I was walking in the park one day...

This morning I walked through the park to the upper west side. Cold, sunny, and for once, I had my camera with me. That was no accident; I spotted some of my favorite late winter flowers on Monday morning, and I wanted to post about them here.

There's a place at the top of Cedar Hill where the Asian witch hazels (Hamamelis hybrids) are glorious. People look at me a little funny when I step into the middle of the shrubs and breathe deeply. I don't care. Beneath the witch hazel are snow drops (Galanthus nivalis). Both plants are fragrant, but in cold air you have to get very close to detect their scents. Step right up and put your nose in the middle of the flowers...don't be shy.

Further west, by the castle, are clumps of river birch. I always admire their bark when I walk past, but it's especially lovely this time of year, with no leaves to obscure the view.

I'm ready to get back to work. I'm ready for Spring.