“The cycle of spring continues and familiar wildflowers grace the forest floor, each in their own time, marking significant dates with their presence.” – Ed Lehming

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there, and also to those who have filled that role.

It’s interesting, looking back at years worth of photos from this date. Last year, which was cool and wet, did not offer me any white trilliums, it was a snow and sleet filled day. I clearly remember going out just to find a trillium to help celebrate the day, but only found a handful of red ones.

This year has been so much different, red trilliums have been blooming brilliantly for the past three weeks and the cool temperature have kept them in good condition, with early bloomers just starting to fade. The white trilliums (trillium grandiflora) just started blooming mid-week and will continue to expand their bloom for a few more days. Temperatures are forecast to be much warmer by the end of the week which will accelerate the bloom but also make it more short lived. It also means the return of biting insects as the forest canopy thickens and provides them shelter from the sun.

The trillium photo above is of the first nicely formed blossom of the year, conveniently framed against a granite boulder. I thought it made for a nice composition without too much effort, since the rock was already there.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/125 sec, f/20, ISO 800