May 26—The long wait to see the spring woods open up and produce new wildflowers was worth it. Quickly, as snow melted, the next phase began on the same forest floor that was covered by a snowpack ...

Roses are red. Violets are blue. But sometimes they can be yellow, too. Or even white. Roughly 20 species of violets grow in Illinois, and many have heart-shaped leaves with five petals on blooms ...

Wild violets burst open in early spring and exhibit varying shades of white to deep purple. I have always eagerly awaited ...

Spring has sprung! As winter has started fading away and the days have grown longer, nature is beginning to awaken for spring. One of the most exciting parts of the early spring season is the leaves ...

Spring, the time of new birth and beginnings, is one of my favorite seasons. The splendor of new growth as it pops along a tree limb is glorious Mother Nature as she sheds her winter’s coat. Vibrant ...

Just because you have a shady garden or backyard doesn't mean you can't quickly fill it with color. Purple is often associated with creativity and sophistication, so it's perfect for creating an ...

Daffodils, violets and other flowers are arriving early in many gardens and fields this spring, unfurling lovely colors and shedding light on how plants are adapting to climate change. Observers are ...

If you think ants in the kitchen and violets in the yard are not a good thing, you are right on one. Ants are unwelcomed parades across a kitchen counter or floor. Violets, however, are bright spots ...

Sugared violets are beautifully preserved in egg whites and sugar to create a delicate, edible, flower garnish for desserts, fruit platters or cheese trays. My absolute favorite garnishes for desserts ...

Spring has sprung! As winter has started fading away and the days have grown longer, nature is beginning to awaken for spring ...

2. Alyssum One of the most fragrant spring flowers is the alyssum, making it a magnet for bees and hummingbirds. Alyssum come in a large variety of colors and are extremely popular for containers, ...