Flower Gardening : The first flowers of spring

One of the most thrilling sights for any gardener, from the newest to the most experienced, is the first spring flowers peeking up through the last snow of winter.  Spring flowers have long been seen as a sign of new life, and gardeners certainly enjoy seeing these beautiful harbingers of warmer weather.

Whether it is the tiny, delicate blossoms of the snowdrop, the delicate petals of the econite or the subtle beauty of the Irish reticulate, it is hard to beat the beauty of spring flowers.  These first delicate blossoms of spring are a sign that the long days of winter are finally over, and that it is time to look forward to warmer weather.  Even the most jaded gardeners continue to be excited by the sight of the earliest blossoms making their way through the last snow of winter.

The well named snowdrop is one of the most beloved, and most popular types of flowers for early spring.  These delicate blossoms are breathtaking to behold.  The common snowdrop, scientific name Galanthus nivalis, features small, delicate blossoms, while the giant snowdrop, known to scientists as the Galanthus elwesil, features striking large early spring blooms.

The Iris reticulate is another favorite early spring bloom.  This bulb is one of the most striking flowers in the world of gardening, and it is highly prized for its beauty.  The Iris reticulate originally came from the high mountain areas of Western Asia, and it does well in cold climates.  The Iris reticulate does best in a well drained bed containing coarse sand or grit.  

When caring for an Iris reticulate, it is important not to over water the plant, since this can cause severe damage to the bulb.  This plant comes in a wide variety of colors, ranging from a pale amethyst to a deep, dark purple.  In addition, the Iris reticulate has been thoroughly hybridized, and a wide variety of hybrid colors, including solids, speckles, stripes and splotches are available as well.

In addition to these somewhat common early spring blooms, there are rarer varieties as well.  One of the rarest of late winter and early spring bulbs is the Adonis vernalis.  The Adonis appears to be a delicate plant, but it is able to make its way through the snows of late winter to provide a beautiful bloom in March.  The Adonis has a beautiful yellow bloom, and it makes a wonderful companion to any landscape.  The Adonis can be used anywhere, but it makes a particularly good addition to a winter rock garden.

No matter which types of late winter or early spring blooming flowers you choose, you will be rewarded with beautiful color in your garden as the last days of winter give way to the first days of spring.

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