The rain we received last week did little to increase the flow of Bassett Brook but invigorated the new spring growth. At lower elevations, most trees are at least partially leafed out and the spring ephemerals on the forest floor have faded away. At higher elevations, the trees are starting to bud. I have never seen as many Trout Lilies as I saw along the Appalachian Trail south of Mt Greylock. The trail was carpeted on both sides by expanses of green leaves punctuated every couple feet by clusters of the yellow flowers. The first jack-in-the-pulpits are flowering. Marsh Marigolds, wild strawberries and blue and white violets are flowering. Lawns are green and have grown enough to require mowing. Garden soil moisture has been restored and I harvested spinach from overwintered plants. Forsythia is finally fading but dandelions are prolific. Peach and pear trees are blossoming. Greylock hiking and biking trails are clear and dry.