Every year, it’s exciting to see seeds germinate, new shoots emerge, and flowers appear. But this year, I seem to have amplified spring fever. The difference, I suspect, is that I went through all of my photos from last year to share on willowdalefarm.org. I found so many shots of insects that I didn’t even know I was taking! I was able to identify many species of solitary bee, for example, that I didn’t realize were in the gardens. Now I can’t wait to go looking for them.
A few weeks ago, we had a random warm day that forced some of the mahonia buds to open. I was able to take lots of good photos of our honey bees. They were the first insects I photographed in 2024 (February 9).
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Honey bees on mahonia
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Honey bee on mahonia
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Honey bee on mahonia
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Honey bee on mahonia
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Honey bee on mahonia (2.9.24)
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Oregon grape mahonia with honey bee.
Last weekend, the magic began: my one lonely clump of crocus opened, and the daffodils were almost ready.
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Honey bee on Siberian squill
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Daffodil bud after rain
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Siberian squill
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Heather
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Daffodil bud after rain
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Persian speedwell
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Crocus with honey bees
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Fly on Siberian squill
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Dorothy crocus
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Crocus with honey bees
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Crocus with honey bees
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Mahonia buds
Since then, we’ve had lots of rain, but the daffodils are open, and many shoots have started popping up. I hope the rain is a sign of good things to come in the garden this summer.
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Spider web after rain
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Webs
Angie, the colors of your flowers are so vibrant! I especially love the deep purple. The dew on the spider webs is beautiful. You are quite the professional photographer! Your buds and flowers are so much ahead of us in Connecticut.
Thank you Cheryl! I’m glad you like the photos!