chaenomeles japonica

Even though we officially have to practice 45 more days of gardening patience until we reach spring, Central Texas seems to be unaware that it’s winter.

We’ve had a two or three freezes at our house – barely – but it’s been a warm, dry winter.

And last week we were in the 80s, breaking a winter high record at 81.

But the garden perseveres and plants know what day it really is.

Reliable like clockwork, my Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is the first harbinger of spring in my landscape.  Dotted with compact pink buds and a few blooms that have already freed themselves, it’s a pop of brilliant color in a subdued and mostly dormant garden.

What’s exciting you in your garden today?