The flowers are opening slowly, and they last a long time. Normally, many of these flowers would be featured in a blog post for April. I love sunny days. It is important to remember that it’s only March and the weather could be much worse. Three feet of snow would be a lot worse.

Our long winters make the beginnings of spring more important, and each blooming plant becomes a precious treasure. Look at my garden and what I would like to add. Make next year’s mud-season a bit more colorful in your garden.

The first of the early

Winter aconites were my first blooms. They were nestled up against the house, and I could see them from my Cabin Fever window. This post shows the location. It bloomed on February 23rd. Yes, February!

As the snow melts, the semi-double form will appear, along with many clumps. Read more about winter aconites.

The snowdrop is very early (large flowers and tall), it multiplies quickly, and the-S fragrance is strong. Arnott snowdrops make a good investment for beginners.

I divide them and replant every so often. Three years ago I planted them around the wellhead, and now look at them! Do you want to learn more about snowdrops? This post.

The flowers of Cyclamen are small but vibrantly colored. They bloom shortly after snowdrops and Aconites. Some sources claim that they are hardy up to USDA Zone 4. I tried them out a few years ago and they seem to be doing well.

It’s hard to find this flower unless you have a friend who grows it. Commercial nurseries won’t or can’t ship this flower because it will die if it gets too dry. I bought some Daffodils & More, one of the rare times they offered this product. I checked and it appears that they don’t intend to offer it ever again.

The spring snowflake will bloom right after those three and before the main show of crocuses. Do not confuse this snowflake with the “summer’s” snowflake Leucojum astrivum, which blooms along with daffodils. Most gardeners consider it a spring bloomer. It can tolerate being dry when dormant, so it is widely available and easily shipped.

Crocuses

The earliest-blooming crocuses I see are cultivars Crocus Korolkowii. Next up is ‘Early Gold.’ They are planted along the front walkway where the snow melts the fastest. They are from Odyssey Bulb.

Crocus Tommasianus will bloom next. The “tommies”, also known as the rodent-resistant varieties, are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. These are available in many colors and mixes. I don’t think my lawn is self-sowing, although some people claim that they do.