Is it Spring yet?

The warm days we have been experiencing the last couple of weeks are fooling us into believing that Spring is here! Well… it is not truly Spring but the longer days and the birds singing makes everything feel different and hopeful. I found this native columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) peaking through the leaf litter this morning. This beautiful native has smaller flower heads than cultivated columbine but the red/yellow blooms are an early nectar source for emerging native bees, butterflies and returning hummingbirds. Blooming may start as early as April, depending on the weather.

Speaking of leaf litter… as the days get warmer, the urge for garden clean up gets stronger. If you can, resist the urge to remove leaf litter and dried stems.. Our native critters still need the protection of the the dried vegetation from last season. If you have patience and leave things be you won’t even notice the dried leaves and stems as the earth begins to green!