Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis
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Although it looks and feels like winter again here today, I see undeniable signs of spring approaching. Snow may, or may not be in our forecast. The responsible parties keep changing their minds….
Last I opened the kitchen door, the rain had that hard, metallic sound that told me there may have been a little sleet mixed in.
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Violas with Italian Arum
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No matter, the earliest daffies won’t mind, and neither do I. I’m in for the day, and just up from the basement where I’ve been potting up rooted Begonia cuttings.
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I’m in that happy state of mulling over various planting schemes for summer pots and baskets, imagining my cuttings as full grown, blooming, and partnered with various ‘fillers and spillers.’ Gorgeous cane Begonias will always be the ‘thrillers’ to me.
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Iris histrioides ‘George’
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I’ve a pot of coffee and a stack of hard bound gardening books waiting. After years of tablet reading, I’m re-discovering the thrill of full sized color photos in hard bound books. I have a Beth Chatto, a Noel Kingsbury, and a Rick Darke all in progress. There is always more to learn, and these writers inspire me to try new ideas.
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Forsythia
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No matter the momentary weather, new growth swells everywhere from the tips of woody branches to the herbaceous growth popping up through our muddy yard. Bright blue wildflowers emerge in the grass alongside golden daffodils. Flowering quince and Forsythia blossoms shine against bare wood along neighborhood streets.
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Double Take ‘Scarlet Storm’ flowering quince prepares to bloom
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I see the tightly curled buds of the first Hyacinths popping up between their early leaves, and new green growth is appearing, as if by magic, from our withered looking Clematis vines.
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Camellia japonica open so early they are often touched by late frosts.
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The miracle of spring is upon us here, in coastal Virginia.
Birds are returning from their travels, huddling together in mated pairs. The first lizard of the year appeared on the back porch this week. And on our rare sunny days, it is easy to believe that winter will soon be only a distant memory.
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Woodland Gnome 2019
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“As wave is driven by wave
And each, pursued, pursues the wave ahead,
So time flies on and follows, flies, and follows,
Always, for ever and new. What was before
Is left behind; what never was is now;
And every passing moment is renewed.”
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Forest Garden 