The leaves of this crocus have a waxy cuticle that helps them stand up to snow and frosty temperatures.

I caught just a glimpse of spring yesterday and suddenly the sun felt a bit warmer and the cold wind a little fresher.

There’s nothing like the first glimpse of green leaves sprouting through the dried leaves and old mulch to give a gardener hope. Gardening season is just around the corner.

As I pulled back the brown leaves of one tall ornamental grass, I spied the small clump of brilliant green crocus leaves. This little bit of green is always the first to appear in my garden, soon to be followed by small purple flowers.

These crocus bulbs were planted many years ago and I depend on their perennial nature to be my guide. It’s almost as if I start to come out of hibernation as soon as they appear.