Spring is arriving at Willowwood 3.30.15

Despite the cold there are some wonderful signs that Spring is on its way at Willowwood:

Bright yellow winter aconite is brightening up the Cottage Garden and some Chionodoxa lucilea (Glory–of-the-Snow)in bloom by the Conservatory.

The Hamamelis (Witchhazel or sometimes called ‘winter bloom’) are in bloom! You can find two of these very fragrant shrubs across from the Tubbs’ house and in the Winter Garden. Native Americans used witch hazel leaves and bark as a poultice to reduce swelling and inflammation. Witch-hazel has long been among the best known and widely used home remedies. The word “witch” in the name of the herb is actually a derivative from the Anglo-Saxon word wych meaning flexible. The word described the flexibility of the branches that Native Americans used to make their hunting bows.

The bluebirds are definitely back, settling into their new homes with the squirrel protectors along the driveway.

And the pansies are in bloom in the Greenhouse – just look through the window…

Tiny little green shoots are appearing here and there — promising some wonderful suprises as the weather gets a bit warmer.