Design

In the Southeastern U.S., we're in full swing now with spring flowers.  Many of the Asian ornamentals are flowering (or have flowered):  camellias, Asian species of Magnolia , Prunus mume (Japanese apricot) and forsythia.  The Mediterranean bulbs- crocus, Leucojum , and daffodils are flowering, soon to be followed by tulips and later flowering species ( Allium , etc.). But in our part of the world, the kudos go to our native spring woodland wildflowers (spring ephemerals). They're wonderful in the rich cove forests of the mountains and in remnant patches in the piedmont.  Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot) has emerged and starting to flower in our home garden. This was last year at the end of March.   I need to check in the woodland area along the Heusel Nature Trail in the South Carolina Botanical Garden (where I work) - bloodroot is abundant below the path, along the slope down to the creek.

We now have Oconee Bells ( Shortia galacifolia ), Trout Lily ( Erythronium umbilicatum ), and Hepatica flowering in the Woodland Wildflower Garden at the South Carolina Botanical Garden (where I work). Wow. It's early for the Oconee Bells and Erythronium , but on time for the Hepatica americana , which is usually the first native spring emphemeral to flower in our rich cove forest communities. At the Garden, these were transplanted as rescued plants many years ago. They've struggled in the hot, exceptionally dry summers that we've had in the last decade, as we don't have an source of water there, except for proximity to the stream. They're a wonderful reminder to get out and look for spring wildflowers in our natural areas, state parks, and reserves.

Leaving from home late this afternoon, I noticed that the old pink quince next to the driveway (moved from our house in Georgia and one of the first shrubs we planted as young homeowners) has open flowers. Definitely spring is on the way, in spite of the sleet and snowflakes on the road. I always notice its buds in (what passes for) the dead of winter here, and has been particularly so this year. The shoots on the coral honeysuckles ( Lonicera sempervirens ) are elongating quickly, the bare vines supporting young green leaves. Daffodil shoots are well up, and the first flowers of weedy winter annuals are evident, too. I saw some open speedwell flowers ( Veronica arvensis ) in the lawns near my office this morning. This is a photo from Missouri plants.com .