Signs of Early Life on Climbing Hydrangea - March 2026

Last year, I planted my second Climbing Hydrangea in the backyard.  The first one didn't make it (was planted back by the firepit), but I liked the idea of the flowering vine, so I tried again.  I bought it at the Morton Arboretum plant sale and planted it in front of a clump of River Birch that was in declining (pretty sure it has died).  

Because this one is planted in what I'll call a "watering zone", it has a higher-chance of succeeding because I'll pay more attention to it naturally.  

But, that doesn't mean the (dang) rabbits aren't going to destroy this climbing vine.  However...it appears that we have a tiny sign of Spring emerging from the crown of this plant.  See below for a peek at the tiny-ist green vine emerging from the soil:

Another day, another sign of Spring.  I need to GET GOING on my to-do list.  Eeek.