This is a descendant of a crocus one of my aunts planted some time during the 50’s in a special spot right near the house. It makes a point of being the very first to bloom each spring, even though we have planted many more in other locations. Today its blossom is still furled, awaiting the next sunny day to fully open. That’s not a rain drop on the petal: it’s a tear drop from snow flakes that gently settled there during the night and melted in the first few rays of the morning’s sun. Winter’s last tear as it bows its head, ends its season of white, and steps aside for the reign of the new spring.
And this? It looks like a fern but it’s really nothing more than a tiny weed. I didn’t tell it that though: I told it that it was very beautiful indeed and an extra special little gift to spring! It’s all in one’s perspective after all, isn’t it?
Montana Outdoors 
Oh, those are so gorgeous!! And they must be such welcome sights for you. Thanks!
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Comment by Sara — March 21, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Thanks, Sara! Yes, they are very welcome indeed. I like all four seasons here, but spring is the most special with the re-birth of color and all of the wild flowers, then the baby animals. There’s a lot of excitement in the high country! I even love the brief snowstorms we have this time of year. The one today was just wonderful!
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Comment by montucky — March 21, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
I’ve always loved the purple crocus because they’re so bright, but the one you photographed is just stunning! And a beautiful sentiment to go with it too.
(And you’re right, the fern-like weed is certainly special enough to be celebrated on its own merit)
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Comment by WordVixen — March 21, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
WordVixen,
The crocus looks brighter this year and maybe a little robust than it was last year. It will be interesting to see it when it opens. I have admired it for the last 15 years, so we have a little history together!
As for the “weed”. I guess I’m a poor one to make the judgment of whether a plant is a weed or not. In fact, I think maybe mankind itself is not the best judge either. Nature has a purpose for it or it wouldn’t be there, and to my way of thinking that elevates it to the same level as all of the other plants.
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Comment by montucky — March 21, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
Aye, it’s all a matter of perspective indeed! But those are truly some beautiful little creatures! I’ve never seen a Crocus before this, and it’s really a very exotic beauty!
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Comment by Sumedh — March 21, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
I’ll post a photo of the crocus when it opens, Sumedh, assuming the deer don’t eat it first. It’s a very pretty blossom!
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Comment by montucky — March 22, 2008 @ 8:52 am
How beautiful! I wish we were as far along as you are there.
I haven’t seen any flowers at all yet, but I’m sure they’ll be peeking out of the ground soon.
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Comment by AK_Adventurer — March 22, 2008 @ 10:24 am
They’re really starting to go here now, at least a few types. This morning I found buttercups just about everywhere.
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Comment by montucky — March 22, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
some of the wildflowers my son is collecting are things I’ve formerly called weeds!! 🙂
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Comment by silken — March 24, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
I do the same thing. I have a difficult time making a clear distinction.
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Comment by montucky — March 24, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
The crocus are just starting to bloom here as well Terry, but it has been so windy I haven’t been able to get a shot yet !! 😦
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Comment by Bernie Kasper — March 25, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
Yes, we’ve had a lot of wind too. I’ll be anxious to see your crocus shots!
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Comment by montucky — March 25, 2008 @ 7:14 pm