If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet
There is little more cheering than the first blooms of the season.
Late winter bloomers, rising out of the cold, gray earth,
are some of the most endearing.
Since their flowers are generally modest, it's a good idea to
plant them where they will be viewed from close proximity.
Late winter bloomers, rising out of the cold, gray earth,
are some of the most endearing.
Since their flowers are generally modest, it's a good idea to
plant them where they will be viewed from close proximity.
These crocuses, which came with our home, are located along the rear fence of our yard. While it's certainly worth the trip to enjoy their beauty, the reality is that I'll make that trek once or perhaps twice. Better to site them along a well used path where they'll brighten your every coming and going.
Many front gardens near our home in Slovakia had Snowdrops (Galanthus). The first sight of dainty white "Snezienky" on daily walks to school never failed to add a spring to my step - a sure sign that winter was losing its grip.
It's easy to find close up pictures of the unique and photogenic "crepe papery" Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) flowers. I've always been curious about the overall appearance of the shrub in bloom, but had never been at the right place at the right time. This year, I went looking. 
Although Hershey Gardens is closed for the season, these specimens are conveniently placed just inside the fence along the road (see also top photo). Their bright color was readily visible as I drove by in spite of the delicate scale of the flowers, set off by the evergreen background. The persistent leaves contribute to a somewhat gangly appearance, but what welcome blooms in the midst of winter!
Bright yellow Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) makes a nice show beneath a tree.
Hellebore (Helleborus) is another popular winter bloomer, with the benefit of evergreen foliage - see Evergreen Groundcovers. While I don't have a photo of Helleborus blooms, Deb's Garden does and Carolyn's Shade Gardens has a wealth of information on them.
Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment.
~Ellis Peters
