Happy First Day of Spring to you!!

The first day of spring has arrived in Arkansas with cool temperatures, cloudy skies, and brisk winds. Although today is the official first day of spring, flowers have been springing out for the last couple of weeks. We've had some wonderful warm days with sun shining on the blossoms of spring. How about taking a stroll around the yard with me? 

You'll see spring colors just as soon as we step out on the porch. My Forsythia bush blazes with yellow in front of my neighbor's Bradford Pear.

We'll head around the front of the house where you'll see my two Chinese Fringeflower bushes. My daughter bought me these several years ago and they are fascinating to watch in the spring. The blossoms begin as tiny, tight buds that slowly uncurl. My bushes have gotten huge. They're both about 10 feet tall now and loaded with blossoms!

Of course, it wouldn't be spring without weeds! The lower part of our property, which we call the pasture although it's not really a pasture, is full of weeds. It's such a beautiful sight in spring. I have to encourage Jerry not to mow too early so I can enjoy the colors of spring weeds. Among my favorites are the Creeping Buttercups (Renunculus repens) and Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) which has the Greek translation "the devouring purple monster." Spring weeds may be a gardener's worst nightmare, but they do have good qualities. Purple Deadnettle is one of the first weeds to bloom in spring and are therefore a great source of nectar for bees. I can testify to that! These patches of weeds are buzzing with bees! Deadnettles are also a highly nutritious super food that are in the mint family. The leaves and the purple tops are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and smoothies.

If you'd like we can relax for a little while in my swing. There we can see the Phlox and Jonquils showing off their colors while dancing in the breeze. We can watch the birds flitting through the tree branches and finally landing on the feeders. Their spring songs are delightful!

I hope you've enjoyed our short walk and seeing spring in my yard.
I also hope you're enjoying your First Day of Spring!!

"Flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves

is heard in our land."

~ Song of Solomon 2:12