Spring Blossoms Burst Into the Big City
Warm weather has lured busloads of gorgeous flowers to New York, from shy buds to full-blown blooms
A temperature of 70 degrees in early March? Yes, please! Spring has come early to New York City, and all the usual signs of the season have appeared well ahead of schedule. While the Northeast would normally have to wait a few more weeks for blooming magnolias and short-sleeve weather, this year we've said good-bye to winter long before the first official day of spring. (Hopefully, there isn't another freeze around the corner.)
It seems the whole city is embracing the unexpected warmth: Gardeners can be see puttering in their yards; hardware stores are swapping out their snow shovels and ice melt for bags of potting soil and garden shears, and parents are happily bringing their children to the park. Best of all, everything is blooming or starting to bud. Here are some of the signs of spring.
It seems the whole city is embracing the unexpected warmth: Gardeners can be see puttering in their yards; hardware stores are swapping out their snow shovels and ice melt for bags of potting soil and garden shears, and parents are happily bringing their children to the park. Best of all, everything is blooming or starting to bud. Here are some of the signs of spring.
While everyone loves a host of golden daffodils, these two-toned daffodils with white petals surrounding a dark yellow trumpet are a fresh alternative to the usual all-yellow blooms.
The branches of most trees are still bare, but the first signs of life are beginning to appear, like these small blossoms. You can cut a few budding branches and bring them indoors, where they'll pop open in a few days.
Magnolia trees are close to blooming in much of New York. In just a few days they'll look like these fine specimens from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
An unusual, green-petal Helleborus foetidus is a chic alternative to the expected spring bloomers like daffodils, crocuses and tulips.
Perennial bushes are also about to come into bloom. What appears to be a rhododendron is showing signs of life with buds and new growth.
Pots of narcissus are ready to be scooped up by gardeners who want a quick spring fix. These pretty plants are perfect for display both indoors and outside. Look for ones with unopened buds to get the most bang for your buck.
Planted tulips haven't come into bloom yet, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. This flower shop is ready with cut tulips and potted hyacinths, so even nongardeners can enjoy a jolt of spring.
If you're bringing spring blossoms indoors, there's nothing prettier that blossoming branches. Be sure to make a fresh cut in the branch's base and smash the end with a hammer to allow more water to enter the stem. Change the water every few days to keep blossoms blooming.
Forsythia's slender branches are so plentiful that a few will never be missed from the bush. Cut the stems on an angle and remove any floral matter or leaves that will sit below the water line before putting them in a vase.
What's blooming where you are?
More:
Garden Musts for March
City Gardener: Winter Window Boxes
What's blooming where you are?
More:
Garden Musts for March
City Gardener: Winter Window Boxes