"Spring is here..." what lovely thoughts
These simple words convey
To a heart that's winter-weary
Awaiting Spring's first day.

Though snowflakes still may linger,
We know it won't be long
Until someone sees a robin
Or hears his wake-up song.

We watch the crocus push through
The Winter's yet-bleak sod
And marvel at this miracle
That could only come from God.

Swollen buds on trees will soon
Burst forth with blossoms gay;
The sky is turning brighter blue
With each passing day.

The little brook is singing,
So happy to be free;
Daffodils lift up bright faces
To smile at you and me.

Snow may linger on the hills,
But Winter's on the wing,
As April opens wide the door
To usher in the Spring.

 Kay Hoffman




No one looks forward to spring more than I. And nothing announces spring more than spring bulbs. Do they perfume the air so much more than other flowers because they want our attention? Or is it because we have waited so long for their fragrance to delight our senses? Narcissus are the first to poke their noses above ground in my garden. The flower above is one I rescued from an abandoned homesite. I never would have gone out and bought one, and yet I grow more attached to this one each year. It requires little care and faithfully greets me just when I don't think I can stand another day of winter. This one has multipled already in just two years since I rescued it. The bright yellow daffodils signal spring perhaps more than any other flower. My mother called them Jonquils. They are one of the first flowers in my memory. I always thought they were one of the most perfect creations and marveled at their excellent form.


Following quickly on the heels of my Narcissus come the Hiacynths. Bright and beautiful, I've always loved them. There is a color here for everyone. And their fragrance is heavenly.
Muscari or grape hyacinth. These little fellows have a multitude of purposes in the spring garden. Some people like to let them colonize in their lawn and spring up over their entire yard. I like to see them en masse where they make a colorful statement. Their strap like leaves are low growing and make a wonderful border along the edge of a bed. Most often you will see them in purple but there is also a white variety.


I have grouped the Ranunculas and Anemones together because they are so similar in form and type. Sometimes I forget which is which until I look at their leaves. The Anemones have a more lacy, open leaf. Both of them spring up in very late fall or early winter to be ready with their blooms often before the last snow is gone.
They can be used almost any where. I like to add them to cracks and crevises where there isn't much room to make a huge splash of color. The bulbs are very tiny and they are quite inexpensive. For some reason mine seem to disappear after three or four seasons so I try to plant a new package each year. They can also be bought as bedding plants so you know exactly what color to expect.


So you thought these beauties were houseplants! They grow equally as well outside in my flower beds here in Zone 7b. I give them a little. protection, planting them on a south or west side and making sure they have a canopy of cover from the cedar tree above. I found this lacy one this year and have not yet left it out through a winter.Look at the exotic form and coloring! It's just as pretty from the backas it is from the front. This beautiful pink one stayed out all winter and is about to bloom again. Cyclamen love cool weather. They come in all shades of pink and red and pure white as well.

If you've enjoyed this display of spring bulbs, you might like to visit some of my other pages and see what else grows in my garden. Hurry Back!


Critters

Water Garden

Salvia

Roses

Irises

Here at last!-Lilies
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