nothing says spring like...

I love spring.  I love spring mostly because it's the renewal of life after a long winter (and this winter was a long one for sure!).  I love spring because all of the little herbaceous beauties show what they're made of.  I love spring because there is an abundance of color and fragrance in the air. 

I've been over-joyed about this particular spring because I am not a cold weathered gal.  And, spring has finally sprung.  As I continue to travel to JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh for pictures week after week, I am amazed at the transformation that has taken place among the plants in just a short amount of time.  As long as I have marvelled over plants, the transformation into spring never ceases to amaze me. 

The purple delight above is Pulsatilla halleri suspb. styriaca.  Pulsatillas are among the few to bloom first in spring.  From their silky, hairy foliage emerges soft purple flowers, lasting but a few short days to weeks.  Its common name, Pasqueflower, is given because it blooms so close to Passover.

As I've been driving around town I am beginning to notice that the Dogwoods are coming into bloom.  With the weather being as it has, and as warm as its expected this week, we can only see more wonderful blooms popping out everywhere.  Which reminds me...pines are ready to pop too.  Ugh!  What a mess that will make.  Need more rain.  But, I digress.

There are a number of other beauties that I've captured, such as this Magnolia 'Lois'. 

This is Magnolia denudata 'Forrest's Pink' (captured last week).