Harbingers of Spring in the Gardens of Eastern Ontario

Very aware of spring’s uncertainties, hopeful gardeners look for emerging spring flowers. They may even attempt to rake some snow from flower beds in an effort to facilitate the thawing process.

Johnny Jump-Up Flowers in the Snow

There are very few plants to compare with the dependable, loyal Johnny Jump-Up when it comes to early rising. During some years when the wintery weather seems to want to hold on and the snow has not all disappeared, this little plant will surprise and delight.

The new growth that began during the previous autumn will valiantly develop buds and flowers that pop up through the remaining snow. The little flowers of creamy white/yellow/purple appear as smiling faces to gardeners who welcome them.

A common wildflower in Europe, this plant known also as Heartsease (Viola tricolor) spread widely upon introduction into North America. Grown as an annual or biennial, the Johnny Jump-Up is the progenitor of the pansy. It readily reseeds, and though seen as a nuisance by finicky gardeners, it is appreciated by many others.

Tall Golden Daffodils Harbingers of Spring

Daffodils poking their tips through the snow or frozen soil are the true harbingers of spring for many gardeners. These hardy spring-flowering bulbs of the genus Narcissus are native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Many new variations of the original have been developed by horticulturalists through the years.

The large, showy King Alfred Daffodil introduced in 1899 became the most popular of the golden, trumpet-shaped flowers. Some of the new Narcissus (Daffodil) varieties are Arctic Gold, Dutch Master, Yellow Sun, and Golden Harvest.

During some years, just when it seems that the seasonal change is completed, the weather turns back to winter. Tall, graceful, fully-blooming Daffodils that nodded in warmish gentle breezes the day before are suddenly snow covered the next morning. The large snow-filled golden trumpets are bowed under the weight. Fortunately, the temperature usually rises fairly quickly, the snow melts, and the Daffodils stand tall again.

Robins and Red-Winged Blackbirds Return

For many people, one of the harbingers of spring is the Robin that suddenly arrives from its winter habitat. The sounds of its glorious cheerful song can lift the spirits of people who suffer from cabin fever. Robins usually return regularly to the same nesting area year after year, and are welcomed as old friends returning from a holiday.

One familiar sound emanating from nearby moist or marshy areas is, for many, the very real sound of spring’s arrival. It’s the wonderful ‘conk-la-ree’ song of the male Red-Winged Blackbird. Easily found, the multi-colored bird proudly sits atop a post or reed and belts out the song to announce his arrival.

No matter how elaborate or rustic, a garden is a place where hope resides, especially in the early spring.