Spring Flowering Trees

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 leaves of this upright, vase shaped tree.

Bradford Pear Tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') 

Clusters of small white, fragrant flowers appear just before the green leaves. 

Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')

This gracefully wispy tree has light pink flowers hanging on dangling branches. 

When it sways in the wind, it's absolutely captivating. This one is on my property, and though it's quite old, it still stops me in my tracks each spring. 

So many gorgeous trees out there right now. I'm looking forward to seeing the dogwoods, eastern redbuds and kwanzan cherry trees bloom in the next few weeks too! 

Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear it in the comments section below!

A May Birthday

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) is 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!