First flowers of the season

One of the things I most look forward to each growing season is being able to pick flowers from the yard and bring them indoors. There's nothing like a pitcher of fresh lilacs or a casual gathering of colorful zinnias in a simple vase. In a week or two, I'll be able to pick tiny bouquets of lilies of the valley. Their strong, distinct scent reminds me of springtime in Paris, where street vendors sell the delicate white flowers in paper cones.

The bluebells pictured here were given to me by my late grandma, an avid gardener whose yard was dotted with them every April. I started a few plants in front of our house and look forward to their colorful blooms each spring.