Spring Has Sprung

People judge the beginning of Spring in different ways. 

Some go by the official date, March 20th, while others don't proclaim it until the final frost has finished.  For me, it has always been the opening of the first bloom in our garden. 

The weather last year was chaotic, with an early entrance of Spring, but our first blooms were killed by a late frost.  This year has been the opposite - consistently cold with bouts of snow blanketing the grass well into March.  Punxsutawney Phil lied (and was subsequently indicted) - there was no early Spring.  :P

It has been so snowy that I completely forgot to examine for new growth in the gardens.  When I realized this fact on Monday, I ran out to investigate.  It only took a quick glance around the front garden to see a slight flash of green.  It wasn't much, but it was something.



Dozens of Tulips are Everywhere

Further investigation showed that all four types of our Tulips bulbs are already starting to sprout.  Very exciting! 

Another early sprouter is the Crocus - in fact, they were the first to bloom last year.   Only time would tell if they would be the 'grand openers' again.

One Day Post-Thaw

I walk my dog every day and I eagerly awaited the first bloom.  Every afternoon I'd look for a hint of color besides green and day after day, nada. 

On Thursday, my wait was finally over!  I quickly spotted the first bloom on the way down the driveway, but the anxious pup forced me to wait until our return journey to examine it closer.  To be honest, at first glance, I wasn't sure if it was a wrapper or a random butterfly.  My patience was rewarded and it was, in fact, a beautiful yellow Crocus. 

Yellow Crocus For the Win



Now that the first bloom has breached the surface, every day is like a treasure hunt.  We have over 300 bulbs planted around our house - a few dozen different species of flowers.  I am never sure which flowers are going to pop up next.  I know their approximate bloom times, but with the weather in the Midwest, it can be an exciting gamble.

What do you consider the start to Spring?  Is there an activity or date that officially ushers in the new season?  Do you have any flowers blooming yet?

Update from Friday:

The rest of the Crocus blooms in that plant have all opened and wow - it looks beautiful!

Whar a Difference a Day Makes!