The Quiet Joy of Early Spring in Maryland and DC
Ahh, we can get outside again. Just when the four walls begin to feel unbearable, the temperature rises, and the lure of the garden wins. Daffodils appear everywhere, trumpeting their beauty and variety. Who knew there were so many kinds? There are more than 32,000 daffodil varieties; the shape of each flower distinguishes them. It is hard to imagine so many, and growers create more each year.
Since the yard cannot hold them all, we have chosen three or four to brighten the borders, fence line, and areas under the trees. Watching them turn their cups toward the sun and offer shelter to bees is fascinating. Bees seek shelter, not nectar, since nectar is often hybridized out. The flower cup becomes a tiny bus‑station shelter—a place to rest before the journey continues.
The phlox is up, arriving in many colors. It forms a carpet under the Japanese maple, as if the two are familiar companions. The tree shelters the blooms from the sun; the phlox provides a soft carpet of color reflected in the tree’s dusty leaves.
Vinca—also called periwinkle—fights for space in the beds. Its palette of pink, white, red, lavender, purple, and burgundy brings delightful options to any garden. Your backyard can embrace the full range with ease.
As the daffodils fade, tulips arrive with a splash of new color. Tulips come in reds, yellows, whites, oranges, and purples. They stand tall and attract deer, so you may need to choose planting spots carefully. They tend to survive longer in the fenced‑in backyard than in the front garden beds.
You have worked hard to plant this colorful palette. Take a moment to sit and enjoy it. Even though an Adirondack chair is lovely, try lying in the grass for just a moment.
For more reflections on seasonal renewal, emotional awareness, and the psychology of everyday life, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you are navigating your own season of change or seeking clarity during a transition, therapy can help you understand what to nurture and what to release. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional growth and renewal.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
