[Fertassa]

I went out a-hunting with my camera Thursday afternoon and returned with these captures. I do believe Spring is finally on its way!

Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore kissing a bee


Pieris japonica Japanese Andromeda in bud


Gallanthus nivalis Snowdrops in bloom


Hamamelis jpaonica x mollis Witch Hazel in bloom

[HoqCBYMl]

Great photos. I'm jealous. Thanks for sharing.

[Toninvell]

Well the bee seems to think so.

[furillo]

very cool pics!!!! Bravo!!! Jean

[JohnfAclambrJA]

What Jean said!

[gettoblaster]

The witch hazel is cool! Our spring is a bit away yet.

[JulieSmithXIV]

great photos!
love that hellebore!!! but then again, i'm a sucker for hellebores.

[Fertassa]

Thanks everyone! My two favorite plants of the four shown are the last two. Snow drops are so reliable, true harbingers of Springtime, they spread well, are simple in their beauty and smell terrific too -- if you stick your nose up close!

Witch Hazel is to die for I love love love Witch Hazels I think their peculiar fragrance is quite delicious! The hybrid shown is particularly nice in its super bright forsythia-yellow color and overall form. The smoother branches and leaf buds are attractive too. Hopefully I'll get some pictures of other species and hybrids as Spring progresses. I'm afraid I may have missed some which already bloomed back in February.

[MizzDaizzy]

Great photos! It is always a pleasure to see winter flowers. I remember growing up in New York state, just about the time my dad and I'd be ready to pull our hair out from cabin fever (mid February), the first snowdrops would start to poke up under a big yew along the front steps. It was shear magic to see those little flowers growing up through the snow and with flowers...

Keep on posting shots please as spring unfolds! Where abouts do you live Lanmark?

[rXpX]

He lives about 20 miles south of me -- and about two weeks difference in "Spring Coming" weather. My snowdrops aren't up yet, although my Hellebores are unfurling. Location, location: The Hellebores are beside the garage and the snowdrops are under a bank of snow!

But I did see a honey bee in my bird feeder yesterday (yes, you read that right).

Good photos, Mark -- you needn't have worried.

I must get a witch hazel tree!

[boanuatiguali]

Georgeous! I have Pieris Valley Valentine opening in front of my house, and Valley Valentine blooming in my backyard...along with my hellebore and the first crocus...witch hazel has been open for weeks.