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If you've noticed your garden blooming far beyond other years, you're not imagining it. "This is one of the best flower seasons we've seen across New York, Connecticut and New Jersey," shares Margaret Holland, a gardening expert based in the Hudson Valley.

Gorgeous day lily blooms in New YorkPhoto byBryce Gruber

"That's because we had a relatively mild winter and a spring dripping with moisture, it set up the perfect environment for all your favorite zone 6 perennials, orange day lily plants and even the colorful annuals we all buy each May and June."

Which plants are blooming best right now across the northeast?

For starters, hydrangeas are having the biggest, best year in ages. You probably see giant puffs of white, blue, pink and purple everywhere. And it's not too late to plant more.

Hydrangeas, full bloom in New YorkPhoto byBryce Gruber

"Even if the greatest part of the bloom season is done for hydrangeas now, the warm conditions make this an excellent time to get new plants in the ground. They'll root and establish well so you're in business for next season," explains Holland.

Look for varieties like Everlasting Summer (now under $25).

Asiatic Lily

These handsome cousins to the standard day lily are in full bloom right now, and they're exceptionally easy to grow. Expect a wider range of colors than your European and American varieties.

Asiatic lily flowerPhoto byMattonUnsplash

Go for eye-catching reds, soft pastel yellows and pinks, peach shades or purplish hues.

Asiatic perennial bulbs like these are great to plant in warm weather (under $20).

Native flowers like bee balm

"Native varieties are always a good choice," says Holland. "I love the rich pops of color bee balm and sage can offer pollinator gardens and walkways. These are also an excellent choice if you care about supporting the bees."

Bee balmPhoto byBryce Gruber

Some people even use bee balm medicinally, so there's a double-benefit to adding this plant to your garden.

"The main herbal properties of bee balm stem from its antimicrobial effects. All parts of the plant are especially adept at treating digestive issues as the plant has carminative properties that combat a buildup of gas in the body," explains PhillyOrchards.org.

"Additionally, the plant acts as a diuretic which can also help to soothe digestive problems. Bee balm is also a febrifuge, leading to its use in fever reduction."

These beautiful perennials also attract butterflies.

Bee balm seeds are under $10 per pack of 100.

What's blooming in your garden? Be sure to share your insights and growing zone in the comments below.