THE LITTLE THINGS - FIRST TRILLIUM OF 2011

         I walked into the garden today and found the first Trillium of spring open.  Such a little thing that just makes my day.  Being a plant geek I take things to extremes sometimes.  Purchasing 200+ Trillium in the Fall and finally planting them in January or February counts as a bit neurotic.  Nothing beats watching a new plant emerge, unfold, and then flower for the first time.  Well almost nothing.

          These plants were purchased as Trillium sessile.  A great species.  But as it emerged, unfolded, and began to open I realize that they may not be Trillium sessile, but Trillium maculatum.  To anyone but an obsessed collector these species are virtually identical.  But being obsessed, with a library of articles to prove it,  I am excited.  Furthermore, to most, this is hardly a showy species.  The plant is about 5-8" tall with a flower that doesn't even open fully.  The flower is a maroon-meat color.  The leaves however are light green with darker green mottling.  All in all this is one of the little things I just live for.