Lenten Roses

In late February, all it takes is one 50 degree day to get me thinking thoughts of spring.  

Of course I take advantage of those days to do some mid-winter pruning,

but I spend my time thinking about which bushes and trees will need to be replaced in the spring. 

And dreaming of the flowers to come. 

One of the first varieties to arrive on the scene are the Lenten Roses.  

In NYC, they start blooming in late February/early March 

which means that sometimes they make an appearance through the snow.  

They are shade loving evergreen perennials

and there are at least 20 different species. 

Apparently, the bees look forward to seeing them as much as I do.

Ciao

PJ

© 2013 PJ Lehrer