Flower of the Month: March - Fritillaria

Another local California native plant. Also called "Checkerboard Lily", for its dappled pattern of muted burgundy on a yellow-green background. Here in full bloom on the wet slopes along a favorite cycling route.

Flower of the Month: February - Wild Iris

 

No Dutch here, just unadulterated California native Iris.

Flower of the Month: January - Magnolia Soulangeana

Or perhaps Magnolia Liliiflora. Metaphor for hope during the cold of January. Blooms on naked branches, before leaf buds have opened, making it particularly showy. I watch the same trees bloom every year. There's good collection at the Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park, or you may find them in well-landscaped yards in your neighborhood.

Stevens Canyon Rain / Fleurs

Stevens Creek

Buckeye leaf buds beginning to open.

Scarlet Delphinium along Stevens Canyon Road.