Just home from a swing through the South where we found that we did not have to travel so far to find an early Spring!  We have a hint of Spring right here in the Northeast!

Hellebore 'Royal Heritage'

The hellebores grew and bloomed while I was traveling.  The small iris came and went!  T 

The adonis blooms bravely.  Our warm Winter may be followed by an early Spring with perennials and vines budding up sooner than I find normal.

Before leaving for the South, I gave a talk on dahlias to a wonderful group of interested gardeners.  I am hoping that they all plant tons of tubers and will enjoy this glorious plant and become as crazy about them as me!  With visions of dahlias in the mind, the car packed, we drove and drove, looking for Spring.  Last year, we were able to take in the Savannah Home and Garden tour but this year we had to make the trip earlier so we had to content ourselves with the local scenery and forgo the “inside” look.  Our first stop was Beaufort, SC.  They have revitalized the waterfront and we enjoyed a leisurely walk.

I recommend the Inn where you can enjoy old-fashioned Southern comfort, and the food served for dinner was heaven to the weary travelers.

Refreshed the next morning, we took a stroll through the Town.  While Spring is not official there, the azaleas were just starting and we happened upon a stately Southern home with a garden of delights.

The gas lights were still lit in the early morning hours, and the garden was charming even without the sunshine gracing its corners.

The shrouds of Spanish moss add an unearthly effect all over this part of the town.  It was a cool morning but we kept up our tour of lovely homes.

This poor ghost needs some TLC.

The Southern coastal towns lure us back each year.  Later in the week, a post will follow on Savannah.  Boy are they ready for St. Patrick’s DAY!

But I will leave you with an early sunrise photo from Beaufort…