Forcing Spring

 That title might be a bit misleading. Here in the coastal Pacific Northwest, Spring doesn't need forcing. It comes on its own, early and slowly and long lasting, with bursts of sun and bouts of wind and rain. 

But while things are blooming in our garden, they are not blooms good for picking, and besides, I want them outside where they will last and linger outside my windows. But I forgot to buy flowers at the grocery store and I needed something for my kitchen table. 

I decided to pick a green bouquet. It is March, green month, or here in early spring, green and yellow month.

I went out with my little snippy scissors and a basket to cut bits of various textures and shades of green. Then I remembered the Forsythia. While still in tight but outside, if you cut some sprigs and bring them inside, you can force them to bloom early. 

Thursday.

Saturday. 

Of course while I was outside I noticed other things. Some of you asked about my new header. If you didn't see my response, I will share it again. 

This is our new Hellebore, "Ice and Roses Pink", that we bought when we bought our primroses.

This newer variety holds its head up better, so you can see its lovely face. 

This older, white hellebore has been blooming for weeks already, beckoning the crocuses to emerge. 

Crocuses are not very persistent here, so we appreciate the few that have rebloomed. 

Several of our other, newer Hellebores are slowly opening.

Planted beside the front walk and visible from inside the house, they will slowly reveal their pretty faces and linger long into spring. 

It's officially winter for several more weeks, and the weather can still play tricks, but Hellebores are tough as well as beautiful, a good combination.