Central Park Today

So, though it's only been winter for little more than a week, spring really is coming. I took a walk in Central Park today and saw a few things in bloom, such as Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis):


In addition to the Witch Hazel, Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) was just beginning to bloom,


...as was Forsythia:


Cornus mas will be blooming in a matter of weeks, which is also a bright, sulphur-y yellow. Why early-spring plants often have blooms in this shade of yellow, I don't know. I would guess it's to attract early-spring pollinators, but I really have no idea...

Happy New Years!