Two Springs

My First spring, in mid to late March, was a celebration of all that southern weather could bring in coastal Charleston and Savannah.  Sunshine, warm breezes, blooming dogwoods and azaleas, late daffodils finishing up, early irises opening their flowers, the last of the camillias displaying their rose-like red and pink flowers, the first of the roses showing their buds, thunderstorms, green skies, hail, and torrential rains. (Thankfully for us, the tornadoes held off until we left.)

Now, here in the Southern Tier on Earth Day, the warm breezes are a mostly-distant memory. Here, in Second spring, spring fights for every toe hold, the occasional warm day competing with day after day of unrelenting clouds, chilling winds, with birds singing through it all.  The crocuses have finished.  In today's 30ish degree weather, the daffodils and early tulips nod in the cold breeze, with hyacinths almost ready to open their blossoms.  In our back yard, the Lenten Rose is in bloom and the bloodroot is showing its white flowers.  But I protest at having to enjoy them with a coat on.

Later today, it will be with a raincoat on, too.

On the other hand, I could be living in Fairbanks, Alaska, where the University weather station reports there is still 10 inches of snow on the ground.  Their mean snow melt date is April 22.  Last year the last snow melted on April 21.  Not this year.


Spring in Binghamton, please come!  Please tell me that when Nanticoke Gardens opens on Monday, that you will be ready for their plants.