Just like everyone else I know, the flowers around the house are looking very sad. All of the daffodils are in droopy arches with their flower heads touching the ground.
Not all flowers are like that right now, though.
This past week I went to Hartman Reserve. The hepatica and spring beauty are looking pretty good. If you're not familiar with those flowers, take time to look at Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands by Sylvan T. Runkel and Alvin F. Bull. This is a handy resource that I have used ever since I became interested in native wildflowers in 1990.
The book is very easy to use, with two pages devoted to each flower. The left page has a full-color photograph. The right page has the written information: when and when you can find the flower; how to identify the flower; and a little history on how the plant was used in the past - if it was food or medicine for the Indians or early settlers.
Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands can be found on the second floor under the call number
582.13 RUN.
Oh, if you do happen to visit Hartman Reserve, be aware that the flowers blooming right now are very small and delicate - only a few inches tall. It takes a little detective work to find them poking between the old leaves blanketing the ground. Later in the spring, the larger, bolder flowers will be blooming.
c Waterloo Public Library 2007
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