In Pictures: the colours of spring

By David F. Rooney

Spring has been here for weeks now and it’s hard to miss the colours bursting out around town. Lyle Grisedale, noted local mountaineer and naturalist, kindly sent The Current photos he recently took of the wildflowers that are blooming on the slopes above us, while I have added a few photos of trees and flower beds around town.

Soon, too, vegetable gardens will be writhing with life  but that will be a photo feature for another day. In the meantime I hope you enjoy these images:

The Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) that grows in the moist shady places on the lower slopes of Mt. Revelstoke is now blooming enthusiastically. Lyle Grisedsale photo
The Canada Violet (Viola canadensis) is blooming along the Summit TRail, the 5 K Trail, and in the Inspiration Woods on the lower slopes of Mt Revelstoke right now, as the snow leaves these will bloom all the way up to the Meadows in the Sky along the road to the summit. Lyle Grisedale photo
Mountain Forget-me-nots (Myosotis alpestris) are blooming all over the lower slopes of Mt Revelstoke and in town in ditches and disturbed soil and possibly in places where people don't want them. These are often thought of as a weed. However as Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh says "weeds are flowers too once you get to know them." Lyle Grisedale photo
The Wood Fern (Dryopteris expansa) is up and unrolling itself in the damp shady woods on the lower slopes of Mt. Revelstoke. Lyle Grisedale photo
Hookers Fairybells (Disporum hookeri) are blooming in all the shady places on the lower slopes of Mt Revelstoke and along the 1st two kilometres of the Summit Trail. Lyle Grisedale photo
Here's another view of the Hooker's Fairybell. Lyle Grisedale photo
Blossoms billow across the sky from this ancient tree at 701 Temple. David F. Rooney photo
These vibrant blossoms are just about ready to open on the gorgeous magnolia at 301 Eighth Street East. David F. Rooney photo
Many people don't think of maple trees as having blossoms, but they do as you can see from these bright yellow green flowers. David F. Rooney photo
Here are more maple tree flowers. These ones at Grizzly Plaza look rather bronze. David F. Rooney photo
Skunk cabbage is also in bloom. In fact the slough at the bottom of Red Devil Hill is loaded with them. David F. Rooney photo
These scarlet tulips contrasted beautifully with an old wagon wheel at 204 Seventh Street East. David F. Rooney photo

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