It struck me the other day when Mrs. F.G. dragged me out into the back garden, that I tend to share only pictures of the flowers once they bloom, but much of what I notice when I'm out in the garden or out and about is not the blooms, but the flowers that will bloom soon.
This spectacular Magnolia is just around a couple of blocks, and it's gorgeous when it's out. But it only lasts a few days, especially if we get any wind.
Around a few more corners is the Horse Chestnut I watch for. It has huge buds just now, but the blooms will be spectacular when they arrive.
The same can be said about the Lilac down Edinburgh West. It's right beside a driveway and I can usually get a good picture when it blooms in late May.
Here's one you should be able to anticipate. Any guesses?
Peonies won't be in full blooms for six weeks yet, but the shoots grow fast in the spring.
And finally here's our own little Magnolia just coming into bloom. Every year we have to anticipate how much of the plant will be left after the rabbits get to it! It seems to be a favourite for them.
What about you, do you get a sense of anticipation when spring arrives? Do you notice the things that are starting to grow as well as the plants that are actually flowering?
The anticipation was in March I think, for me. Now I keep turning my head when I see a flash of color. But today I drove right by a beautiful dogwood tree. And yet a few weeks ago, they were the most lovely little things in the world. Today's precious view was some swallowtail butterflies. I don't think I'll get into anticipatory mood again till September, and then will have to wait and wait and wait.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful, seeing them spring up! We have a magnolia and several horse chestnuts. I love them.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see the budding of so many plants. It's the first appearance of the migrant birds that always marks the coming of spring for me, though it's been so drab and chilly lately that I could scarcely believe it when I looked on the calendar and saw that April will soon depart - I should be out searching for Nightingales now.
ReplyDeleteI already have Freesia shoots up, a few daffodil stems about 2 inches high, I think they are all too early for down here., The peony, for me the best of all flowers, those shoots promise so much for you, and new to me, Alstroemerias, my Casablanca has flowered non stop since buying it from a grower a little south of us. That small plant has thrived, and I am ordering more colours this week.
ReplyDeleteI noticed this morning that our Horse Chestnuts are just beginning to bloom. Magnolias haven't fared so well with our heavy downpours :(
ReplyDeleteIt will be another month for our trees to be as yours are now. So sad!
ReplyDeleteLove the Spring Blooms, but like yourself hate the rabbit issues with young plants. I remember planting one in the morning, and it was leafless by supper. The next morning it was down to the root.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy the show.
It's about time.
Yes, always the anticipation of Spring and all that it has to offer. Blooms, pre-blooms and all the shades of green and other colors that come after the bloom. A marvelous time of year.
ReplyDeleteAnticipation may be the best part of spring. I always anticipate the flowers of trout-lily, but in spite of there being thousands, many thousands, of leaves there are often very few flowers. But what flowers there are I find to be extremely pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love to listen to the birds going about their business of reproducing and calling for mates. Spring is sure a pleasant time around here.
ReplyDeleteSpring is always much anticipated here. This year, we're in a new yard with lots of perennials beginning to show themselves. Some I recognize, a few are new to me. I was thrilled to find an oriental poppy in one bed yesterday. Not so thrilled to find clustered bellflower in another.
ReplyDeleteOur trees are just showing opening buds, but it will take some warmer weather for them to leaf out, I think.
Enjoy your rides around the neighbourhood.
Good observation about the look of plants before they bloom, the peonies, especially.
ReplyDeleteoooooh mr. fg, you know i do!! i LOVE tulip magnolias BUT they are finicky and it is difficult to find one that has a beautiful shape...still, it is one of my favorites too!! i also love dogwoods which are just coming to rest now, and they are the same as the tulip magnolias i find the white dogwoods although not as pretty, much more hardy and healthy!!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to see trees and plants in bud, a lovely sign of things soon to come!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I love the Magnolia trees although am always glad after the pretty petals drop that I don't have one. Selfish, eh? My peonies are doing the same and I get excited. It's when my hostas start poking up that I get really excited. Their growth is so fast once they start. Nice post. I wish I had a lilac tree up here.
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