Despite the freakishly cold weather we had last weekend, and the ridiculous vacillations in temperature, the buds on my trees and shrubs seem to be taking it in stride.

The Mountain Laurel, a prized, wild understory shrub here in Rhode Island, is also showing buds. I have lots of this native in my garden and I can’t wait to see it flower. (This is our first spring in our new house.)

This pine is beginning to show candles.

The first crocuses of the hundreds of bulbs I planted last fall are blooming today! These are planted at the foot of a large oak, and I was so excited to see the flowers. I enjoy tucking bulbs into spaces here and there throughout the garden. I remember planting them, but somehow, it’s always a wonderful surprise when they emerge in the spring. Another reason I garden.