The Botanical Observer - Spring '25

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. After long winters here in Syracuse, Spring gives us a glimpse of the sunshine that's ahead. Yes, I know, I remember that Mothers Day winter storm…it’s a bit of a tease with the refreshing warm days and then - boom! - back into 20-degree weather, but there’s hope. There are tulips and daffodils popping through the soil and signs of life starting to show after a period of hibernation. There’s a beauty to spring, when you see folks standing outside with the sun hitting their faces and a little pep in their step as they take a stroll around the neighborhood. Eventually the weather breaks and our hands are deep in soil, pulling weeds with a bead of sweat dripping from our foreheads. It sometimes seems to happen overnight. Yellow dandelions dance across lawns and flowers in the garden start to pop open. This season teaches us to have an appreciation for nature. After months of hiding away in freezing temperatures, something as beautiful and delicate as a Lily of the Valley can come to life. Again this transition of seasons is like no other and reminds us of resiliency if we take a moment to pay attention.

I have truly enjoyed putting together this Spring Edition of The Botanical Observer for you. I hope you learn something new and find that you’re swept away by the stories shared.