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At last it is starting to feel like spring here. A few sunny days have persuaded the first leaves to begin to unfurl. Around the garden flowers are in bud and very gradually opening.
Daffodils have been appearing and going over, some are yet to open. (And I’m smiling to see the return of a few that I thought I may have lost.) Tulips are now showing traces of colour on their still tightly-closed buds and there are forget-me-nots sprinkled through the borders.
Everything is much slower than it was last year, though. Then, the early spring was especially warm and the garden felt full of flowers by the beginning of April. There was a mass of blossom on our few fruit trees – and lots of fruit to follow! This year the cherry and the apple trees look as if it will be a while yet before they’re ready to flower.
However, it’s good to see that life is returning to the garden now. Our young pear tree has just started to open its flowers as I’m writing this. (This year I hope to photograph that blossom before it disappears – I didn’t manage it last year.)
Earliest of the fruit to blossom is a small plum tree – you can see this in both photos. This tree has never yet managed to produce a plum, but it’s early flowers may mean that it manages to keep its place in our smallish garden. (I’m not making any promises to it though!)
Ann Mackay: Inspired by Nature 
Every year is different, but that said — I’m glad you’re finally seeing life beginning to stir in the garden. It seems as though Redbuds are the favored tree here in the suburbs, but out in the country, various plums will bloom in the midst of other trees, and it’s a wonderful sight. I hope you get some fruit from your trees this year – and that nothing impedes the “at last!” blooming of your flowers!
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It’s a real ‘feelgood’ moment when you realise that the spring growth has begun. 🙂 It’s just the plum tree that’s refusing to produce fruit (the other trees did well last year). I’ve read of others with plum trees that have never fruited, so maybe it’s a wider problem.
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It’s reassuring that the forget-me-nots lived up to their name. Looks like your plum tree is making an appealing floral plea not to be forgotten (i.e. eradicated).
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The plum tree has it’s early blossom in its favour because it means it’s providing sustenance for early bees. Maybe that’s the problem – fewer bees around than there used to be? The decline in insect numbers may be having its effect…
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Welcome, beautiful plum blossoms. Maybe it’s safer to bloom later, as the risk of dying from frosts might decrease.
The blue sky enhances the flowers magnificently.
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Yes, I think that the plum and the pear could both be at risk of being frosted if the weather turns cold enough. The apples and the cherry are a bit later, so I don’t think they’d have any problems. The blue sky feels like a special treat after all the grey ones!
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I’m glad you get to enjoy some happy spring colours.
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Blossom does seem late this year, glad yours has started. Hope your plum tree fruits for you.
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It does, Jill. I hope spring is springing with you – or will be very soon! 🙂
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These beautiful flowers are so stunning
Thanks Anita
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Thank you Anita! It feels good to see the blossom emerging after the cold and grey winter. 🙂
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