Spangler & Johnson's Woods

Since I took Monday off to rest and recuperate (and catch up on long overdue house work) today you get a double post! 

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Good morning from the Trillium Trail

Strolling down the big hill at Spangler a plant caught my eye, buds forming, I believe we have the first blooming Dutchman's Breeches (could be Squirrel Corn, it's too early to tell as they're practically identical at this stage)! These are in the same family as the Bleeding Hearts, as they grow the spurs will elongate and the bottoms will turn yellow, they look like pants hanging on a clothes line. 
Trillium is still taking its time which is okay, the bloom will be worth the wait.
​The overview is getting greener, with the broad green plants which blanket the valley floor in the spring (identification to be determined). 

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Good Afternoon from Johnson's Woods!

After taking care of some business out of town, I stopped by Johnson Woods in the hope of finding Skunk Cabbage or Blood Root as it's a wet marshy area. Alas, neither of those were to be found today, but I did come across many other new plants I haven't yet found in the other parks!
Upon entering the Preserve I was greeted by the bright yellow Colts Foot flowers which were surrounded by the buds of Trout Lilies! Taking the big loop along the boardwalk I found many spring beauties, various other flowers (to be identified) and a sunning Garter Snake who didn't seem bothered by my presence, he was just having fun pretending to be a twig. The last flower was a budding Golden Ragwort (the purple color threw me off, but they bloom a beautiful golden yellow).
Now is a great time to explore your parks and pick out the subtle beauty growing all around!