On a brilliant summer’s day we took a drive west of the Twin Cities to Swenson Gardens in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Their gardens were open for their annual Peony Field Days, and the timing was perfect. With warmer temperatures and bright sunshine many of the peonies had come into full bloom. It was a chance to wander and dream and plan for places in our own garden for more of these lovely plants. I especially liked these America peonies – their bright red was a wonderful contract to the green foliage and the blue sky with its puffy clouds.
florals
A burst of clematis blooms
All within a few days the clematis have burst forth. A delicate pale yellow bloom with a yellow center, this lemon chiffon clematis has climbed up the trellis and bloomed all at once. The cooler temperatures and bright sunshine of the past week coaxed the buds to open in profusion. Soon the other clematis will follow, but it will be hard to top the beauty and fullness of this one.
Lilac blooms
The lilac bushes has blossomed out, and their sweet smell lingers in the air. We’re fortunate to have both white and purple lilacs. Throughout the neighborhood there are lilac bushes and hedges, and some are over 10 feet tall. Their colors and delicateness are noticeable. After the heavy rain from a day ago, the alley was littered with white and purple petals scattered on the ground. As short-lived as their blooming season is, it makes me appreciate their beauty and their scent even more.
A softer side to the season
Spring generally announces its arrival with the bright colors of tulips, crocus, and daffodils, and the greening of grass and trees leafing out. And yet I’ve found a much softer and more delicate side to the season just out my front window. We have a lovely magnolia tree that bursts forth into blossoms near the middle of April. It’s bloom is much anticipated. And unfortunately its bloom is also short-lived, with the flower petals giving way to the wind or rain, and quickly to the green leaves that burst forth afterward. But as it becomes awash in white flowers it becomes magnificent. The petals are thin and delicate with a soft tinge of pink. To me it signals the whisper and call of a softer side to spring.
Spring and Easter
Spring and Easter – all at the same time. Bright colors, light colors, the colors of spring. This flowering crabapple bonsai seemed to sum up the season and the day. Wishing you the bright colors and warmth and joy of spring and Easter!
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