That Cold March Ramble

Winter's late week return to the Lanark Highlands was not entirely unforseen — one can reasonably expect the long white season to linger in deep forest hollows and make surprise appearances until April at the earliest.

When winter finally retreats, the woods green up rapidly, and within a short time the whole forest is carpeted in Bloodroot, Trilliums, and Dutchman's Breeches, small blossoms of Spring Beauty and purple Wood Violets. No quiet and subtle entrance here for Lady Spring, but an triumphant fanfare, running footsteps, an explosion of shaggy green leafage and a riotous profusion of blooms bursting forth, almost within minutes. . . .

Last night in my sleep I was wandering along in a cloud of wildflowers and lacy green foliage and listening to a flock of grosbeaks singing in the trees overhead. (Sigh) early days yet, and those dreams will have to sustain me for another several weeks — at present the Lanark woods are a realm of snow and deep blue shadow, and so they will remain for quite a while.