Signs of the season

A quick tour of the garden this morning revealed some stirrings. Buds on trees are forming. I noticed the cherry and japanese maple are showing distinct signs of waking. I see buds on the cyclamen (coum I think), hellebores orientalis and niger, and little violets are blooming if you move aside the debris from last fall. It's amazing how much a little walk around the garden can change your perspective. What started out a really bad day has suddenly improved. I am ready to face whatever comes next.
What also came to light during my jaunt was how much work I have been neglecting. There are grass blades from various ornamental grasses blowing all over the neighborhood. I will have to get out there and cut them back and clean up soon. Dog damage is also very noticable right now. The wet weather combined with the dogs has done some serious damage mainly compaction in the lawn and a few of the paths. It also looks like there are a few trampled shrubs. I am always surprised at how well they recover after a winter with my puppies.
I am kind of suprised as what isn't showing yet. No signs of Iris reticulata or any of the early daffodils yet. I'm afraid the combination of an unusally wet winter and my heavy clay may have rotted them away. Could also be the bulbs I bought were duds. I guess time will tell.