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| While some plants are only just shaking off their dormancy, this patch of blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) is precocious. To be clear, we're thankful for it. |
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| There's a lot more in this bed than phlox, but it's hard to notice right now. |
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| Phlox are best appreciated up close and personal. |
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| Nearby, a few volunteers have jumped out of the bed. Onward, lilac soldiers! |
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| Let's turn our attention to the oak-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). This pastel-tinted leaf has only recently emerged. |
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| The pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda) is further along than most, already displaying its greenery. |
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| How about the red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)? We should check in on this one, always an early militant in the spring offensive. |
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| Soon these buckeye leaves will lose their redness, turning a vivid green that's visible at a distance. At the same time, the flowers will redden and open up, surprising everyone with their showiness. |
