Countdown to Spring

“The deep roots never doubt Spring will come.” – Marty Rubin

As winter retreats, there are abundant signs that fresh energy is gathering – it is evident in the lush buds forming on a a variety of plants in my own garden. We have been fortunate to have substantial rain this winter in California and today I marveled at the stunning sight of hail falling even as the sun was shining. I find buds beautiful and fascinating. I eagerly await their appearance each year, sometimes running outside when I notice that something appears to be forming on a tree or bush in the garden. One reason I am so fond of placing deciduous plants in garden designs is that they give the observer something to anticipate. These plants also “ground” us in seasonal changes which I find to be a very healthy and lovely way to live.

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Carmine buds of Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia) – a stunner of a tree in spring
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White buds of Morus alba (White Mulberry) – a tough, gnarled old tree flanking my driveway
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Camellia x ‘Cinnamon Cindy’ – this fragrant, hardy Camellia has been pushing out buds and flowers all winter long
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Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’ (Chinese Redbud) – the buds of this are just emerging – at its peak they cover the branches

 


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