Signs of Spring

“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” — Lewis Grizzard.

As the cold of winter starts to leave, we experience the new beginning of spring every year. When spring begins to arrive, we can see the buds appearing on trees, crocus flowers popping up from the hard ground, and daffodils blooming along the side of the road. It is one of my favorite times of the year. The earth’s energy, color, and freshness are something to behold. 

I love to get out on the weekends or for sunrise/sunset to capture this new beginning’s essence. 

Here are some of my favorite local places to see the birth of spring. I hope you will get out on those windy March days and celebrate the new beginning of spring. 

• A visit to any local gardens gives you a chance to capture early spring flowering trees and plants. Some of the first plants to bloom are Camellias or Hellebores ( Lenton rose). They both can be found in our local area. The Hellebores are often disguised in woodland areas of the garden. Brookside garden in Maryland has a lovely nature trail in the park full of early spring blooms; Meadowlark garden’s nature trail in the woodland area is another excellent option. Green Spring Gardens in Virginia has an extensive old collection of camellia plants located between the historic house and the nature trail ponds. They are large and hearty bloomers. 

• The Parterre, at the Smithsonian Haupt Garden is one of the more popular places to see the beautiful early blooms of the saucer magnolia trees. They are spectacular to see. Get out early, the gates open by 10:00 am. 

• The Congressional Cemetary in DC is a historical cemetery with a beautiful grove of early blooming cherry trees. They are some of the first to bloom in the city. This is a great place to visit on the weekend, walk the historic cemetery, and capture the trees’ beauty. Nearby is the farmer’s market at Eastern Market. 

• Rawlins Park is a small park off the National Mall. There is easy street parking. The first bloomers of the Saucer Magnolias are perfect at this spot. Grab a warm beverage and plan to sit and enjoy these trees’ beauty in a quiet park. 

• For a short day trip, Longwood Gardens puts on an incredible spring display. In mid to late March you can enjoy the incredible blue poppies and early anemones inside the arboretum. With an early April visit, you can see the glorious spring tree blooms and the massive bulbs planted in the outdoor gardens. 

I hope you will brave the March wind and get out this spring to see nature in all its glory. 

“Listen, everyone has a chance. Is it spring, is it morning? Are there trees near you, and does your own soul need comforting? Quick, then––open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song may already be drifting away.” Mary Oliver.