The First Spring Blooms in NYS
Spring is a season of new beginnings, and one of the most exciting signs of spring in New York State is the arrival of blooming plants. After a long, cold winter, the first plants to burst forth with color and fragrance are a welcome sight. Here are five specific plants to look for in New York State in the early days of spring, along with care tips to help ensure their success.
Crocus: These cheerful little flowers are among the earliest bloomers in the spring garden. Crocuses come in a range of colors, from white and yellow to purple and blue, and they are relatively easy to grow. Plant crocus bulbs in the fall in a sunny, well-drained spot. Water them well after planting, and then let nature take its course. In spring, you will be rewarded with a burst of color that signals the start of the gardening season.
Snowdrops: Another early bloomer, snowdrops are delicate white flowers that are often the first signs of life in a garden after the snow melts. Plant snowdrop bulbs in the fall in a shaded area with well-drained soil. Water well after planting, and then wait for the spring thaw. Snowdrops will come up early and bloom for several weeks before fading away.
Daffodils: These bright yellow flowers are a classic sign of spring, and for good reason. Daffodils are easy to grow and require very little care. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water well after planting, and then sit back and wait for spring. Daffodils will bloom for several weeks, and their cheerful color and fragrance will brighten up any garden. If you read last week’s blog about the history of daffodils, you know yellow is not the only color these flowers come in. There are lots of different colors, fragrances and types.
Tulips: Tulips are another classic spring flower that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Plant tulip bulbs in the fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water well after planting, and then wait for spring. Tulips will bloom for several weeks, and their bright, bold colors are sure to catch the eye. This is my favorite flower as there are so many colors and types it comes in. They are such a welcome sight for me in the flower field.
Hyacinths: These fragrant flowers come in a range of colors, from deep purple to pale pink. These really remind me of my childhood going to to the Easter market. My mom loves the scent of these, and I do too! Plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall in a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Water well after planting, and then wait for spring. Hyacinths will bloom for several weeks, and their sweet fragrance will fill the air.
In general, caring for these early blooming plants is relatively simple. Plant bulbs in the fall, water well after planting, and then let nature take its course. In the spring, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed. With a little bit of care, these early blooming plants will reward you with a burst of color and fragrance that will help chase away the winter blues!