Spring approaches and recedes with high temperatures above 60 degrees F. and snow flurries predicted. A cottonwood tree by the river has promising buds, and arrows of snow geese have begun angling north.
By 10:00AM, after an overnight frost on these pre-spring days, the sun has warmed all but the shadows of trees.
In our flowerbeds, the first signs of perennial growth are from Hellebores. The Lenten Rose often blooms in late winter or early spring ahead of daffodils. These grow in front of shrubs and small trees at the edge of woods that will be partial shade by summer.
Over winter, Hellebores were among the few plants available for wildlife browsing in this bed. Deer and rabbits usually avoid their alkaline leaves. The upper leaves show frost damage, and some are tattered from wear. We can remove damaged leaves while the temperatures are not settled and save other sanitation for spring cleanup.
The reusable garbage bag will hold the spent leaves we clip, and we rake excess tree leaves surrounding the plants, leaving some for protection. Hellebores grow and expand slowly over the years with deep roots and require little need for transplanting. Work gloves protect from alkaline sap.
Some slightly frost-damaged leaves are left to protect the cluster of flower buds at the base of each plant. Buds appear in the left third of the photo. Compost is applied to boost flowers in the spring rains. Flowers will continue as Dicentras or Bleeding Hearts bloom. Hellebores leaves contributed foliage beneath trees and shrubs as Astilbes and other shade plants of summer take starring roles.
Little extra care is needed for Hellebores as few pests attack the plant during the season. The dry woods and summer heat remove excess moisture that attracts harmful fungi. We noticed displaced areas of leaves and mulch in the beds as we completed this pre-spring activity. Turkeys have been busy scratching for treats they find in the beds.
What are you noticing in these transition days before spring? Comments are welcome.
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I was delighted to see this. I also have leaves halfway hiding in the grass but I have found a few pink – not quit blossoms yet – but looking very eager to show off the flowers. We are here in Greenfield, Mass. I’ll be watching your flowers as well as mine. Thank you!
What am I noticing? The spring flowers which should bloom before they bloom in other climates are late. I just saw forsythia blooming in a colder climate while ours are not blooming.