As a gardener living in hardiness zone 5b, spring is one of the most awaited seasons of the year after a cold and enduring winter. It is a time of rebirth when soil on the ground gradually warm up and leaf buds from the perennials poke their heads out to say hello! I find the pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) with their slivery hair shown in the cover photo particularly adorable at this time of the year. The fuzzy hair is actually functional. Just like a winter coat, it provides insulation and helps the plant withstand cold temperatures. According to this article from the Nature Conservancy Canada, the pasque flower is also known as the prairie crocus. It is Manitoba’s floral emblem.
It wasn’t until the past Easter weekend in late-April that I felt spring has finally arrived. The La Niña event has been in high-gear in 2024-2025. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, this has led to:
- Below seasonal temperatures
- A more active storm track over the Great Lakes and Atlantic provinces, leading to increased snowfall
- Drier atmosphere in the southern parts of Canada, due to reduced moisture flow
I find the transformation of the landscape between April to May to be extra magical. It’s as if a painter is brushing life back into the world, one stroke at a time. Some of the plants that first emerge in my home garden include those featured below from left to right:
- Millennial Allium
- Hellebore
- Heather
- Tulip
- Roxanne Cranesbill
- Grape Hyacinth
- Stonecrop
- Angelina Sedum
- Daffodil
- Pasque Flower (cover photo)
How’s your garden doing this spring? And if you reside in a different hardiness zone, which plants are currently active or just about to wake up. Feel free to leave your comments below and share with the community.
Pollen and Page 