Spring has Sprung

Spring has really truly arrived! Everywhere we see crocuses, daffodils and heather in full bloom. And as some of you who follow me know, I absolutely LOVE to take photos of flowers. I also realized that I needed to get out walking again, so yesterday I hobbled around the block for 15 minutes - most of it in some pain. Yes, the back and hips are not as strong as they used to be and after this latest bout of flu and bronchitis (began on Feb. 8th and I'm still coughing!) I'm feeling a bit draggy. I waited until it got sunny this afternoon and forced myself out again, camera clutched in my hot little hand and was successful. As you will see, the cherry blossoms are almost out in their full glory, the camelias are already starting to fade and droop, and the forsythia is out. I also discovered that there is such a thing as a weeping cherry blossom tree! I will try - I do promise to try - to get out every day for at least 15 minutes or more to show you the beauty of my little neighbourhood.

Oh, by the way, that black pot with some green plants in it is at my front door and it has tulip bulbs that we planted last summer - they're finally coming up. Can anyone help me out with the name of the other plant in the pot? And I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the plant in the last photo - it's a perennial and very common around here. HELP!