Gettin' Started

Pay no attention to the weeds in these photos. That's what I'm gettin' started on!

Sun-starved Grape Hyacinth and naturalizing Daffodils.

A 2nd day of warm weather works it's magic on the snowdrifts ~ more fall-planted bulbs make a ragged appearance. I am always amazed at how much 'growing' happens beneath those deep drifts of snow.

After the melt, it's kind of like me on a beach in February (sorry, didn't mean to scare you with that vision.) At first, new growth is sun-starved and pale, then over-exposed, and finally shows off a healthy glow.

Fact or Fiction? Aspen Trees can be started from their cotton-like spring seeds.

While most find this debatable, for me, early spring is the prettiest time in the garden. When my muddy brown landscape is filled with colorful possibilities.

I tippy toe around the flower beds, tugging at weeds and searching for familiar faces -- like these tiny little Lupines, who'll be 2 feet tall in no time.

Or, the early pinks of spring-blooming Euphorbia Bonfire ~ a non-bulb perennial who often beats my slacker Tulips to the party.

True or False?  Pine cones change shape. When the air is dry, the cones open up, returning to a closed shape as moisture increases.

Not everyone is delighted by the change of season. I shoveled what remains of the snow into a little pile to cheer up my winter-loving Bad Dog.

It didn't work but I know what will. As more snow melted away I discovered another familiar face! BD's favorite toy, who accidentally wintered under the apple tree:

Merle! Long time, no see!

Hot Tip:
Euphorbias are fabulous flowers for a mountain garden. They thrive on neglect, appreciate heat and drought, chase away deer and elk. Bonus: They're gorgeous early bloomers. I grow Euphorbia Ascot, Bonfire Rainbow, and Blackbird. (USDA zone 5.)