The Signs of Spring
Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 1:30PM I walk outside and breathe it in. Spring! Composers through the ages have written sonnets, poems, and ballads describing their feelings about the season. A friend recently sent me this image of someone's emotional expression.
You may have seen a similar sign already, but if not, I think you might enjoy it; and I have to say that I feel the same!
Despite continuing cold nights, the days are warmer and spring is rolling in with new flowers appearing daily. Each morning I can't wait to get out there to see what is happening in the garden. I especially like to examine the little blooms, the ones that make you pause and take a closer look.
Amelanchier, also called serviceberry, juneberry, and a number of other names, is in full bloom.
The berries that follow the flowers are delicious, but I may never get more than a handful. I planted this tree for the birds, especially the bluebirds, who love them.
From a distance, Chaenomeles, or flowering quince, packs a powerful punch, but clusters of the small blooms are equally amazing up close.
Masses of Phlox subulata is a common spring-time sight, but the individual little flowers are not common at all:
Hepatica nobilis, with the unfortunate common name of liverwort, is just emerging in the woodland garden.
This plant is taking its time becoming well-established, but I love the little blooms.
Below left, Leucojum estivum, or summer snowflake, has dainty white bells that must be appreciated up close, and below right is the funky Corylopsis sinensis, a tall shrub known as winter hazel. 
Some other blooms are larger and also deserve attention as I stroll through the garden.
Below left is a bird house that has been a favorite of bluebirds every year. A couple have been busy there recently, and I hoped to get a photo of one, but Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird would not cooperate! The yellow in the background is Forsythia, also called yellow bell. Below right, A stray forsythia branch is blooming in front of a purple pot. The pot contains Carex oshimensis 'Everillo', a brightly colored sedge that is my new favorite plant of the season.
Take a look at a woodland scene that I have featured through every season, because it may soon be changing! 
My beloved blue bridge has termites! Lou says there is little to be done for it. By next year I will have to replace it. When that happens, I will find a small metal bridge and I doubt it will look the same. But be sure, I will paint the railings turquoise blue!
Finally, as a perfect spring day in the garden comes to a close, I catch the sun setting behind the trees.
May the joy of discovery and the fresh hope of spring always be in your hearts. Deb
Reader Comments (22)
Thank you for sharing the sunset and all the pretty spring blooms, Deb. I'm sorry to hear about the termites but I'm sure you'll find yourself a suitable replacement. I look forward to seeing Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird when they choose to reveal themselves.
Oh my goodness, this post made my heart sing! The photo of your woodland garden with the bridge is your best one yet--and I have loved them all. That one simply must be framed and placed on your wall! All your blooms are fabulous, and seeing Magnolias in bloom now--wow! I'm so ready for that! Happy spring!
Beautiful photos! I am sorry about your bridge. =(
Such a shame that your bridge will need to be replaced, I'm sure you will find one that is just as beautiful. The photos of your woodland are always so beautiful, it must be a wonderful place to wander in all the seasons of the year.
I'm so sorry about the termites eating you beautiful bridge but I'm sure whatever you choose to replace it with will be lovely too. Your spring is very beautiful this year.
Your woodland garden and bridge are lovely and I bet you can find a composite trex or evergrain bridge that the termites won't bother and will give the same look. You have so many wonderful blooms going on in your gardens and it definitely looks like spring has arrived!
Well, you certainly have enough blooms to keep you in a spring state of mind. Too, your woodland space is ever evocative. And inspiring. Condolences on your bridge. And, as in the death of a favored plant: Happy shopping!
P.S. I love the sign.
Your garden and foot bridge is very beautiful :-) Spring is a wonderful time, great shots! My Magnolia 'Jane' is about to bloom too! I posted a few pictures of our spring blooms yesterday, check it out.
Michael :-)
http://michaelswoodcraft.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/spring-color/
Lovely blooms Debs, my favourite though is the flowering quince! Such a clever sign btw, wish I thought of that first :) sorry to hear about the bridge, one of the signature structures of your garden but I'm sure the replacement will be just as nice, if not better!
Hi Deb, It was nice to hear from you on my blog ;) I am SO jealous of what you've got going on down there! This year everything is slower than normal, although my Hepatica is beginning to bloom. Funny how that's happening in our 2 different zones and temperatures! Serviceberry will be some time yet! Everything looks gorgeous in your yard...except I'm sorry to hear you'll need to replace your cute bridge. Nothing lasts forever...hopefully you'll be able to have one similar to what you have now. The blue railings are so pretty. We're getting snow as I write this...I can hardly believe it. Oh well, soon spring will be here and I'll be enjoying some pleasant gardening days, like it seems you are able to do right now!
My goodness Deborah how much your garden has changed...gorgeous blooms.
Deb, the beauty in your garden, and photos is rarely surpassed by any other blogger...it' such a visual delight to visit. Now if you could only sprinkle some spring fairy dust over here please?
Jen
oh sob ... perhaps we could have your Blue Bridge as a header?
Wow! Do you really have all those beautiful blooms? Spring is trying here... but Old Man Winter keeps interfering.
Loved your sign, I hadn’t seen it before!
Your spring flowers are all beautiful and I am sorry to hear about your bridge, at least the termites won’t munch away on a new, metal bridge!
Lovely flowers Deb. I wish I had room for a flowering quince. It is so beautiful.
Deb, early Spring seems to be much kinder to you than many other bloggers from the USA.. Great pictures of your Spring blooms. Please be careful crossing your wee bridge, I would hate for you to fall through and maybe wet you (plants)
That sign is hilarious! I also love your blue bridge and blue birdhouse. I may have to run to the store today and buy some turquoise paint!
Of course my spring is not quite as advanced as yours, but still, there are delights to discover! Today starts yet another brief cold spell, may it be our last.
I'm sorry about the bridge. I hope you can find another that you like as much.
I love, love, love your pictures. So beautiful.
Hello from Ireland Deb,
I couldn't resist a comment. I am the breeder of Eveillo and just wanted to thank you for your kind comment about my plant. I am so thrilled that its doing do well there and it's a great pleasure to see you say it's one of your favourites! Thank you, you have a wonderful garden termites and all :).
Kind regards
Patrick FitzGerald.