I learned a new word today, courtesy of an email announcement from the Pierce Creek Institute: “Spring Ephemeral.” OK, that’s two words, but they are a great combination. They really sum up what these woodland wildflowers are all about – fleeting ephemeral things.

After last week’s warm weather, a wintery system rolled through bringing several days of snow, sleet, and cold driving rains. This morning I had to scrape a bit of frost off the windshield, but now the sun is shining and warm temperatures are promised. During these cold snaps the plants just build up their strength and get ready to burst out with all the more enthusiasm when things warm up.

So, here are a couple of outtakes from last week – a hepatica and a bloodroot.