We haven’t had a lot of snow (yet) this winter (though I hesitate to discount March, having lived in Boston this long). It’ll be a while yet before everything is green, but I’ve been noticing the colors of early spring on my walks lately. In addition to the browns of mud and tree trunks, and the grey of misty skies, here are a few…
The witch hazel (hamamelis) is out in the Public Garden, and I snapped a few shots of its neon yellow blooms last week.
Along Commonwealth Avenue, the hellebores (also known as Lenten roses) are out. They come in white, pale pink, deep purple and even green, but I’d never seen this mauve shade before.
I’m used to seeing snowdrops poking through the snow – but these white beauties make a lovely contrast to the brown leaf mold. They always make me think of The Secret Garden.
And finally, I spotted the first crocuses on Comm Ave the other day, during a lunchtime run. I love their cheerful little faces and splash of purple. I’ve seen more sprouting in both my work and home neighborhoods.
What are the colors of early spring where you are?
cakes, tea and dreams 
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing these.
So much gorgeous early color. We’re not that far along in the Midwest. Our temperatures are in the high 40s and mid 50s, warm for this early in March. Not much color, if any yet.
Wanted to thank you for sharing the Laurie R King and Julia Spencer-Fleming novels. I am midway through Ms King’s ‘The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.’ The Holmesian prose is noteworthy and quite appealing.
Isn’t it? So glad you’re enjoying the book.
It’s encouraging that spring begins to show signs of its arrival this early…it’s a much needed reminder that better (or at least warmer!) days are ahead. I worked on a nature preserve for two years and it was always exciting and surprising to see snowdrops and crocuses appear before February was over. From then on, it was a slow march towards everything blooming and coming alive, with new things to discover every week. It was so wonderful to witness. Every small awakening is cause for celebration. I haven’t seen many signs here in NY yet, especially because I’m no longer at the preserve every day, but I know they’re out there, and that’s enough for me at the moment.
Here in Phoenix, AZ orange blossoms and golden paloverde flowers are heralding the arrival of spring.