Start of the Wildflower Season 2010

It is another year, and time to break out the cameras, assorted macro gear, and head out in search of more beautiful wildflowers. I travel more during this season than any other. and these little wonders of nature never cease to amaze me. They seem to grow in some of the oddest, most unforgiving places, yet bring beauty and grace to wherever they bloom. This year, the first image of the year was a wild Crocus, blooming in the middle of my lawn on March 10th. Like the Star of Bethlehem last year, I have no idea how it got there. A bird, most likely. Anyway, here are some early images of the early bloomers. Winter Jasmine, Hellebore, Snowdrops, and Crocus.

This is Crocus, (possibly Crocus vernus), it is an early spring crocus, or snow crocus. This is the one that bloomed in my lawn.

This is Hellebore (Veratrum viride). This is early in its blooming cycle, and is very obvious amongst the still dormant forest floor. This is in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden.

This is Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). These flowers were growing on Wiley Drive.

Some more Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) on Wiley Drive.

These wildflowers are Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and are located in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden. They are early in their bloom cycle and have not spread their petals.

Some more Snowdrops located in the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden.

These Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and are located in a private Franklin County Wildflower Garden. They are later in their bloom cycle and have spread their petals.

These Crocuses, (possibly Crocus vernus), are also in the private Franklin County Wildflower Garden. These are some of the most stunning Crocuses I have ever seen.