Wild Ginger

Asarum splendens was rare in cultivation until recently. Aside from the incredible foliage, it is remarkable for these little flowers, which are easily overlooked.

Crocuses

This crocus forms swarths of color in the early spring garden. Photo was taken late in the day after the flowers had started to close.

Cyclamen coum

This spring blooming hardy cyclamen is quite happy in dry shade. This one is nestled under an ancient arborvitae.

Daffodils

These early yellow daffodils are planted on a southfacing hill, so they bloom with the crocuses.

Purple Hellebore

Helleborus purpascens is an early bloomer along with H. niger.

Petasites

This little flower appears before the new leaves emerge. Though it is invasive (stand back), if you pit it against bamboo, you should enjoy a royal battle. The flower is a delightful surprise.

Winter Jasmine

Jasmine nudiflorum responds to a few warm days by bursing into bloom, long before forsythia.

Iris

Iris reticulata. This little flower reaches only 4 inches and can be overlooked around crocuses that bloom at the same time.

Witch hazel

'Primavera' is a pale yellow selection. It's the best performing witch hazel in the garden. This photo was taken after most of the petals had already fallen.

'Primavera'

This photo of witch hazel 'Primavera' was taken a year earlier. This cultivar consistently performs well and rarely "takes a year off".

Skunk cabbage

It's not a flower, but....

Koi and goldfish looking for food. Water temperature is climbing and they are becoming more active.

Christmas Rose

Helleborus niger. This white flowered hellebore is one of the earliest bloomers. Its foliage is more rounded than the more common orientalis hybrids.