Leaves of three, let them be...

I love this time of year.  Spring is in full swing, the trees are once again leafy and green, and the chicken water founts don't ice up at night.  It's the perfect time for a walk in the woods.  Here in Ontario there is an added attraction in the woods this time of year.  Of course I am talking about trilliums.

From late April to early May they bloom.  The snowy white blossoms light up the woods, fluttering and swaying with the breeze.  

 Sometimes trilliums can be pink, or even dark red.  The red ones are quite rare, but we did see several pink ones on our walk.

 A lot of people think that it is illegal to pick trilliums.  That is not actually true, although they are protected in provincial parks and conservation areas.  But it does add to the mystique and makes these pretty flowers seem even more special.

  Too soon the blossoms will wither, and the plant will fade into the background. But for now they are a perfect excuse to head for the woods with a camera in hand.  But don't forget the bug repellant, because blackflies are also in season.