Around here my favorite sign of spring is the blooming of two of my plants.
The rhododendron. Every winter I try and protect them, to whatever extent I can. This year, the deer decided to chomp on one of them. The snow cover prevented them from eating on the ground, so they chewed up the bottom of one of these plants, as well as a few evergreens.
Thankfully, they did OK overall. The other two are a darker color.
And not as quick to flower.
My second indicator is the tangerine azalea.
Almost blooming. This year I have about a dozen blooms on this plant. Some years it flowers more than others.
In the spring, too, the hostas are incredibly pretty. They are a nice contrast to my north facing azaleas that bloom last.
Along with the azaleas, the lace maple in full color.
The lace maple is one of those trees. It just leaps out and captures your attention.
Springtime. When the plants renew themselves. The trees turn green and the shade returns.
The backyard is green and shady.
And the meadow is full of buttercups.
Spring in this part of the world is the reason we stay here. Lovely weather. Beautiful surroundings and lots to do.