Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Almost March: A Walk Through Our Yard

After a month or two of dormant plants and little color, our home landscapes are livening up with crocus blooms, daffodils, and Carolina jasmine. When these first flowers appear, we know that spring won't be too far away. This year the first day of spring is March 20.

In many areas, crocuses pop through the snow. We've been lucky this year to avoid the wintery weather--but still appreciate seeing those yellow, purple and white blooms. These crocuses are at our house (Ashley and Anna). Levi likes to call the striped ones "zebra crocuses." Crocus is a genus in the Iris family.

Another favorite spring bloom is the daffodil. It is one of the most hardy bulbs--even the most inexperienced gardener should have no trouble growing a group of these. Squirrels and other pests leave the bulbs alone and according to the American Daffodil Society, daffodil bulbs should outlive the gardeners who planted them. Although this flower is sometimes called a "jonquil" in the South, that term really only applies to a certain species of daffodil. 

Also blooming this time of year is the native Carolina Jasmine. Our state flower, the Carolina Jasmine is a trailing/climbing vine that is recognized by its yellow blooms. Ashley and Anna have several of these vines growing on their property. 

We hope the blooms around town and in your own yards lift your spirits as we wrap up this winter!

1 comment:

  1. love crocus. jasmine, i don't think we have that around here. so pretty. yes, the flowers are definitely lifting my spirits as well. so, tell me is this your "main" blog or do you have another in which i can chat at ya???
    have a lovely weekend, looks like it's shaping up to be another beautifully warm one. :)

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