Throughout the season we are going to add posts showcasing plants that are currently in bloom or fruiting. The posts are intended to pay homage to a star performer during that week and to bring recognition to old favorites and new species alike.
After a rugged winter and a delayed spring warm-up, everything is behind schedule here in Eastern Massachusetts. Fortunately, signs of life have started to appear-- songbirds are out and about, some of the tree buds are starting to show, and grass (where it isn't still buried in snow!) is greening up. The surest sign of Spring, however, are the tiny minor bulbs that rise miraculously from the barren ground, adding small splashes of color to an otherwise drab landscape.
Common snowdrop bringing some life back to the garden.
This week we are honoring those minor bulbs-- Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and Spring crocus (Crocus vernus) that are the first bloomers of the season. Typically these little guys come out in early to mid-March around these parts, but they just started showing earlier this week. Although they are not native species, these plants serve an important ecological service by providing the first source of nectar to bees and other pollinators emerging from their winter slumber.
Spring crocus greeting the sun.
Spring crocus come in many colors.
These optimistic little flowers are great for transitioning your garden from winter to spring, as they already start fading away by the time many of the other spring flowers emerge. Try planting some minor bulbs in the fall to help bring your garden out of the winter doldrums early next season and give the pollinators a needed boost at the same time.
Snowdrops out at last. Earlier this season there was 6 feet of snow covering this particular garden bed.
Waiting for the sun.
Crocus happy to provide a meal of nectar to visiting pollinators.
Have a particular plant you would like us to feature? Have questions or comments? Make sure to post to the comments section of the blog or contact us directly.