While doing some “housework” with my photographs this afternoon I came upon this image of a Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum). Not remarkable on its own, but with the knowledge of the date it is something to take note of. That date, just five days from today. The end of February. February 26, 2018. That really took me by surprise. After noticing that date, I immediately dropped everything and went out to the forest edge where the Mayapples live but found nothing. Not a hint.

But I’ll be watching. Patiently waiting to see what appears to be little umbrellas emerging from the soil. Watching and waiting for those parasols to spring up and begin their unfurling.

I’ll be looking for the double leaves that indicate a single flower will make its presence known in the axil of those two leaves. Only one leaf, no flower. Soon, spring.