The last tulips and daffodils have been harvested and the garden has transitioned to forget me nots, columbines, and alliums. I love the sight of those purple globes suspended above the budding yarrow, a sign of things to come.

In the lull between the spring bulbs, I’ve been enjoying getting acquainted with a little corm that is new to me: the spring blooming anenome coronaria. Months ago I soaked little shriveled acorn looking things, tucked them into potting soil to pre sprout, then babied them along under lights until the snow melted so I could plant them out. Verdict? It was worth it!

The first stems have been quite short, only about 4 inches, but now stem lengths have begun to stretch, with the longest one so far reaching 9 inches. A charming little habit they have is to open in the morning and close in the evening, which is a good reminder to me to power down at the end of the day. It will be interesting to see how they respond to the hot spell we’ve just experienced, and even more interesting to see how they like the extended spell of cooler, grayer weather that’s predicted. One of the perks of vase testing is that I get to enjoy a lovely bouquet to brighten up those cloudier days while I chart just how long they will last, and what stage of harvest optimizes that time.

The anenomes are blooming, but It’s a time when the rest of the garden is taking a breath, setting the stage, and preparing for a big performance. Just as each tiny seed contains worlds of potential, now too each bud is chock full of potential beauty.

Impatient as I am for the flowers, anticipation is half the pleasure, isn’t it?