While the early bird may get the worm, overly eager/warm flower bulbs may get frozen….

This year’s winter season was predicted to be very cold and harsh. While here in St. Louis we’ve had some chilly evenings, we’ve also some very warm weather that reminds us more of spring than a typical bone chilling Midwestern winter. We humans are not the only living organisms to be confused by this mild winter. While I’m appreciative of a mild winter, I’m not happy with the how it’s confused my spring flower garden.

The first bulbs to grow in the spring season are crocus, then daffodils, tulips, iris, hyacinths, and so on. The crocuses are typically the first to poke through the ground because they are low to the ground and are therefore able to stay warm longer. As I observed my garden this winter, I noticed that the small thin blades of my crocus began to sprout in early December! Now, in late February, the daffodils are nearly full size and have small buds.

Make some observation in your neighborhood. Do see many thin green blades that could be bulbs? Are there any buds? Keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful, but very early spring flowers. They may be in bloom soon enough. Let’s hope they don’t freeze before we can enjoy their beauty.