It's gray and cool here in southern Illinois today, but the apricots are blooming,

[Atticus]

the elderberries are leafing out and the rhubarb is poking through the leaf mulch. We'll hang out the first hummingbird feeder next week and admire the magnolia in full bloom by then.

Next month will see morel mushrooms and honeybees nuzzling blooms everywhere.

I am grateful I had parents who taught me to appreciate nature and the seasons.

[Siwsan]

1. I'm doing a daily 'bud check' on all of the flowering trees.

And checking to see if the perennial plants are popping up. The Butterfly Bushes all survived, and the Bleeding Hearts are visible. Needless to say the Daffodils are all budding or blooming and I'm checking the Tulips for buds. The stripped squill is blooming and the blue squill is budding - hopefully it will be in bloom, tomorrow.

I LOVE this time of year. Renewal, everywhere.

[Cracklin Charlie]

2. I'm hearing morels are expected early in Missouri.

Some already found in the middle of the state. The hunters I know are venturing out this weekend, after our week of soaking rain.