It is March in La Conner, and the earth, long chastened by winter and schooled by flood, speaks again in color.

This weekend, the daffodils burst open and were met by hundreds of delighted visitors. Along the highways and into town they arrived, and at Snow Goose Produce the lines stretched long and merry, a cheerful testament to appetite, patience and spring’s return.

Thus begins La Conner’s Daffodil Festival, which graces the valley all month long, and toward its latter half will overlap with the early stirring of tulips, their bold companions in bloom.

Inside, you will find stories befitting the season: a murder mystery unfolding this weekend; an invitation to the Daffodil Tweed Ride on March 21; a guide to the etiquette of daffodil and tulip watching; and a compendium of daffy resources to enrich your pilgrimage.

Turn the page. Spring is calling.