I have been wondering about this--are there perennial flowers that bloom in summer, or are perennials mostly spring-blooming? We bought a house last year and were overjoyed that all these flowers came up of their own accord (crocuses, daffodils, tulips, irises, azaleas) but now that those are mostly gone there's not so much flowery going on in our yard, and we're wondering if there are spring-blooming perennials that might come up, and/or that we can plant for next year.

Beautiful photos.

I've always loved how tulips start so demurely, perfectly egg-shaped, then age with wild and glorious abandon.

Something to aspire to, I think!

Jenny,

What you describe is mostly a list of bulbs that come up in the spring (minus the azaleas). They are activated by the change in seasonal temperature, and give us color before the other plants have fully woken up. There are many perennial plants that will definitley bloom later in the season. You may be able to put in dahlias, for example, which blossom later on, as do asters and mums. Peonies are short-lived, but will give you beautiful blossoms late in May - June. Lilacs are wonderful and go for about a month. Roses can give you blossoms all summer and into fall. And my hydrangeas are just filling out. Once they begin blossoming they continue for months.

I also like how some garden companies, like Brent and Becky's Bulbs, break up their catalogs by season. Take a look at their summer catalog for a huge selection of summer perennial plants and bulbs.

Part of the fun of gardening, if you have a space, is tinkering and seeing what will grow. If you start frequenting a garden center you can get some good advice for your area. Also there are many online communities. I find gardenweb.com forums to be very helpful. If you have a slow day at the office take a look and start browsing through all the forums they have, you are bound to find something!

I spent much of the day today at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. There are still many gorgeous tulips and the peonies were to die for! I got some great pics. If you have the time, I suggest heading over there.

Tulips have gone in my garden at least three weeks ago. It seems that Spring comes arrives here earlier than to New York.
Tulip is one of my favorite flowers.
Mattplantguy gave good advice on how to have different plants that bloom in different moments of the year, not all at a time. If you want flowers in winter, I'd recommend you a cammelia tree, narcissus and primulas, they blossom in december-january, at least here in Galicia, that has an oceanic climate (very similar to Oregon/Washington one)
The pics are really really awesome.