A Guide to Spring Flowers

The colors and scents of spring flowers are probably no more vibrant and intense than the flowers of summer or fall, but they certainly seem so. Perhaps this is because we have adapted to the dull, washed out, gray of winter.Whatever the reason, we seem to feel a sense of wonder and revitalization in response to that first rush of spring color and fragrance. The immense sensual pleasure that spring flowers provide us makes the small effort required well worth it.I encourage you to create your own fragrant, kaleidoscope of spring color. Toward that end, I have created this guide to spring flowers. It is intended to give the beginning gardener a place to start, with these five, traditional favorites.Plant these in fall to bloom in spring1. Crocus - These orange-gold or mid-tone purple plants bloom very early. Theyll even explode through the snow to show their faces on sunny days.Very easy to growPick the sunniest areas as they hide their heads during cloud coverPerennial2. Daffodil - They are easy to naturalize and quick to multiply. They love coming back year after year. These yellow and white flowers are most beautiful when planted in scattered patches on lawns and hillsides. They also do very well in containers.Very easy to growPrefers sun but will tolerate partial sunSuperb as a cut flowerPerennial

3. Grape Hyacinth - These grape like clusters come in purple or white and thrive in pots as well as traditional gardens. They are especially nice in window boxes. Plant these bulbs in your window boxes in fall and then come spring; open your window to enjoy their one of a kind, sweet perfume.Easy to growPrefers full sun to partial shadePerennial4. Hyacinth - These hardy blooms come in white, yellow, purple, blue and even pink. The flowers possess an appealing fragrance. The purple variety is especially amazing with its burst of orange-yellow in the center of one point, of each star shaped blossom.Easy to growSun or shadeTerrific cut flowerPerennial5. Tulip - Name a color, any color, even a non color like black or white, and Ill bet you there is a tulip that comes in that color. Tulips look great anywhere whether planted in traditional gardens or even in old buckets. How about planting them in a whiskey barrel half?Easy to growPrefers sun but will tolerate some shadePerennial with the right care, especially the Darwin Hybrid.When on that late wintry cold morning, you find yourself gazing at a sudden burst of gold and purple crocuses that are presenting their faces through the snow; I assure you that you will find yourself smiling. And you will be glad for that slight effort you put forth to welcome spring.Be sure to pick up a local guide to spring flowers at your neighborhood nursery or gardening center. It will help you further in planning and planting your own, unique spring garden.

By Candis Reade