Friday, April 30, 2021

April's First Blue Bells

Last April I posted about the Wild flowers spotted along the forest floor - nature moving right along in spite of external circumstances like a global pandemic, signaling warmer days ahead

 

 
Here we are, a year later, and still experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it feels like we continue to move forward to a "new normal" - lighter days ahead. Of course, nature forges on, showing us beauty at every turn.

 

 
Last year was the first time I experienced the sea of spring blue bells available locally for our enjoyment. I wondered how I let such beauty pass by in all my years foraging through the forest preserves. I then realized past Aprils' were consumed by long distance training runs on roads and subsequent races. Without these diversions, I discovered a wondrous and fleeting new world. So, I have the pandemic to thank for that discovery.

 

 
Armed with the knowledge that "Blue Bell season" would soon emerge, I scoured local social media for clues. The blue bells came earlier this year - nudged ahead by a few warm days. I didn't want to miss out on the show, so I headed out on a rainy Sunday morning for my first blue bell encounter of the year. I even convinced two friends to join me in spite of the cold rain.

 
Woodland Spring

 
We spotted blue, pink, lavender and even white versions of the nodding flower.

 
Time Will Tell

 
Woodland Spring

 

 
Down the Slide

 
Proof we were there:

 
Spring Flower Hunting

 
Over an hour later, we retreated to the comfort of our cars - cold and wet, but hearts full.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

April 2021 Free Calendar Download - White Blue Bells

Spring flowers abound in April's calendar - featuring the quintessential Blue Bell (even though this one is white!). They spread abundantly along the low lands near water in late April. I have plans to find them again this year.

 
To download March's calendar, click on this link from Box.com
Link --> April Calendar 2021 - White Blue Bells