To Everything There Is a Season

It's April 1st already and I can't remember when we've had a March like the one we just had. Unless you count the flurries we saw swirling in the air on Sunday that melted the instant they hit the ground, we didn't have any snow the entire month. It all went north to Nova Scotia.

Temperatures were above normal, too. I've never sweat so many days while working outside in the gardens in March. I'm not even sure I worked in the garden in March in past years. I completed cleaning the leaves and twigs out of the gardens at least a week ago.

Perhaps the most obvious sign that we are enjoying an exceptional spring is by looking at what's in bloom and what is showing signs of life. You really can mark time by the flowers, because they each have their seasons. And while I'm happy that we're well into spring, I'm also a bit sad because part of it is over.

The snowdrops are turning to mush, and some of the crocus are laying down on the job, never to be perky again. There are still some crocus blooming though, because even among those, there are early ones and late ones. Only the giant crocus are still looking good though.

But not to worry - now it's the daffodils' time to shine! The first one opened up on March 27th, with several others following closely on its heels. 'Jetfire' is one of my favorites, because of its recurved golden petals and orange trumpets. When I first planted them, I was surprised at their size; I expected them to be larger than they were.

'Jetfire' in Max's Garden

Next to show was an unknown variety that I didn't plant, that is located beside the crocuses that I also didn't plant. I think the garden fairies are joining me in my efforts at brightening the corner where I live! There's only a very tiny clump of these and I plan to move it to a different location when it's done blooming.




'Sagitta' is preparing to bloom, as are a few other varieties.


The first 'Tete-a-Tete' daffodils that I planted last year just before Jenna's bridal shower are opening. I had bought several at Walmart, just to brighten up the landscape and now they're going to do the same thing this year. That's the great thing about spring bulbs. :-)

Still ugly after all these years, 'Replete' is trying once again to prove its worth. It's better than nothing, I guess, but each year I threaten to dig the bulbs up. How this was awarded Daffodil of the Year (1995) is beyond me. I don't remember where I bought them, but they in no way look like pictures I'd seen, such as this one. To me, they're just a mess...

...but strangely photogenic.

Besides the daffodils, the Puschkinia are in full bloom, and while they're diminutive, they're frilly and they brighten up a dark corner.














Hyacinth season is not yet upon us, but give them another week or so, and I think they'll be showing color.

This is just great, isn't it? Winter is GONE!