What a difference a year makes

Today is March 4, 2016. Here are some photos (don't forget to click on them) taken in our backyard in Halifax earlier today:

Daffodils

More daffodils

Crocuses

Irises

Lilies

Chives. There are lots and lots of chives.

In the picture of the chives, do you see the rose arbour – the lower part of it? Here's a photo of that very same rose arbour, mid-March of 2015:

The chives are under there somewhere.

For comparison, the rose arbour in March, 2014

It probably isn't a good thing but the weather is a novelty when we feel the warmth of the sun day after day – even before February is over – and then go outdoors to see all the little green shoots and flowers poking their optimistic heads out of the warming ground. We're expecting some snow tomorrow though so we'll hope for the best for all of them.

Meanwhile, inside the house:

I've told you about the poinsettias and how I've propagated them and they've lived with us for more than 20 years. After I wrote that, someone asked if they ever turned red, the way the poinsettias do at Christmas. I said that they never look like the ones in the stores (which look like they're on steroids anyway) but mine do grow some red bracts. I said it's usually later than Christmas, often more like February.

And here's what a few of them are looking like right now:

The colour is very vibrant. . .

. . .and cheerful

Finally, a cutting from a hibiscus, has been quietly working away upstairs, and has produced this gorgeous flower.

Her mother hasn't made a bloom like this for quite a long time. Perhaps this will be inspiration for her.