Botanical Collection

In early spring, nature is still asleep. The sun is barely warm and the average temperature is about -5oC (or 41oF). However, the spring is coming on: the snow thaws begin to melt and sunny hours of the day become about three hours longer. The first coltsfoot flowers pop up in thawed patches of the ground. Russians call this plant “Mother-and-Stepmother”. The underside of its leaves is covered with small hairs (the mother side) and it feels nicer and warmer than upper smooth side (the stepmother). Hence, the Russian name of the flower.

From this day, the spring arrival is gaining its momentum. The sunny days become longer and nature quickly wakes up from hibernation.  Trees become green, fresh grass covers meadows, migratory birds, such as ducks-mallards and blackbirds, come flying. Ice melts away in ponds and rivers.