Some people depend on the groundhog, for others it may be daffodils; but when the wisteria flower, spring is officially here.
In early March I wrote that I was already anticipating the appearance of buds (or plain green leaves, as the case may be). Apparently my vines had the 4-1-1 on the weather, because they remained firmly dormant all month, and throughout last weekend’s surprise snow. Last Monday, well after the snow had melted, I looked for some sign of life. The vines were still naked– but the tiny pre-buds (which may turn into flowers or leaves — you never can tell) seemed just beginning to swell.
Wednesday evening it rained. The next morning I looked outside and the situation had changed dramatically. Between the snow and the rain, flower buds had formed, more buds than I could count! (Who counts wisteria buds, you wonder? Last year I had twelve. You bet I counted them.)
Last year’s bloom was my first ever. Of course it was exciting. Maybe some day I will take the flowers for granted, but for now I fuss over them and take their pictures like a proud relative.
So the die are cast. Bloom, or no bloom, soon the vines all over our neighborhood will sprout their leaves. I predict we will begin to see wisteria clusters draping their pink and purple all around town as early as next week. Enjoy!
