First Spring Flower Tour

Our blog is primarily about providing fresh food for our family, but I think there’s a lot to be said for providing fresh flowers, too. Some flowers are edible–and I’m sure I’ll post about them this summer–but even those that shouldn’t be eaten provide another kind of nourishment: nourishment of the soul. And this is the time of year, after the drab and drippy days of winter, when the colors and scents of freshly opened flowers are most appreciated. So join us for a brief tour around our property and see the blooms we’re enjoying this first week of March!

The first to grace us was the camellia, with its first bloom opening in mid-February. Its precociousness meant it sustained a little frostbite, which gave its petals some brown edges. But that brave pioneer was soon followed by several other, clear pink blooms. Don’t these look gorgeous against the backdrop of the camellia’s evergreen foliage?

Next came the miniature irises. From one day to the next, these little green spikes exploded into purple blossoms, with the most perfect yellow markings. Here you can see them in front of the lavender, which in a few months’ time will be attracting butterflies like crazy.

 

After the mini irises came the crocuses, a flower I never noticed much until my mom planted some bulbs near our basement door. Now I’m ready to plant more, especially of these purple ones…

Finally, I noticed that the buds on the red maple tree are opening. They’re very small, but exotic-looking! And just look at that flawless blue sky. That was two days ago, when we were in the 70’s. It would have been another great day for gardening, if the ground hadn’t still been soaked from all the rain. Instead of more digging, enforced relaxation and enjoyment. Hard to complain.

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