Magnolias,

bloom early April

Mainly found in east and Southeast Asia.  Named after French botanist Pierre Magnol.

Daffodils,  

bloom in early spring

The earliest known reference to Daffodils can be found in the 6th century A.D. writings of Prophet Mohammed.  Native mainly to the Mediterranean

Hyacinths,  

bloom March to April

Sometimes associated with rebirth

Rhododendron,  

bloom May-June

The species of Rhododendron that are currently blooming at Whitman are RJM Rhododendrons that bloom earlier.  Some species of rhododendrons are poisonous to animals.  National flower of Nepal  

Bluebells,

bloom in spring  

The classical hyacinth was a flower described in Greek mythology that sprang from the blood of the dying prince Hyacinthus.

Tulips,  

bloom mid to late spring

Tulips do best in climates with long cool springs and early summers

Pansies,  

bloom any time of the year

Pansies are a hybrid derived from the Viola species of flowers.  Breeding has produced a wide range of colors including yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, white, and even black (dark purple), many with large showy face markings.

Periwinkle, bloom  

late winter – early summer

See how this page looked in print. Click below for a larger version

Periwinke blue is the color for esophageal cancer awareness ribbons