Aconite, full bloom, home

When the first Winter Aconite leaves and blossoms-to-be poked out of the leaf litter last week, I expected that their flower show would soon follow. But the weather turned chilly, and the plants, their blossom buds poised and ready, stubbornly refused to open. Wise decision, no doubt. With the temperature heading towards spring, however, the Aconites have abandoned all caution and begun to put on their much-anticipated and, I have to admit, much-loved display of floral sunshine illuminating an otherwise drab landscape. I've been just as eagerly anticipating the arrival of the first bees and other pollinators, but, so far, the flowers haven't lured any insects out of hiding. The Aconites can certainly pollinate themselves, but it would be nice to have helping "hands"—well, feet and pollen baskets—spreading around the genetic wealth.