The Harbingers of Spring

In the eastern U.S., the bright yellow blossoming stems of Forsythia are the sign that Spring is on its way. Here in the Mediterranean climes of the western U.S. we have other signs.

To be technical, this is one of the currants native to California, Ribes sanguineum, Pink-Flowering Currant.

I planted this one for a few reasons. I wanted the lovely pink flowers. The hummingbirds wanted the lovely pink flowers. The other birds wanted the lovely blue-black currants at the end of the season... or so I was told. Nope. But I don't blame them. The berries -- at least in my yard -- are quite bland and not at all sweet.