Spring in Portland, Oregon comes early. February is a magical month, where crocuses bloom and Japanese quince burst their coral buds. It begins with the snowdrops, one unseasonably warm and sunny day, and progresses in between rain storms to a grand profusion of daffodils.

   While other states languor in snow, Portland blossoms under a clear blue sky.

March may come in like a lion, and settle down to three more months of rain, but each year, for a few stolen moments in February, Portland sets the architecture for springtime.