It's Spring! I guess.

Nothing says spring to me like the velvety green of moss after the snow melts.

As I walked west along the the stepping stones late Sunday morning, I looked up and the picture wasn't nearly as springy as I wished. Though the back garden faces south, the slopes keep snow in place until the temps really warm up. 

It was sunny, but the temperature was only in the low 20 degrees F. ( around -6.66°C.) The stone steps up the Tea House slope were still mostly buried. 

As was the west side of the building. 

The gardens at the top of the slope get the most sun in the back garden. This is Helleborus torquatus on March 5th.

Two weeks later on March 19th.

Just a foot or two away is Helleborus 'New York NIght', here on March 5th.

March 19th. I can see the difference but it is rather marginal.

Galanthus 'Jonathan' is near the two Hellebores but this is the first I've seen him. 

The plants in the above photos are all to the left of this snowy path. The shadows from the big shrubs and the fence keep it snowy up here. 

I found lots of typical spring scenes: twigs and branches on the ground, lots of pine cones scattered about and a few bulbs that were dug up by critters last fall.

When I took this photo of Galanthus 'Magnet' on March 5th, another snow storm was on the way.

Despite the recent cold and snow, they just keep pushing forward. 

The weather forecast for this week includes  a few days of rain with rising temperatures into the 40°s F. Those two things should clear away the snow. If plants start to make their moves, at least I'll be able to see them. 

These photos are not exactly inspiring, but they are an ideal record for me. As you all know, there's nothing better than being able to go back and see what was happening on specific dates year to year. Last year we had light snow on March 19th and 25th. I picked my first snowdrops for vases on March 27th.

Comments

[Ginny]

Happy Spring! Officially at 5:24 PM Eastern time today. I love seeing the green mosses and the various things popping up in your beds. One of my fave quotes, by Hal Borland, "no winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn". Being new to your blog, I'm looking forward to seeing your gardens advance through the seasons.

[Linda Brazill]

GINNY — ​Thanks for that great Hal Borland quote. I haven't thought of him in ages. ​The library at the newspaper where I worked had one of his books. I remember always grabbing it for ideas and inspiration.

[Chavli]

I bet just being to see the ground and plants make you feel lighter.
Comparing this year's snow timing to last, it appears you are on similar track.
Although the Hellebore didn't advance much, they are just waiting for the opportunity, which is coming just as Spring moved in. I can't wait to see them bloom.

[danger garden]

I was up in Spokane visiting family over the weekend and saw scenes very much like these. While I was away Portland finally had a 60 degree day, ending the longest-ever stretch without one (Nov 5-March 15). I am so ready for spring!

[Barbara H.]

It's hard but encouraging that there are so many bare areas. Better a consistent lingering winter than one that disappears only to reappear when all the plants have taken off their winter jackets and get burned.

[Kris P]

I think of spring's arrival as a process rather than an event. Your spring just starts a little later and reveals itself somewhat more slowly but it's no less wonderful. It may even make each new discovery all that more special. In contrast, spring here is more like a wallop on the head ;)