Throughout the Garden, bursts of color (between snow storms) announce the annual spring awakening. Nearly 600,000 bulbs are either blooming or preparing to do so, and early flowering trees and shrubs are getting ready to do their thing.

Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii 'Blue Giant')

Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa 'Pink Giant')

You may notice these beautiful blue and pink flowers all throughout the Garden. They are beautiful, reliable early spring bloomers.

Olive Willow (Salix eleagnos)

Native to Europe, this narrow-leaved species of willow can be seen as a backdrop to the rings on the lower Floral Walk.

Cream Fritillary (Fritillaria raddeana)

Fritillaries are a great plant to bring spring color to your garden because they go dormant in summer making room for other summer and fall blooming plants to show off later.

Grecian Windflower (Anemone blanda)

These free-flowering plants will grow well in sun or light shade and are perfect for creating a carpet of color.

Weeping Pussywillow (Salix caprea 'Kilmarnock')

The silver furry catkins of pussy willow are one of the first signs of spring. This is a small and compact deciduous tree, ideal for small gardens. Look for it in the Children's Garden.

Spring Glory Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Spring Glory')

Forsythias are easy to grow early spring blooming shrubs that brighten up any garden.

So when this next snow storm is over, come up and soak in the sunshine and enjoy the spring's gorgeous display.

Photos by Jason W. Baker