Magnolias in "the Land That Landscape Forgot"

 After breakfast at my favorite diner in Skokie, Illinois (Sparky's Snack Shop), I drove around under the gray skies snapping photos of the magnificent Magonolia blooms. We had tiny snowflakes today and frost predicted tonight and tomorrow, so I figured they might be on the ground soon.
I give Skokie this nickname because it is full of modest houses being devoured by shrubs. Apparently, 60 years ago, guys just drove down the streets selling shrubs and evergreens. Of course nobody knew how big they would be...This has ben a stunning year for these Saucer Magnolias!

Anthropomorphic Ferns

Saw these ferns emerging yesterday at a former client's garden; great gardener and fern collector. I learned about Oliver Sacks' fern interest from him; Sacks' book, Oaxaca, is about a 10-day fern expedition in Mexico.

How would you describe these ferns???

The top ones look like charmed snakes to me...

 

More Signs of Spring...

Paris in the...

Bloodroot: My Fav Bloom!

Happy (and Hidden Meanings of) Passover and Happy Easter

Regardless of how we all feel about religion, I believe we all relate to Spring and the Joy and Promise of Renewal. As somebody who has the luck to work with people and nature, and to witness the beauty and the shadows, I am always astonished and humbled by Spring.

I can't really speak to Easter, but I heard this woman rabbi today on Public Radio say some profound words about The Hidden Meaning of Passover.

Notice the new green pushing aside the old brown debris.