They signal the impending spring, and though it be a bit of a ways off, we are chomping at the bit. Stick a sugar stick in me or toss me a carrot because I am raring to be done with winter. As much as I’ve made motions to embrace and accept it, the heart still longs for spring and sun and warm weather. This week has chilled us to the bone.
These happy little primroses reminded me that we are headed in that direction, and I always thrill at seeing them and the spring bulb flowers in the markets starting at this time of the year. The hyacinths – forced in their single-bulb vases – and tulips brighten the days with their colorful petals as much as their sweet fragrance. Soon the jonquils wrapped tightly in bud in tens and twenties will add the brightest yellow to the scene, along with their delicate scent.
For now, these primroses will carry us to the end of January, and then a full month of winter will have gone by. Baby steps, perhaps, but every journey has its slow start. Let’s make this one a pretty one.
