This season has been a tough one for anyone with hay fever, and for everyone who is tired of being covered with that potent yellow (and sometimes green, white, red, orange, blue or purple) powder.

Pollen has been plentiful this year, and allergy sufferers have reason to grumble (and sneeze and sniffle). A confluence of conditions could be the cause of our complaints. 

While many think Jack-in-the-pulpit describes a flower with pious pedigrees, I now know that the devil is in the details.

Wild geraniums are making a splash in our woodlands. While they are absolutely of the plant persuasion, they have a strong bird connection and might even be able to catch the attention of those upward-looking birders.

Just before the leaves of most of our Island trees and bushes pop, the shadbush produces delicate white flowers that go off like a flashbulb.

Dandelions are the secret ingredient to creating a satisfying stout, but these little yellow flowers that everyone can easily identify are quite controversial.

Mother nature is finally giving us the green light. Forget the spinach in cellophane and prechopped bagged salads — now is the time for a taste of dock, one of the season’s first wild greens.