It Might As Well Be Spring

A witch hazel in Evanston celebrating an early spring.

The official first day of spring is March 20, but it already feels like spring and it’s even beginning to look like spring. Buds are swelling, bulbs are poking up through the earth. Look around and you’ll see some things that are already in in full bloom. A shrub already in full bloom with bright yellow flowers is the Vernal Witch Hazel. Typically, this is the earliest woody plant to bloom in our area. Its name comes from the fact that it usually blooms around the Vernal Equinox (March 22).

Spring cheerleaders Snowdrops and Winter Aconite are usually seen against a backdrop of snow.

Everything seems to be starting earlier this year. Snowdrops and Winter Aconite are two small bulbs that are in full bloom. Even Crocus are beginning to show their colorful tips. These early harbingers of spring naturalize readily and bring a bright spot to the early spring garden. Look up at big trees and you will notice the buds swelling and even some flowers starting on Red and Silver Maples. Willows are beginning to green. The Magnolia’s fuzzy buds are getting bigger.

Male Red Maples are sending flowers ahead of schedule.

Spring is here or at least it’s close… it was a pretty easy winter, as far as Chicago winters go. Many people are wondering what this mild winter weather means… in our expert opinion, we think it was an easy winter and it feels like an early spring! Get out and ENJOY.