Put snow shovels away. CHECK.
Remove skis and ice skates from front porch decor. CHECK.
Dismantle festive and oh so trendy hot cocoa station that has added 2 inches to your waist. CHECK.
It's official. Spring is actually going to come to the Midwest this year. I had my doubts, but it looks like hell has not frozen over and that fat lady called winter has sung her last song (cue freak mid-March snow storm).
Spring is gonna happen after all.
And in honor of its arrival, on Friday I trekked out to the local garden center to fight the crowds and take some photos of some early spring flowers for you.
Problem was that there was NO ONE at the garden center except me and a few workers. I felt a little odd walking around while the workers were still trying to set up the greenhouse tables. I actually got rained on when the overhead sprinklers started spraying water on me and the pansies.
Or did the workers turn the water on on purpose? I never thought of that at the time, but they were sort of eyeing me strangely.
So I may be jumping the gun on spring fever here a tiny bit, but I wanted to show you some early spring flowers that are cold tolerant. They can handle a light frost and the cooler spring nighttime temperatures.
If you are planting them in the ground, I still would cover them if you are expecting a frost just to be on the safe side.
But as a girl who CAN NOT WAIT to get my hands dirty in the spring, I am so happy these plants exist in the world. Even if you have to get a little wet while shopping for them.
Here are five other early spring flowers that can handle the chilly spring temperatures. I just didn't get to take photos of them for you (Did I mention the sprinklers?):
Sweet Peas
Snapdragon
Dianthus
Calendula
Dusty Miller
Have you got the gardening itch yet?
Other Gardening Posts You May Enjoy:
How To Force Flowering Branches To Bloom Indoors
Vickie
My all time favorite flower is Ranunculus, but I haven't had luck growing them in our zone. Pansies, despite their name, are the hardiest of all! We've got snow in the forecast for tomorrow, so I'm not hauling out my gardening tools just yet. I did see some green poking out of my flower beds, so I hope whatever it is survives the cold!
Pam
I just discovered Ranunculus two years ago and now I'm addicted to them 🙂 Hope you get some warmer weather FAST!
Judy Clark
Those ranunculus are just gorgeous. I love them. Your photos are breathtaking. THanks for sharing Spring at the garden center with us.
Judy
Pam
You're welcome, Judy!
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I love those colours!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see things growing again.
Happy Sunday!
Julia
This is the first year I gave in and had to start gardening early- I couldn't resist the bright colors of the primroses and ranunculus! Plus we've had a sunnier/drier than normal Feb/March here in the Pacific NW, so I think that's why the gardening bug bit me! I've never planted primroses before, and have had so-so luck with ranunculus. I'm a planter gardener since I'm in an apartment, and my only concern now is "Where will all my geraniums go when I buy them??" lol! I guess I can always buy more planters....... 😉
Pam
I know! I always have that hard decision to make too, because my pansies will still be growing strong when it's time to buy my summer plants. Decisions, decisions.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
I can't wait to start getting flowers...probably too early here...but it is 68 degrees and no snow anywhere. A VERY early spring here! You know we shouldn't say this too loud, right?
Pam
You'd better be knocking on wood as you say that 🙂
Kirby
All gorgeous! Wish primroses would grow here a little better... We are a tad too hot for them. Thanks for sharing!
taryterre
Pretty flowers. hoping you are right and spring is here at long last.
Musings from Kim K.
I'm feeling the need to visit a greenhouse too. Gorgeous blooms, Pam. Chris and I definitely have the gardening itch but we need those snow mountains to melt a bit more. It's suppose to hit 60 degrees today and then we're in the 40s the rest of the week. Come on Spring!!
Debbie Howard
Oh such beautiful flowers! Only a few daffodils and violets blooming here...a few hyacinths are poking their heads up so it won't be long before we are up to our necks in roses and beautiful spring flowers too.
rue
Oh, you know that snow is going to come now lol
Remember... three snows after the forsythia has bloomed 😉