With many trilliums flowering (Trillium grandiflorum, below) and a number of seedlings making their first appearance, I now pronounce that the quantity is satisfactory. In spring, I am overjoyed as each forgotten treasure is revealed with foliage peeking above the piles of leaves. However, as things go in this garden, when something is successful I am further encouraged and inevitably more purchases must be made.

While trilliums in the garden are natives, I am particularly curious to add ones from other regions for a bit more variety. A lesson should be learned when similar obsessive behavior is noted by family members. My wife knows now that she is far too late in addressing this addiction that carries into many more plants than just trilliums.

I am disappointed by the scattered few trout lilies (Erythronium ‘Pagoda’, above) in the garden. I don’t recall where the natives (E. americanum, below) were planted, but they’re not there any longer, and it’s possible I planted them in a less than ideal location. This weekend, I saw the largest number in the wild side-by-side in damp ground with bluebells (Mertensia virginica), so when I try again I’ll pick the dampest shady spot.