Aconite emerging, Home

I was hoping that today would be the hallowed day when the very first crocuses that were so ready yesterday to bloom would open their flowers, but it was fairly chilly and the blossoms kept to themselves. I knew, however, that once the crocuses popped out of the ground, they wouldn't be alone, so, 85mm micro-equipped camera in hand, I went exploring, getting low to the ground and braving cold, damp knees. Except for the Skunk Cabbage I'd already found, I didn't think the woods would be putting forth native flowers yet—it's still awfully early—so I concentrated my search on garden stalwarts that, in these global climate change days, are not shy about pushing the floral envelope. With the snow off the ground and temperatures above freezing, the Winter Aconite, a yellow-flowered little gem native to Europe, put its botanical cards in the game. Soon enough, there will be spots of floral sunshine bringing cheer and color to the otherwise drab leaf litter.