It’s Spring in the Keweenaw, at least for the most part, although we may get a stray snowflake or two yet. But thanks to Dottie Abe, we have some colorful spring crocuses to enjoy. The flowers close at night and in overcast weather conditions. Did you know that there is an autumn crocus species that is the source of saffron, a valued spice and dyestuff and one of the most expensive spices in the world. It is derived from the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus or Autumn Crocus. Iran is the center of saffron production, so I wonder if they have fields of these saffron crocuses. I knew saffron was expensive to buy, but never knew it came from a special crocus that blooms in the Fall.

The next three photos were snapped by Mariah Fontaine near her home in Hubbell. Hyancinths are actually a small genus of bulbous herbs, that are spring-blooming perennials. They are quite fragrant and you can see from Mariah’s photos, colorful, too. I found it interesting that they are a flowering plant in the Asparagaceae (Asparagus) family. You just never know what interesting information will pop up here on the Pasty Cam.

Now we join Yard to Garden with more interesting flower information and an answer to the question... Can Picking Dandelions Change Your Life?

BEAUTIFUL pics. I love Spring flowers...

Dandelions are the bees first food...when you get a
close up, you see all the curly cues on them!
And, when they turn to seed, put your camera behind
them, get the shadow on the lens, and take a
glorious pic of a seeded dandelion head...just
beautiful! That's if you aren't picking and using
them. The entire plant is edible.

Nothing says Spring like the smell of the Hyacinths!

Here come the May Flowers.
Watch out for those pilgrims.
And I like the dandelion dude.
I wonder what medications he’s
on.

These pictures are great! How
lovely to see spring flowers.
These are beautiful. I've got a
few coming up too. And we're
seeing dandelions. My hubby makes
dandelion jelly. But we don't pick
too many because the bees need
them too.

Alex, the dandelion guy is maybe thinking too much,
but I've always felt a connection to nature, like he
does.

I kind of take the middle path with dandelions. I
don't try to exterminate them--I too have seen the
bees using them. But I wouldn't go to the trouble
of picking them and cooking them up into something.