also represents a month's difference in plant growth.