Rich purples, pinks, reds and crisp whites are the colors of our most notorious early bloomers including mountain laurel, redbud and many fruit trees.

Even if spring isn't your favorite season, one can't help but feel giddy at the sight of the season's first flush of color. If you're a veteran gardener or you've kept a garden journal of sorts, you may know exactly what to expect.

Rich purples, pinks, reds and crisp whites are the colors of our most notorious early bloomers including mountain laurel, redbud and many fruit trees. While the mountain laurel stays green year round, redbud and fruit trees begin to bloom even before they sprout leaves. Most of these beauties begin flowering in late January or February, with blooms usually lasting a couple weeks.

You may have noticed that not every year is a great year for these trees. This is likely the effect of a late freeze that can damage the tender buds of our early bloomers and result in a poor spring performance. Still, keep in mind that while you're enjoying these sweet blossoms, so are the bees. Keep your distance and let them do their job.

Other bloomers that herald the spring season include bridal wreath, wisteria and the Mexican buckeye. Bridal wreath is a great choice for cold hardiness and its soft and frothy blooms are rich with nectar making it a favorite of butterflies. Wisteria, with its fragrant cluster of grape-like blooms, is also a fine choice if you wish to attract butterflies.

For those of you who allow nature to design your landscape, you may see the soft pink blooms of the native Mexican buckeye throughout the month of February. Although all parts of this plant are poisonous, it makes a fantastic addition to a drought-tolerant landscape.

Erin Conant is a technical field investigator for San Antonio Water System.