It's the most wonderful part of spring, and I'm having trouble not spending all day in the garden. Yesterday, I broke a sweat for the first time this year. The mercury soared to 84F/28.9C, which is 20 degrees above average. The heat moved the garden over the line from early spring to mid-spring. All the winter aconites (Eranthis), bulbous irises (Iris reticulata, I. histroides) and snowdrops (Galanthus elwesii) are done blooming, as are all the crocuses in the back garden. I wasn't thrilled with it, but the garden made the most of it, with growth surging so quickly changes could be seen every few hours.
The Sanguinaria canadensis (single bloodroot) are in full bloom in the sunnier parts of the woodland garden. Joining them are my favorite wildflowers, the little rue anemones (Thalictrum thalictroides a/k/a Anemonella thalictroides).
Another favorite native wildflower, Caulophyllum thalictroides sprouted last week.
The first bloom opened today (sorry, no picture yet).
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta, the sharp-leaved hepatica, is in full bloom.
The round-leaved hepatica, H. nobilis var. obtusa, is blooming too.
Nearly all the hellebores are in bloom now. Here's my current favorite,
Helleborus x hybridus 'Ballerina'.
I see the squirrels with peanuts nearly every day, but I've never seen the chipmunk with one.
The chipmunk tried to get the peanut into the hole in the patio, but after several tries, it realized the peanut wouldn't fit. The chipmunk ran off, presumably to try the back door of its home.
And now, more daffodils.
Stay tuned; next week will feature the Forsythia, the Caulophyllum and maybe a first for Squirrelhaven.