There is something too about the Forsythia in its solid coverage that reminds me of the vile and overused Bougainvillea in Hawaii. I never coveted any of that either. Instead I enjoyed it in other people's gardens and let them suffer the consequences.
The violets are proving to be the most difficult flower to capture in pixels. They resist a clear closeup.
Viola canadensis is the fourth Violet species to bloom in the forest, just in time for the return of winter. Snow and freezing temperatures are diagnosed for the next two days. How will all the tender shoots and blooms fare?
While photographing the resistant violet, I saw a new addition to the wakening forest floor. Asarum canadense, the Wild Ginger is up and blooming. I knew they were in this general location from last year and had been watching for them.
The unique flowers bloom beneath the leaves and are visible only by making an effort to find them. This Ginger is a member of the Aristolochiaceae family.
I walk through the forest almost daily, so it is a surprise of sorts when one day something appears that was not there yesterday.
Viola pubescens or Viola pensylvanica, there is some debate, whatever, it is a different yellow Violet than the Viola rotundifolia. The leaves are different. Except for a few more brown etching marks in the V. pensylvanica, the flowers are nearly identical.
Spring has been put on hold for a few days. Winter is resisting.
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We have covered the newly and too soon planted figs that were mail ordered. We have covered the pot with the lantana and sweet potato vine, and the canna 'Phaison' that also should have been held in the greenhouse longer. At least no tomatoes or any of the seedlings were planted. It takes years to hold back, knowing this is going to happen. Dogwood winter. Are your dogwoods blooming yet?
Frances our Dogwood's buds had just begun to split open. The Cherry tree is breaking bud. Both are a week or more from bloom. We might have to call it the Violet Winter up here.
The western Asarum caudatum is very similar. The flower petals end in 3-5 inch long, curling terminal points that make the flower look uncommonly tropical and exotic for a native plant. I understand you can make "a bracing tea" from its roots. While I do enjoy an occasional bracing, I have never enjoyed tea much.
Isn't it frustrating when flowers resist the close-up? Argh!!
Frances and I have the same fig. No need to cover it here, but I added several extra wildflower seedlings to the pot I planted it in.
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