Snow rarely fell during my two years in Yamaguchi, Japan, but when it did, it often fell in great fluffy clumps. My neighbors referred to the phenomenon as “botan yuki”—peony snow—as if white flowers were dropping out of the sky.

Here in Minnesota, the snow usually falls as individual crystals, delicate and well-defined.

But not today.

Our spring crocus, hyacinth and tulips are late this year, but the peonies, they are glorious.