Looking for a little green

A little sign of hope. A reason to go on. Support for the belief that at some point in the not-too-distant future, winter will go and spring will get here. A bit premature I will allow. Especially here in upstate NY. Today is the first of February and we have weeks of wintry weather still to come.

For me though, once January has bowed out, I consider winter to be on the run. So, I went out this past week, to see if I could find anything to indicate that the snow will melt, the daylilies and hostas will begin to rise and I will have to start weeding. Hostas and daylilies, being very sensible, are still firmly tucked underground. But I did find a few other green things in my short walk around the yard.

Moss. This stays green no matter what I think. There are mosses in glaciers and above the tree line in Siberia probably, so it being in my yard in January is not really that big a deal. It’s green though, so here it is.

Holly stays green all winter. This is part of a line of lady holly plants we put in 4 or 5 years ago. They have lived a barren and lonely existence up till now. See – all green with no bright red berries? They have been spinsters, with no male holly bush to flirt with. I finally got them a boyfriend last fall, so they should be much happier now. They are right in front of the house though, so I hope the neighbors don’t talk.

There is a lot of green, here along the steps to the back yard.

We have lots of vinca because it grows well on banks and eventually chokes out weeds.

But wait – what is that?

An amazing, brave little vinca flower! It looks sunny I know, but it was all of 12 degrees when I took these pictures. Vinca are early bloomers but this is ambitious, even for them.

These lilac leaf buds are a little more shy though – it will be quite awhile until we see what is in there.

And this morning, the whole shootin match is buried in snow and ice again. Still – it is the 1st of February…

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22 Responses to Looking for a little green

  1. Flea says:

    Your tiny vinca is beautiful. We got snow yesterday!!! I don’t want to see anything green in my yard – just white! But your green is lovely, and I’m glad that your lady hollies have a boyfriend, even if they have to share. In your front yard.

  2. secret agent mama says:

    Spring will be welcome down here in GA, but moreso in my hometown of Buffalo, NY!

  3. Steph says:

    I was starting to get real hopeful again, but we are getting 8-9 inches today!! I’ve got to admint, the snow is beautiful.

  4. Meredith says:

    A flower! Yay! I know you’re buried under snow again but it is a sure sign that spring really is on the way.

    We haven’t gotten ANY snow in Brooklyn, NY this year. So, if you’re getting sick of it, send it our way…the kids are jonesing to go sledding.

  5. Gordo says:

    Wow … Green … None of that here, we’re getting dumped with snow and ice pellets today. LOL

  6. NEO the ONE says:

    I don’t think winter will ever end here in Idaho, I haven’t seen my grass since before christmas. I am ready to move back to Missouri, NOW!

    Come see my other blog, PLEASE!

    http://zion-neosworld.blogspot.com/
    Thanks.

  7. Karyn-for-you says:

    we are having a snow day here in Canada. It’s nice to see the beutiful snow fall and still know that it won’t last forever when I see your green pictures; and a flower, wow!
    http://karynforyou.wordpress.com/

  8. Marie says:

    Oh, I love the pictures! It’s so good to see green, even if it is all covered in snow again today!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog…

  9. dlyn says:

    Yea flea – hollies apparently aren’t the least bit jealous – they don’t mind sharing. in the front yard. ;)

    Thanks everyone – it is a good thing I took these yesterday – today it not very nice out there at all.

  10. storyteller says:

    This is a lovely sequence of photos showing signs of Spring. Thanks for sharing and for visiting Small Reflections today. It’s nice to meet you.
    Hugs and blessings,

  11. The Cubicle's Backporch says:

    I’ve been looking for signs of green too… but I do think the days are getting longer already! That counts for something! :)

  12. The Cubicle's Backporch says:

    I’ve been looking for signs of green too… but I do think the days are getting longer already! That counts for something! :)

  13. MamaGeek says:

    Wow, I’m sincerely impressed with your photo talent. Those pictures are so lovely!

  14. Mama says:

    I love the photos of the lilac buds. I’m sending good thoughts for warmer weather your way!

  15. Kellan says:

    Very cool pictures and very cool post!!! I loved it and I loved seeing the signs of life in all of your great pictures.

    Have a great weekend – see you soon. Kellan

  16. Joyce says:

    Hi, Dlyn,

    Thank you for stopping by to read my haiku. I’m so glad to see your beautiful nature photography. Enjoyed it very much.

  17. Mary Alice says:

    A flower! Brave little vinca – hope springs eternal

  18. Andrea says:

    I do not miss the snow. I like to visit it but not live in it. You must have a beautiful yard come spring time!! I can’t wait to see those pictures!! Beautiful photography!!

    Thanks for visiting my blog!!

  19. tommie says:

    not sure how you stumbled on my blog, but thankss for visiting!

    LOVE the green shots….I think I feel like that…looking for just the smallest bit of color. Even in TX we are having a bit of winter!

    happy weekend y’all

  20. The Rackroom Crew says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog, toy are welcome any time

  21. Alison says:

    the tiny vinca flower is so sweet!! great pictures!

  22. Country Girl says:

    I like daylillies, too! Love these pictures.

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