Returning home is often a jolt. Jet lag, beauty lag. (Is there such a thing? There should be.)

But this time Northern Virginia has pulled out all the stops. The volunteer weeping cherry is putting on a show in the backyard. The daffodils spring from fatter clumps that ever, and hyacinths are perfuming the garden. Lenten roses are in their glory and the periwinkle is blooming. 

Welcome back, say these green and growing things. Feast your eyes on us! Yes, we know all about the  birds-of-paradise and calla lilies on Madeira, but we’re pretty too.