March 23--Spring arrives?

[urbpan]

Well the snow melted away finally, and what should we see but the bold leaves of dwarf cinquefoil (on the left) and chickweed (on the right) and possibly dandelion (in the middle).



Of course, the European snowdrops are lording the fact that they are in full flower, over what few native wildflowers are waiting under the soil.



In the back of the yard, near where I assassinated a giant barberry bush, I found this wonderful animal, attempting to bask in wan spring sunlight--barely above freezing. There were two garter snakes, and inspired by my friends at Hit Me With Your Nature Stick I decided to try to catch one for closer examination.

Click to view

They weren't interested in being caught, although I did manage to pick one up briefly for Alexis to photograph.