Over the weekend we visited Scarborough Faire, a renaissance festival near Dallas, in Waxahachie. I think the subculture of people who dress up and, in character, attend these sorts of festivals for a month and a half of weekends is odd. But you know what—they’re pretty good at pretending to be from a different era, and they made the place quite magical for our children. I also had a great time. The weather cooperated wonderfully. The overcast skies, chill temperature, and occasional drizzles of early morning seemed very English to me: perfect for visiting merry old England. I’m sure the performers in their heavy brocades, lace, and velvet caps were grateful for the cool weather. By noon, the sun came out and warmed us up, but it never got hot. A perfect day and a good time was had by all.

Here at home, we got an inch of rain last Friday evening, and the mornings have been fresh and cool. In the garden this morning I noticed several new plants in bloom. Here are some images.

Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra). This is the most beautiful bloom I’ve seen on this shrub since I planted it about five years ago. It is completely covered in tiny pink-and-white blossoms, interspersed among pretty, pointed green leaves. Barbados cherry is native to south Texas (not Austin) and South America, but it grows well here so long as it’s protected from deep freezes. Sheltered from north winds by my shed, mine is evergreen, though it has suffered a little freeze burn in the past. I’ve let it grow into a large, loose shrub—it’s at least 10′ tall. One plant guide I have says Barbados cherry only gets to 3′, but Sally and Andy Wasowski’s wonderful Native Texas Plants says it can get as tall as 9′. Much more accurate, in my case.

Here is another look at it. . .

. . . and another.

I’m borrowing the view of this lovely morning glory from my neighbor Linda, who grows it on the fence that divides our yards.

The returning inland sea oats are beautifully green now, and their new-formed seed heads nod at the end of long stems.

A red columbine is a late-bloomer in the shade garden. I planted it about a month ago, when the yellow columbines were in full flower, and I didn’t expect it to bloom until next spring. But, surprise, it didn’t want to wait.

Happy May Day to you!