We KNEW it was only a matter of time. The spring-like temperatures have been calling their name for over a week now. We'd been out several times this week searching unsuccessfully. But today...jackpot! We found our first wildflowers of the season! And remembering back to last year, we had a good idea we'd find them in the woods. There are several species in the woods which shoot up bright and early in spring in order to catch those strong rays of sunlight before the leaves on the trees fill in and block it out. Last year the first one that we discovered was the Spring Beauty, but they have not bloomed yet, these beauties are even earlier. So, I've already started my photo-taking frenzy, so that I can continue to add more photos to our wildflower notebook. Without further ado, shall I introduce you to our new wildflower friends?  Please meet...

Purple Cress (Cardamine douglassii)

 

 

and

 

White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidum) 

 

The purple cress has not yet bloomed open, so we'll be re-visiting that one again soon to get a photo with it's gorgeous blooms wide open. This was the only patch of Purple Cress that we found today. The White Trout Lily on the other hand could be found sporadically throughout the woods. We thought their leaves were fascinating! Almost tropical looking.

Also on our nature walk we found a simply fascinating looking brown fungus. I do not know a whole lot about fungus, however I'd sure like to know what type this is.

Along with these interesting and exciting discoveries, we found lots and lots more signs of spring! Here are a few more photos from our walk.

The color green is so refreshing to see!

 

Aren't these leaves such a beautiful sight?

 

 

Sisters enjoy nature walks together.

 

 

After three days of rain, the creek is sweetly babbling along. 

 

Watch out for these terrible thorns. They come from the Honey Locust tree, quite abundant around here. Despite it's name, there is nothing sweet about these thorns. It's a safety lesson I've had to teach my children to keep clear of these trees. The thorns are like steel, they will poke through the soul of your shoe, OUCH!

I pray you are enjoying your spring whever you are! And that you are taking the time to stop and notice ALL the amazing things in nature changing around you.

"Omnia mirari etiam tritissima" (Find wonder in all things, even the most common place)

                                                                                                                              - Carolus Linnaeus's motto