The end is near, no matter that snow covers the garden this morning. Spring’s growth becomes more evident by the day as buds swell and sedums and other perennials sprout colorful new leaves. All are small with several weeks of winter ahead, but this is the gardener’s encouragement after too many weeks of bleakness.
The first glimpse of yellow on flowers of paperbushes (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is an indication that spring is near. This might be the last days of January, but more often, the middle of February.While hardly a garden of galanthophiles’ dreams, the numbers and spread of snowdrops steadily increase.Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) have been slow to increase, but in a slightly sunnier location, progress is evident.
Of course, there are flowers, an increasing number by the day. Whatever meager planning developed this garden, a constant goal was to have flowers to enjoy every day, through every season, but also to appreciate varying colors and textures of foliage, berries, and bark.
Increases in numbers of crocus are challenged by hungry squirrels.‘Arnold Promise’ is the last of the garden’s witch hazels to flower. One in the warmer, upper garden flowers a week earlier than in the colder, lower rear garden.Autumn flowering mahonias faded with five degree temperatures, but the leatherleaf mahonias (Mahonia bealei) will flower into March.
I deem the winter garden a success. Though never finished (and with more on the way), flowers of witch hazels, mahonias, and hellebores entice me to venture outdoors through all but the harshest of winter days.
The first flowers of Pieris japonica ‘Dorothy Wycoff’ have cracked open, with many more on the way.The Cornelian dogwood (Cornus mas) shows a glimpse of its brilliant yellow flowers.Flowers buds of Camellia japonica varieties are swelling, with flowers expected after a week of mild temperatures.
Soon, the spring clean-up begins, then planting as deliveries are received, and trips to the garden center are frequent to see the early arrivals. The cover of snow does not discourage me. It will soon be gone, with spring just around the bend.
The hairy buds of ‘Merrill’ magnolia will soon open to marvelous blooms.The garden’s hollies are chock-full of berries, waiting for the inevitable invasion of robins that will soon strip them bare.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
thanks for the photos……spring is a favorite because of this…..
Great shots I can’t wait for my gardens to come alive.
Our weather warms up next week, so growth will pick up a bit more. If rain holds off, I’ll have a few days starting the late winter clean-up.
I am hoping I can clean up something on our warm days then see if March comes in like a lion or lamb 🙂 to finish the rest.