Category Archives: nature

nature, Photography

May 9’s Friday Fleurday

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British Columbia’s provincial flower is the Pacific dogwood …

… which despite the unflattering name is a gorgeous, spring flowering tree with blooms in pink, pinkish-white, white and greenish white.

The “petals” are actually bracts, a type of leaf that forms around the actual blooms which are the tiny circular clusters in the centre.

Although the Pacific dogwood can be found in various shades of pink or pinkish-white, British Columbia’s official flower is the white one.

Right now the flowers can be seen everywhere here, another of the lovely, blooming trees that are so prolific at this time of year.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Triplets

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I have often seen these three marmots together, surveying their surroundings, snacking on vegetables or just sunning themselves.

They likely are juveniles from last year and probably siblings.

This picture from last June shows the same three – I think – when they were only a couple of months old.

They do like to be together and are very protective of each other, too, although that’s a natural trait of the marmots.

It was a lovely spring day for them to be outside enjoying the weather and surveying their domain.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Bright Bloomers!

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Here’s a little stroll through some of our bloomers from the last three weeks. 🌸

Gorgeous April violets with their heavenly scent.
An elegant mid-April tulip.
Lovely lilacs – in the area where I found these there are several very established bushes; their perfume was permeating the air.
A May delight: alyssum “basket of gold.”
May’s pretty in pink phlox.
April pansies – some of the prettiest faces ever.

I hope you are enjoying your bloomers, too! 🌼

nature, Photography

Tree Snow

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This year the crabapple trees are literally covered in beautiful, mildly scented blossoms that are a joy to behold.

A nearby public garden has about 20 of these trees.

A recent bit of wind has caused many, many of their petals to start falling and drifting …

… covering the ground and the surface of a nearby pond in a lovely floral carpet.

The bounties of spring are innumerable; a promise of things to come.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Saturday Scenes

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A marmot couple …

… and a rhododendron …

… together with some snowflakes … Wait, snowflakes?

Actually, no. These are petals from two rows of crabapple trees!

And finally, a restful view.

We have 28 C (82 F) so it feels more like early summer than spring, but we’re expecting rain, a good thing after our string of warm days. Regardless of the weather, I hope that wherever you are, your day is going well.

nature, Photography

It’s Friday Fleurday!

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Two weeks ago I found a late blooming magnolia tree that was in a protected but north-facing location. As a result it was only getting early-morning sun and this was slowing its blooming period.

This tree is on one of my favoured daily ramble routes so I was delighted to keep a watch on its progress.

Covered in flamboyant, lush and beautiful blooms, it’s a real showstopper.

Each bloom is a delicate pink that fades to a soft white at the tips.

Magnolias are ancient; they are a part of the fossil record from 20 million years ago and are native to Asia.

It’s thought that they evolved to be pollinated by beetles as they existed before the evolution of bees.

Whatever their background, they are a stunning addition to the pantheon of spring blooms.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Lake Pursuits

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With the arrival of May’s lovely sunny days and with our temperatures hovering around 25 C (77 F), attention is turning to more summerish pursuits. Beaches are becoming populated, boats have come out of storage or dry dock and even though the water is still cold – the rivers and creeks running into Okanagan Lake are swollen with snow melt from the mountains – swimmers are beginning to take the plunge.

This diving platform was empty but it won’t be long before it will be a popular spot.
Prettily anchored sail boats waiting for a run – maybe on the weekend?
But if you’re not a boater or swimmer or beach worshipper, it’s sometimes nice to just sit on a pier and enjoy the view.

Although we no longer recognise the ancient celebration of May Day with May poles, flower garlands, religious devotionals or even at all, perhaps it’s time we brought it back. The arrival of May – what a lovely thing to commemorate and honour!

Happy May 1.

nature, Photography

Fresh Leaves

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I love all the new leaves that are emerging or about to emerge at this time of year.

A balsam poplar leans over a swollen Penticton Creek with its swiftly moving spring run-off.
The new leaves of this lovely Japanese lace leaf maple will turn green as they mature but in autumn will become a glowing fire engine red.
A European plum – there are lots of plum trees about, both ornamental and fruiting. I think this one is an ornamental.
The shiny new leaves of the Norway maple are a lovely russet but will also turn green as they mature.

So much healthy growth to appreciate and admire. Isn’t spring grand?