We love the harbingers of spring, the sunshine of winter aconite, the royal purples of the crocuses, the delicate snowdrops with their drooping heads, all working to wake up our winter weary gardens.

The woods come alive as well when another of our favorites, trillium, emerges to soak in the sun before it is shaded out by a new canopy of leaves overhead.

Delight in the blooms on your hikes, but don't touch. These delicate wildflowers need to be left alone to thrive. If you desire some for your own shade garden, use a reputable source that grows from seed.

If you can replicate the cool, moist shade they love, they'll reward you by naturalizing en masse.