Gardening and Gardens

Compared to summer's bold riot of colors, spring begins in a slow crescendo of color. Mostly pastels followed by a few brightly colored tulips or daffodils. But for me, the real spring show is the trees. Spring flowering trees are simply magnificent. They bloom before the leaves appear and since so many other "leafy" trees are just starting to break dormancy, their lovely blooms stand out all the more. A quick drive around my neighborhood had me spotting these beauties: Yoshino Cherry Tree (Prunus x yedoensis) A round shape with the palest, almost white flower petals. Saucer Magnolia Tree (Magnolia x soulangeana) Large petaled blossoms flushed with pink, white and hints of purple Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) One of the first flowering trees to bloom. It's blossoms consist of up to 15 individual white petals, giving the illusion of a star. Flowering Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera) Small light pink flowers contrast nicely against the burgundy le...

Today is my birthday. I always loved my birthday but also loved that it was in May. There is something magical about this month. The air smells fresh and still feels cool, the leaves in the trees are a brilliant yellow-green and the spashes of color made from the spring flowers decorate the landscape.  Outside my house right now, the Kwanzan cherry tree (Prunus  serrulata) i s in full bloom. For as long as I can remember, my family always called this tree my birthday tree because it bloomed on or near my birthday. True to it's given name, there it was, smiling in the sunshine for me this morning.  A few other flowers opened up to say happy birthday too: So to them, and all of you, thanks for the birthday wishes!