It seems early but tell it to the first Alum Root, which has just bloomed on the forest floor. Its tiny white flowers caught my eye and I called out to Rick in delight. The leaves of this native wildflower look like maple leaves and they carpet many of the trails where we hike each morning. It's a member of the saxifrage family and their root has healing astringent qualities. Bazillions of blooms to follow this single wildflower in the months to come.
   My best to you from the Mendocino Coast! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala