Quotes and Promise of Spring

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb

Spring is close and currently so are the moles if we are honest. But, who can blame them as the soft air that heralds the fresh season creeps into our part of the world. The effect it produces, in humans at least, is captured best by the ever-quotable Mark Twain.

     It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Detective

If it were possible, gardeners would tell Mr. Twain they actually know what they want—to be in a garden, either working or seeing what nature is going to produce this year.

The best part of early spring is its promise and the dreaming that allows. It’s impossible to name all the plants ready to burst out at the Dunn now but the various magnolias are difficult to miss. (macrophylla, stellata, grandiflora). Their buds tend to the fat and enthusiastic. On the other end is the white bell flower of Enkianthus perulatus. It is a dainty, quiet, unobtrusive addition that should not be underestimated. I’m back, it says primly but with a warning. Pretty. Yes. Small. Yes. But wait till the fall and you will be gobsmacked at what I can show you.  

The wonder of it all is that each of the buds is a work of art in the making. Collectively the Gardens become a gallery and, as the blooms come into being over time, one that changes its exhibits.

But that is to get ahead of the moment. As we edge toward official spring of March (20th) and the realized spring of April, the time is just for anticipation and quotes.

I particularly like the wisdom in this nugget;

   Every spring is the only spring — a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

And the joy in this one;

   Out with the cold, in with the woo. ~E. Marshall, "Spring Thought"

Bring on the woo you hear me cheer. And if you have a mind, come and visit and share yours with us. We’d love to have you.

wisteria