It is difficult not to get overly expectant for a yard full of blooms once that first flower appears each Spring, but experience has taught me patience. On this sunny afternoon, I was able to capture my first garden image of the year … hopefully with plenty more to follow. But for now, my lonely lenten roses (hellebores) are the only plants blooming. It will probably be late April before the garden starts to put on a show. Starting soon, we’ll employ potted annuals to fill the gap until it is time for the perennials to shine.