underwhelming

Underwhelming. That is the word of the spring. Here it is, almost May, and we haven't opened windows yet!  It was 42 this morning when I got up.  Yes, it gets nice later, and yes, this is good gardening weather, but still.... I want to hear the birds outside. Usually it gets warm enough to open windows just as the awful yellow pollen starts to accumulate. This year the pollen is finished and the temperatures are still cool.

Nothing has bloomed as well as normal. The daffodils gave a paltry showing, as did the crocus. Only one branch of the dogwood tree bloomed at all. The Lady Banks Rose has bloomed pleasantly, but not exuberantly. I want exuberant. I want overwhelming. I'm looking for something more than adequate. Not just pretty, but beautiful. Not just nice, but incredible.  I'm not asking too much, am I?

Here are some up to date-ish pictures of the front gardens.

See? Color and lush growth, but nothing to write home about. I'm looking for excitement!