Finally! The colors of spring have returned to our Minnesota landscape. The white of winter gave way to the brown, prior to the green of spring. And now the flowers have burst into bloom, adding their yellows and pinks. Not only has the landscape brightened, but peoples’ moods have been buoyed by the bright colors too. A bed of daffodils was showcased in front of a showy field of tulips — the best of spring all in one spot, and all blooming at the same time. When I was a child, we would make “baskets” out of colored construction paper, put flowers in them, and hang them on the doors of our neighbors to celebrate May Day. I’m intending this post as the present-day equivalent to my readers. Happy May and spring!
florals
Redbud trees
One of my favorite things of spring are the redbud trees. Their bright pink to purple buds stand out in the otherwise drab landscape. They are generally not a “tidy” tree, but are often seen on the edges of woodland areas. As we were in Kansas City a week ago, the redbuds were in full bloom there. As the spring season has moved northward with warmer temperatures, the redbuds are now in bloom here in southern Minnesota. Their bloom may be short-lived, but their brightness speaks of the beauty and colors of spring.
Spring’s light
In my longing for the colors of spring, I wandered into the McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. My spirits rose as I took in the colors and smells of our long-awaited season of spring – an array of lilies, tulips, ranunculus, and daffodils. Flowers the colors of the sun — the light of spring that we crave so much after the cold and white of winter. From underneath these tulips the light from above made them glow and shimmer – an ephemeral hint at their fragility and short-lived life in the transition between winter and summer.
Spring colors
Although it’s not here yet, spring is definitely around the corner. After a wet snow on Friday, today is sunny and in the 50’s with much melting taking place. Outside the grass is brown and the trees are bare. But there’s a hope and promise of spring to come. And that’s what these lovely yellow begonias seem to be saying – spring’s colors and warmth will be here soon. Green will appear in our landscape, the sun will generate warmth, and we will gladly move from winter to spring.
Valentine roses
Today is Valentine’s Day – a day to celebrate love, friendship, and all things red and chocolate. I was the lucky recipient of a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Not only are they a treat to look at and smell, but I also get the privilege of truly admiring them and photographing them. I am amazed at the layers upon layers of delicate petals that spiral outward – all slowly opening with the light and heat in the house. At the days go by, the shade and coloring of the roses will change, as will their wonderful scent. For now, they are gradually unfolding and revealing their beauty and delicacy.
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