I almost started off by complaining: about no rain in weeks, and my assorted aches. But even my Grinch alter-ego can't really complain as she looks out the window on another dawn. Wow!

The garden is brimming with eye candy, using stored-up moisture to produce beauty I can barely keep track of. Highlights:

6 native spring wildflowers for shade: a new slideshow

My garden, like most (and like the assortment at the garden center), is a jumble of non-native and native plants. But at this early spring moment, a half-dozen American wildflowers take my breath away. In a new slideshow, six easy, captivating natives for the woodland or shade garden. (Did you miss last week's slideshow of a dozen extra-early shrubs?)  

why I divide trillium now: how 2 become 200

Yes, I don't wait. Here is why, and how.

psychedelic spring: foliage pigments called anthocyanins

Even if nothing bloomed, I'd be content with emerging perennials such as species peonies (above) that arise painted anything-but-green. Fascinating, fabulous stuff.

plus: may 11 open house, lecture, plant sale  

Come visit my Hudson Valley, NY, garden on Saturday, May 11, from 10-4. Besides the garden open, my friend Lee Reich is lecturing about organic fruit growing (and doing a grafting workshop). An all-day plant sale by Broken Arrow completes the picture. Tickets/details.