And Now It's 'Real' Spring

Many of us who live in climates featuring extreme seasonal swings often joke about the many "seasons" of spring--from fake spring, to "spring of deception," to real spring. I think we've made it to the last stage. We'll still be cold a few times in the next few weeks, but I'm officially packing away the parka and the snow boots.

And the garden is signaling it's time to move on and grow!



The stars of area gardens right now are the Crabapples (Malus spp.). They seem to suddenly explode with lush flowers and intoxicating scents.

A few blooms of various Hellebores still hang on--especially those in colder, shadier areas.

The Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) in the woodland resemble a convention of umbrellas. As they flatten out in the next few days, apparently that's a sign it's time to hunt for Morel mushrooms.



Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)...sigh...I wish they could bloom all summer. Their time is too fleeting.



Same with the Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). They're great companions for the Virginia Bluebells, as shown in the top photo.

Finally, for this "Six on Saturday," I'm including a nod to the Barrenworts, in this case, Epimedium x warleyense. I have several Barrenwort varieties, but this one seems particularly happy with the garden's conditions.

That's it for this week for my "Six on Saturday," a meme hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations. Head on over to his wonderful blog to visit gardens around the world.

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Our book, "A Journey of Seasonal Wisdom," is now available in ebook format, internationally, on Amazon!

Fellow blogger, Donna Donabella, and I co-wrote the book, and its readers are truly part of the story. The paperback will be out next week! We're both so thrilled: Our collaborative effort of several years is now a finished product. Visit Golden Dragonfly Press or my previous post to learn more!

A Special Announcement on This Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!

As spring unfolds, nature and gardens awaken, and change happens fast! Earth Day celebrates our place in nature. Its mission is to broaden, educate, and activate the environmental movement, worldwide. On this date, 56 years ago, the first official Earth Day was celebrated.

And on this Earth Day, we have a special personal announcement to share. My friend and talented poet, Donna Donabella at Gardens Eye View, and I are celebrating the launch of our book: "A Journey of Seasonal Wisdom." The book includes Donna's amazing poetry, a unique book format we co-created and co-wrote (encouraging readers to contemplate the seasons, week by week), and prose I added to round out the prompts.

This little book is for its readers--gardeners, bloggers, family, friends, neighbors, fellow humans. The book encourages simple joy and reflection. And it's a labor of love.

Visit this link to learn more: Golden Dragonfly Press. The book will be available on Amazon in e-book format first; then in paperback format in late April. I think you'll want a copy, because you're part of the story!

(Here's information about Earth Day and its beginnings, including the original vision and efforts of Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin.)

Six Woodland Wonders

For this Six on Saturday, I'm including five native plants waking up in our woodland, and one plant that behaves and raves and steals my heart. The first is a Yellow Violet, and I believe this is Viola pubescens, which is very common in my local area. It's a cute little buddy.



Next, we have Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)--a wonderful groundcover that persists through the growing season. Here you can see its heart-shaped foliage and unique, tiny bloom that pokes out under the cover.



This plant seems to be increasing in number on our property: Prairie Trillium (T. recurvatum). This view shows the bud at its center, soon to bloom. Several other Trillium species grace our woodland, and I'll share as the season progresses.



The Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) always poke their umbrellas up through the rich earth in dramatic fashion. Dear old friends.



Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) is an amazing groundcover that competes well with invasive species, helping to protect the woodland ecosystem.

Finally, nearer the house are my dear Hellebores (H. orientalis). I know most gardeners love them, and what can I say? They're not native here, but they behave so well, and they're just so lusciously lovely. I can't imagine gardening without them.

OK, that's my "Six" for this week! Head on over to Jim's Garden Ruminations blog to see more amazing plants from around the world.

Also, join me on Instagram for a special #Ephemerals Through the Month of May meme. I'm focusing on ephemeral plants native to my area of the U.S.--plants that I'm seeing on my own land, and out and about during hikes.

Magnolias Before the Hail

Note: Photos were taken at nearby parks and public places.

Wordless Wednesday

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day