Spring Snow Storm

Hello friends in the northern hemisphere - is it still snowing in your neck of the woods? I always get so hopeful when Spring arrives, dreaming of warmer temperatures, sunshine and time spent gardening. But alas, March in the Willamette Valley has seen freezing nights followed by icy mornings and rain, rain, rain.

On a recent cold and gray Sunday morning I woke up to find a wet spring snow falling and my first reaction was the happiness I felt knowing that I didn't have to go to work that day! Instead I enjoyed my cup of coffee while I watched the snow come down. Then it suddenly dawned on me that since I'm not going to work I have time to grab my iPhone and step into the backyard and capture what might (hopefully) be the last snow of the season.

Above you can see the tiniest of buds forming on one of our blueberry bushes. They are just beginning their spring journey and I'm sure this mild snowstorm will only encourage them to continue to burst forth with their newly formed leaves. I can't wait to taste those blueberries once again...

The crocuses (above) are probably in their glory with this icy snow landing on them - they are a hardy lot, being the first flowers that emerge in early Spring.

And I like to imagine that the daffodils and tulips laugh as they persevere despite the snow's attempt to setback their efforts:

Squirrels, undeterred, come for their nuts and seeds,

And Jizo stands guard, ready to console those who need a spiritual lift.

Hellebores naturally bow their heads. These pink Hellebore flower heads (below) easily withstand the icy snow. Their showy blooms will last into the summer. In a few weeks I'll be witnessing them dance on the Spring wind that will gently toss them about.

And lastly, wild bluebells have taken it upon themselves to spread across the back of the garden...

Soon the crocuses will fade but the daffodils, tulips and bluebells will bloom, extending the joy in my Spring garden for a little while longer.

Thanks for looking and Happy Spring!