I have gained a new appreciation for bulbs here in Zone 5. In Zone 8 bulbs were often lost in the burst of Spring that presented an orchestra of colors in one maddening show following early rains.
Here in Zone 5 Spring emerges so slowly, following months of snow and sub freezing temperatures. There is not only an excitement that builds in the gardener, but a deep anxiety tracking night time temperatures hovering at freezing with alerts for freeze and hard frost.
Often bulbs emerge well before trees and shrubs break dormancy, waiting for the rain and welcome temperatures. Early bulbs push up through the still cold soils, and withstand those finally dustings of snow.
