Spring dreams

Everyone in North Carolina is tired of cold weather.  Day after day of chill takes a toll on our good humor.  Hats off to family in the midwest, who have had an especially difficult winter.  This post is for them. 

Take heart -- soon the garden will cast off its drab brown ways.  In early April, sunny yellow Senecio is a shock of color. 

Nearby the colors in Papa's garden are more subdued.  Blue and white wildflowers, Jacob's ladder, Virginia bluebells and mayapples, are in sun in April before the oak trees leaf out.


A month later, Papas garden is a shady retreat.

The walkway to Papa's garden and to the front door of the house is Delaware river rock.  At the beginning of the path are cheerful Johnny jump-ups.

Flowers do not bloom well in shade, but plants with colorful foliage liven up the garden -- gold bleeding heart, red Heuchera, chartreuse hosta and blue hosta.

This trio of hostas invite visitors to sit on the bench and enjoy the birds.

With the sun getting stronger every day, winter cannot last much longer. 
Spring will be here soon.