I know that spring has officially arrived on the West Coast when my allergies kick into high gear – I react strongly to Red Alder (Alnus rubra) pollen and don’t feel like going outside much on sunny days when the pollen count is high.

However, regardless of how miserable I feel I still make the effort to get out and check on what is blooming. Two other signs of spring on Vancouver Island are the beautiful early blooms of both Red-flowering Currant ( Ribes sanguineum) and Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis). I’m also keeping an eye open for Rufous Hummingbirds, who follow the bloom as it moves north can’t be far behind. Haven’t seen one yet, but I’m sure they’ll arrive any day now!