The first spring blooms have blossomed. I’ve watched my irises, recognizing that the burst of color was imminent, and here it is.
Dotted with last night’s raindrops, the unknown variety has graced my garden for years. I’ve researched this lovely, mostly by photos, and have found several species that are similar to what I grow, but I haven’t ever committed to anointing this iris by name. Weirdly, I look far and wide when I’m identifying native plants and have, on occasion, spent hours scrolling through photos and descriptions in attempts to identify an unrecognized plant. Yet with the iris plants, I’m content to simply enjoy the beauty of this non-native, without need for a definitive name.
It’s really a misnomer that the irises abloom today are the “first” blooms, since there are several perennials that have bloomed all winter. But irises are quintessential spring flowers and I think it’s fair to allow them the title of number one–just because.
The true surprise this morning was the first open poppy of spring 2020.
I’d seen the buds, but guessed one or another would open later in the week. A German friend gave me seeds many years ago; I sowed those seeds and 20 years later, reap the benefits of their beauty and pollinator activity. I collect seeds from each crop in late spring, sprinkle those seeds in autumn, and enjoy the bounty in March and April.
The poppies, or at least these firsts, are early.
Honeybees love these flowers, though none were up this morning to work in this first bloom’s offerings. I imagine bees will visit as the sun appears and day progresses.
Honeybees–like the garden–are ramping up for the growing season.