As the recent snow begins to recede, the first flowers of spring are demonstrating their resilience. Blue scilla, vinca and grape hyacinths are, as usual, the early bloomers.
More than agents of beauty, these pioneers offer reassurance that life endures after a long, cold winter. Of course, there are other signs, including clumps of greenery (grass, wild onions), swollen buds and a riot of activity (invertebrates) beneath the leaf litter.
But we humans yearn for bright color after enduring the grays and browns of winter and this vanguard of wildflowers is especially welcome. Fueled by the intense Colorado sun, this recovery will accelerate over the coming weeks. Then again, intermittent spring snowstorms will persist into early May (if not longer) along the Front Range.
