Tag Archives: Spring

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?

nature, Photography

Sights from a Ramble

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During a recent ramble I saw that the new spring growth is almost glowing with freshness and health.

The delicate fan-shaped leaves of a ginkgo biloba tree are opening.
A late blooming magnolia sports its rich red flowers.
A larch tree with its lovely new frond-like green needles.
A flowering plum surrounded by lots of new growth all around.
Pretty periwinkles with their fresh leaves.

With a sunny day and gentle warmth, there’s so much to enjoy at this time of year. Happy Spring Sunday.