Our treasured double bloodroot is in bloom, a week after the singles have begun to make pearly white seeds in long,green pods.

Plum blossoms are a fragrant cloud of white beside the new shed, with Yakima the only variety that has not yet bloomed. Pears are about to bloom, and the 2 huge bouquets of apple blossoms from our pruning are poised on the brink of opening to perfume the kitchen doorstep.

Red, pink and blue violets mingle in the bright green grass while Canada violets blush with plum on the petal backs, and slender yellow violets linger by the toad trillium. My dad's miniature hostas, species tulips, and other treasures nestle beside the warm pink blooms of fringed bleeding heart.

It's a day to rejoice and to mourn those who have left this life.

maeve