First bloom of 2015

We've been experiencing erratic winter weather this year.  It is exceptionally warm for a few days and then the temperatures plunge to sub-normal, followed by another cycle of warm and cold.  The plants in my gardens are just a little confused so I have been watching carefully to see which early spring bloomer would blossom first this spring.

We have a winner:  the Lenten rose!  This plant is perfect for my gardening style.  It requires no fertilizer, watering, or pruning,  remains green all year,  propagates itself, and produces a mass of lovely flowers just when I am seriously tired of winter.