The First Hopeful Sign!

No, this isn't quite the sight that marked the first day of spring, in my New England garden. This is, however, the purple snow crocus (Crocus sieberi, also 'specie crocus') - the same variety that has made an appearance in the sunniest portion of one garden. I found a grand total of two tightly-budded crocus plants at approximately 3 pm on Thursday, March 20th. Phew! That was close. I became convinced, earlier in the week, that spring would pass by my gardens...

giving me the cold shoulder, lingering in more clement yards. But no, there they were, braving the cold March weather. Today, checking the status of these two harbingers of spring, I discovered the two buds still tightly closed. Just a bit disappointed, I headed back inside, out of the cold, 45 mph winds... no wonder those tender buds had not mustered the courage to unfurl, even on the second day of spring. Maybe the third day of spring will hold a surprise. Meanwhile, I'll be content with this photo... a portend of spring's real arrival. I hope that spring is making her way to your yard, too!

Photo: flowerpictures.net

©Deb Lambert 2008