This purple lilac begins to release her shyness and show her budding beauty to the world.



(We are hoping she will live through whatever late frosts or freezes may come.)

This Hyacinth below thought she was hiding in the grass, but this year (my second Spring here) I knew where to look for her.






White Lilac is a bit more reticent than her purple sister. But still she swells more each day.

The strawberries below overwintered in the greenhouse.
They seem ready to go outside, but Momma says, "Not until all danger of freeze is past."





The strawberries below slept beneath the straw outside.
This one woke up with so much strength it wouldn't wait for the gardener to determine when to remove the covers, but kicked the straw off itself - from its own growth.





It is true that the forecast for the next several days is all above freezing. But my garden coach suggests that if I uncover them and they put their crown (root) energy into growing and blooming and forming fruit, and then a freeze or ice storm (oh no) comes, they will have misused their winter rest vitality.

I feel sorrowful to keep them covered when they obviously want out. What do you think?