Why do I plant tiny things? Sometimes I wonder why I chose to buy such a tiny plant in the first place. I look at it and think ‘will I ever find it again?’   ‘Will it get lost in my garden?’  ‘Will it get weeded out never having a chance to say, ‘stop! don’t pull me out’?  

Then on a cold brisk day with a feeble sun shining I see those tiny plants.   And it occurs to me that early spring is the perfect time for them.  

The tiny snowdrops first show up first, then the aconities and scilla, with chionodoxa, hepatica, ranunculus, and frittilaria come next. And yes, even tiny trilliums make an appearance before the big trilliums make a splashy entrance.    As I look at these beautiful miniatures it occurrs to me why it is perfect timing.  90 percent of the garden is just waking up and in the height of summer these sweet babies won’t be noticed.  Only the big billowing hydrangeas, hostas, brunneras would be noticed. 

Just as your inner gardener is desperate for just a little bit of spring these little guys show up. Bravely facing blustery spring winds, cold temps at night and fitful sun. They shine on! 

Here’s a look at some of the tiny bits of spring growing in my garden this week.