Petals a Plenty

This week the garden is alive with petals. So many things have burst into flower and it seems that everyday brings a new array. Despite this I must come clean and admit defeat because by far the most beautiful sight in my garden at the moment actually belongs to my neighbour. Luckily for me peeping over the garden fence with all it's beauty on display is this wonderful Magnolia tree. And although it isn't mine I feel it is a worthy subject for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

In my own garden there are still plenty of delights. The skimmia buds have burst into flower and fill the air with their exquisite perfume.

The Rhododenron 'Christmas Cheer' is full of candyfloss blooms that are attracting the early bumble bees, although I seem unable to capture one on camera!

The front doorstep is alive with the wonderful tiny purple flowers of Aubrieta.

I love these tiny delicate narcissi which where a mixed batch of drying bulbs languishing in my dad's greenhouse - we just stuck them in the ground when we moved in and hoped for the best.

The Japanese Quince seems to have appreciated last years heavy pruning and addition of supporting wires and is now heavily laden with bright red flowers.

And then lastly I have 2 mystery plants which we inherited when we moved in. Firstly this spikey tree and its heady scented blossom that reminds me of the scent of orange blossom that fills the air of Northern Mallorca. In the summer the tree bears small fruit like tiny plums but I have no idea if they are edible. Any suggestions are welcome. The leaf is much smaller than a plum tree has.

Then there is this tiny delicate alpine or rockery plant which looks dead all winter and then burst into life in spring. Does anyone have a name for this?