Colorful blossoms are my proof that spring has finally arrived in our backyard. During the last few warm sunny days, it’s been great fun to watch the changes. I love the buds as well as the blossoms of these Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), which seem to be ringing in the new season.
Other favorites include Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) with its unique deep-pink blossoms. The Large-flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) has been attracting various bees. And who can resist the bright-yellow Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), with fuzzy buds and beautiful foliage? Common Blue Violets (Viola sororia) not only have bright-purple blossoms, they are also essential food for fritillary butterfly caterpillars. However, they can be invasive and I restict them to a special area where they provide great ground cover.
Most of these flowers are small, and are best appreciated close-up. However, we enjoy our Eastern Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) from a distance as well. It reminds me of a huge beautiful bouqet.
Our warm sunny days have been followed by snow and freezing temperatures. However, these native plants are tough, and I think they’ll do just fine. Deep down, I know that spring has arrived and I look forward to watching the parade.
Beautiful photography, Betty. Thanks for sharing such beauty.
Thanks, Sara. Seeing the beauty and sharing it with others is my pleasure.
Betty — thank you for sharing this lovely photo of one of my favorite flowers, plus other spring delights. I am actually in VA now, taking care of my mom for a week, but I got to see some spring blooms in Lexington before I left last Sat. I also enjoyed seeing the beautiful redbuds scattered along I-64. When I stopped for lunch at a wonderful co-op grocery store in Lexington, VA, I decided to take my hot soup and crackers to a scenic spot somewhere. After a couple of minutes of driving, I ended up at a pretty little river, blue-green and high-flowing. Near an abandoned building, scattered patches of bluebells were in bloom. Two Canada geese waddled down to the water and “set sail”; their honking cries echoed off the rocks and trees. Yes, you are right: spring is here … HOORAY!
Patsy, thanks much for sharing your experience. It’s easy for me to picture it – and almost ‘be there’ with you.A great way to greet the new season.
Thanks Betty for sharing a great pic of my favorite Spring flower. I have been smitten with Virginia BLue bells since I saw a large swath of them along the Ky river in a fertile seep area near my land on the Ky RIver while canoeing down it one Spring, and I wondered ” What is that beautiful color along the banks in the distance?” and I came upon their luscious leaves, and shades of color.
David, I’m beginning to think the bluebells are a favorite for several of us. And I can well imagine that the large swath along the river would have been quite impressive. Thanks for sharing.
Spring is so fabulous – especially in your backyard!
Ann, I totally agree – and I hope that’s true in many backyards, including yours.
Betty, you give such great pleasure to so many with your beautiful photos of wonderful flowers, plants and wildlife. The Virginia Bluebells are just delightful, unlike ours that are beautiful too, and fragrant, but the “trumpets” are a lot longer.
The group of four flowers are just so beautiful too, as is the splendid Eastern Redbud tree. What a truly beautiful sight it is! Is it a Japanese fruit tree?
This year in Jersey the blossoming trees have been better than ever, so the damp dismal winter months have brought forth an abundance of glorious Spring bloom!
Pauline, I’m happy to say the Eastern Redbud tree is native to Eastern U.S. and as far west as New Mexico. It is also native to Ontario, Canada. I wish you could see it right now. It can be seen along many of our rural roads and in many yards and is indeed beautiful.