I was having a conversation, about us leaving for the north, with someone who lives year around in Naples, Florida and we talked about changing seasons, the coming of spring. He said he enjoys watching spring come to Naples. My brain couldn’t understand this statement because I frequently slip and say something about spending the summer in Naples because it sure looks like summer in January, February and March. And October, November and April. We finally reached a two-person consensus that seasonal changes in southern Florida are very subtle. The biggest change is the number of cars on the roads and how long you have to wait for a table at your favorite restaurant in season compared to out of season.
Change of seasons are very obvious in Michigan. I have a lifetime of experiencing the movement from winter to late winter to early spring to spring to late spring to summer to late summer to early fall… you get the picture. I have so many northern season because I have visceral knowledge of the subtle changes that lead to the real change. The most eagerly awaited for me, when I constantly scan the woods and tips of shrubs is that transition between late winter and early spring.
Friend Julie and I went on our first photo outing of the year, deciding to go to Hidden Lake Gardens to photograph the signs in nature of very early spring. The day started out more like late winter with heavy cloud cover and a very brisk cold wind. As we were driving down the woodland lane the sun came out and it began to feel more like early spring – until we stopped at an open parking lot and felt that bone-chilling wind. All a part of early spring.
The most exciting sign of early spring is the faint coloring that comes to woodland areas, that first faint pale green on the underbrush and the haze of color at the front of the tree line.
Our first visit is earlier this year than previous years, so we were excited about seeing the first wildflowers to emerge. Lower Michigan had snow two weeks ago. It was cool on this morning, somewhere in the 40’s, and the white hellebore didn’t seem to want to face the day. The pink ones seemed a bit braver.
I was surprised at the number of different wildflowers that were blooming. One of the staples of moving from early spring to spring is the blooming daffodils. They were just beginning to come out so we figure the meadows and woodlands will be carpeted in yellow and white within a week or two.
We made the decision to do our weekly photo shoot at this same place for the next three week so we can document spring unfolding in this woodland setting. Stay tuned to this space.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
Beautiful photos. In the last image, what is that plant with the three grey variegated leaves/petals? I’ve never seen anything like it. Is it a wildflower?
LikeLike
I don’t know, Jane. I’ve been trying to find it in my books but have been unsuccessful. I’m hoping when it blooms I will be able to tell. If anyone else knows what it is, I’d appreciate knowing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll have a look through my horticultural books – but if the plant hasn’t reached the UK I don’t think I’ll have much luck.
LikeLike
That appears to be a trillium. I am unable to narrow down the species right now, since I’m not familiar with your local flora. I’m not sure if you want to know a specific species or not, but that will be easier to tell once it blooms. I did find this site which may help: https://michiganflora.net/genus.aspx?id=Trillium.
LikeLike
Thanks – the trillium may be right because it isn’t blooming yet in the nearby woods. Thanks for your help. and I’ll post it when it blooms.
LikeLike
I can’t wait to see the changes!!
LikeLike
Pat, have you ever been over to Susan Rushton’s blog? I think you’d really appreciate it. She takes lots of beautiful flower pictures at gardens in the states and the UK. If you get a minute to give her a visit, here’s her link: https://susanrushton.net/2018/05/01/a-streptocarpus-fashion-parade-cape-primroses/
LikeLike
Yes I have – thanks for letting me know about her. I really enjoy her work – she inspires me and teaches me through her work.
LikeLike
I miss the spring flowers of Michigan
LikeLike
I miss you when the spring flowers are blooming.
LikeLike
Our spring is about 3 weeks delayed according to the experts.
The grass is green and the first flowering trees….the ornamental pears are doing their thing.
I look forward to your future posts and the spring progress!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great idea. I love the pink hellebore and can’t wait for the trillium to open.
LikeLike
There is a lot of trillium growing in this garden. I think I will have to wait a couple of weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spring for us this year on Vancouver Island has proved to be in stark contrast to what we experienced in Ontario. We came back from Mexico on April 19th to find green grass, (read no snow), trees in bud and daffodils in bloom. The crocus had come and gone. What a welcome sight. I think this scenario fits nicely with my mind set at this point in my life. Keep exploring. It is what gets us up in the morning. Cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pat, there are a few wildflowers about but it has been quite cold up to now. This week is forecast to be warm, and as there has been rain the flowers may bloom in profusion.
LikeLike
People here are afraid we will go strait to summer with 80’s. Wishing you lots of blooms – without allergies.
LikeLike
After a long winter as child in the midwest, early spring was lovely…aha…but alas my allergies made it less enjoyable. 🙂 Enjoyed your photos…didn’t sneeze once.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Several people I have talked to are having allergy symptoms – me, too. I’m glad I didn’t let the pollen out of my computer.
LikeLike