Another week later and the snow is now gone. Nature is still stark and bare, but there are now lots of Snowdrops up everywhere. I noticed that on one location the Snowdrops were unusually large, so I turned them over and they were filled out. Looking them up at home, it seems they are Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus. I don't ever remember having come across them on other spots. These were certainly plentiful and some of the patches were quite large.
If you look closely, Deer were around too…


"Regular" Galanthus nivalis along the river


Now can we please have Spring? We are supposed to go down again to 17 degr F tonight…..after yesterday's balmy 55 degr.

Always love the snowdrops, Ursula and that double one is really pretty! My mother just adored them, and planted them all around her house in Vancouver, BC so they really take me back. Btw, it is cold and rainy here for yet another day today. I am wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, and shivering even inside the house. May have to turn on the heat!! Unheard-of happening in March.

I did find an amaryllis that had already opened up before I caught it - under one of my potted brugs! Flashy Canna leaves starting to pop out, and Brug. Charles Grimaldi getting ready for another flush.




Jim and Melanie, there is a Roundup (sort of plant swap) being organized by Bonnie Davis, a gal in Clermont (right near Apopka!!) for April 12th. I'll certainly go if I am back from my baby visit, and it would be fun to meet you there, then go on for a quick Apopka raid, yes??

Here's the link The thread "Central Fl. RU" in Florida Gardening forum

Finally, some true Spring here!! Lots of regular Honey Bees are seen buzzing around these blooms.

Worth the wait, Ursula! A beautiful treat after a long winter.

Ha! A lady just walked in here (the Extension Service) with a Phaius Nun's Cap flower in a plastic bag. Her neighbor told her it was poisonous and to be avoided. I IDed it before she could get it out of the bag and set her straight. Looking good.

Jim

Nice to be able to help her!

Temps are truly moderating here, we are perhaps flirting with 60 degr F tomorrow, we are happy!! Played in the park this morning with the grandchildren, it was so nice not to have to bundle up!

We took a ride out today to see our Pennsy place. Everything made it nicely through the Winter, the cabin looked fine, we had Water and Electricity, great!
The pond still had a trace of ice and so did the brook running next to the walkway through the woods. Nothing was up yet, not even Coltsfoot showed any blooms, which is normally up somewhere in March. Temperature was ca 50 degr and we had a beautiful sunny day.


Coming home, Spring colors are now really popping up in front of the house.

Just beautiful, Ursula!

Jim

Ooo, I love those big foofy ranunculus! Beautiful shots of the pond and path, as always!

You know, the pond was so cold, but there were a few Sunnies actually coming forwards to check us out. They normally all come forwards to be fed. I would expect them starting to spawn at the other side of the pond.

Ursula,
Ever been to the Shad Roe Festival? I think it was in New Hope...

No, we have never been there!

Oops Lambertville! Here's last year's article. http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-co...

I knew the Jacaranda was blooming when the neighbors started ringing the door bell to ask what the name of that beautiful blue tree was. We seem to go through that routine every year. Here she is including the annual silhouette of the Canary Island Date palm.


Jim

Oh my, Jim, What a beauty! Looks like these should be added to the Data Base! Gorgeous!

Beautiful, Jim! Jacaranda are my favorite trees...as long as they aren't in my yard. They are blooming here too.

Always a beauty!!!

I'm with you Carol. So lovely but also messy. I admire my neighbor's and even walk over for a whiff of the perfume,

It looks like I am going to have a good crop of Black Surinam cherries this year. They turn black when ripe.


There are two bunches of bananas just behind the cherries.


The pink jatropha is blooming nicely.


And some pomegranate may be in my future.


Jim

Yummy! Those Surinam cherries make an awesome jam or condiment if you're inclined. Provided you and the birds don't eat them all fresh.

Great!! I love Cherries, these look yummy!!