May 1
Daffodils and Others
A Progression
In March, once the snow has melted, we begin to look around for signs of early spring bulbs. This year, things seemed really slow.
One of the patches of early Crocus surprised us by producing a few delicate flowers on the last day of march — they are the lead photo.
A few Daffodil leaves showed themselves in very early April.
The second week in April some actual buds showed up among the Daffodil leaves.
Surprisingly, that same week, two Hyacinths showed signs of opening up.
The Winter Aconite decided it was safe to show some buds, and there was enough sun for it actually open up a couple of flowers in the second week of April.
A second round of early Crocus began to show colour on April 12.
On April 14, the Daffodil buds were actually swelling quite nicely and the sad-looking white hyacinth was opening up, along with a reluctant Scilla, which I had almost missed since it was hidden behind some tallish grasses.
On April 16, some of those previously seen Daffodil buds were starting to open.
Then, such a disappointment! April 18, Easter Monday, and we got a big dump of snow!
As quickly as it came, the snow melted in a warm sun and some Bloodroot decided to open up.
Surprisingly, the Lungwort, which usually is one of the first spring plants to flower, was really late. Last year it was blooming vigorously by April 4. This year, as you can see from the few blooms below on April 22, it was not in a hurry.
For comparison — April 4, 2021 — Lungwort below.
It was nice to see some action from the larger, bi-colour Daffodils, in the third week of April, although they were not at their peak.
I was really surprised to spot a few blooms on the Brunnera. It usually comes much later once things are warmer.
Below is an example of why I am not crazy about planting Hyacinths for spring bulbs. After a couple of years, the number of flowers per stalk reduces radically. They begin to revert to their natural state. Still pretty, but not that fat, dense stem full of flowers that we normally associate with Hyacinths.
And finally, after a few mild-ish days — well, with temperatures above freezing at least — the bi-colour Daffodils have opened in full force.
