I love the winter woods. Of course spring and fall are spectacular, but the winter has a special charm. The woods are surprisingly green. We have holly, evergreens, lots of winter ferns, and acres of creeping cedar. And one of my favorite winter "greens" is the moss that has taken over many of our trails. It doesn't seem to mind be trampled.
This year we had a bit more snow than usual. And while that can make life difficult in a climate that rarely gets snow, it also gives us play (sledding!) and a special beauty in the woods. It's lovely to be the first person on a snowy morning tramping the pristine snow (or almost pristine, because my dog is usually leading the way).
A special favorite of mine is the beauty of the beech trees in winter. The lovely parchment leaves hang on to the trees, and the abundance of beech in our woods fills the landscape with beige, brown and gold. These leaves are especially brilliant on a dark day, just after a rain, when the tree bark is wet and dark, and the leaves shine against the dark sky. I've always wanted to paint this, but so far, I just keep taking photos!
I felt both joy and sadness last week when I saw the first trout lilies. They are the first wildflower of spring, so brave and bright. I know when I see the trout lilies that every week, and sometimes every day, I will see another spring wildflower. Soon the beech leaves will be replaced by brilliant spring green across the landscape. Both are lovely in their way. Today I saw the first trillium -- the stunning toadstool trillium. I usually think of them as coming out in early April. I'm not sure if they are early, but maybe they were tired of snow and ice and poked up as soon as we had that weird 85 degree day this week! Anyway, the winter woods are passing the torch to spring, and, while I feel restful and awed by our winter woods, I know it is time to be energized by the wildflowers, and move along with them into the next chapter. Happy spring!
