One of the most delightful signs of spring is the emergence of the lilacs. Here in Minnesota lilacs are used as trees, shrubs, and even hedges. They are in every neighborhood, with some bushes looking like they’ve been there for decades. By the sides of the highways and roadways there are blocks of lilacs, all in full bloom with various shades of purples, pinks, and whites. Even more exciting than the sight of lilacs is the wonderful scent that floats throughout the air at this time of year. A fresh rain shower, a light breeze, and the air is alive with their floral scent. I have cut some of our lilacs and brought them into the house to enjoy the scent. Although the blooms don’t last long, I will not tire of replacing the spent blossoms to enjoy their fragrance for the brief few weeks that they grace our landscape.
Saint Paul
The unexpected strikes again
In what seems to be a theme, once again I’ve been surprised by the unexpected scenes that present themselves. A dear friend was driving home from work the other night and told me about a field of US flags that were just down the hill from the Minnesota State Capitol Building. In my mind I was picturing a few small eight-inch tall flags. And yet when I went there to see for myself, I was amazed at a lawn full of 800 full-size US flags along with another area filled with 1,500 pinwheels. This amazing scene was set up by the Minnesota chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America (www.pcamn.org). Their Child Abuse Prevention Healing Field was in honor of Minnesota’s children and also those people who have survived child abuse. With late evening light streaming across the flags and the Capitol Building, and a light breeze to unfurl the flags, it presented a very striking image. For a few short days this scene graced our Capitol grounds, causing many passers-by both on foot and in cars to stop and reflect on the scene, the beauty, and the cause.
Spring’s softness
Last week’s photograph was of vivid red tulips. In the bright sunlight of spring, colors often become bold, striking, and rich in contrast. But there’s also a flip side to the season, and that’s the softness that’s found in the spring palette. When the sky is overcast, or in the early morning or late evening there’s a calming and quiet hush that sometimes settles over the gardens. It’s almost as if nature is resting after all its exuberance in bursting forth after winter. In trying to photograph this softness and hush I’ve chosen to take this image with a slight blur, making this more about the shapes, tones and feelings rather than the direct representation of the tulips.
Spring green
Within a one-week span, spring has arrived and broken through the late-winter doldrums. Warmer temps and an afternoon of rain followed by clear sunshine has brought a burst of green all around. The lawns have quickly changed from brown to green, blooming daffodils have been spotted in the neighborhood, accompanied by colorful crocus, and leaves are starting to be visible against the blue skies. Our lilac bush has opened its lovely light green leaves to the warmth of spring. Everything seems to be about two weeks ahead of schedule, yet no one is complaining. Even the smell of green and spring is noticeable and welcome in the air this first week of April.
Uncovered surprises
With rain and warmer temperatures, most of our snow cover has melted. What surprised me was what has now been uncovered. Not only have I spotted tulips courageously pushing their tips above the ground, but I also found a beautiful dried hydrangea bloom. Somehow it survived the winter without being crushed by the weight of snow. I woke one morning to see it being blown by the wind across the front lawn. So strong, and yet so delicate, its blossoms are sheer with amazing intricacies. When backlit the bloom shines with the warmth and strength of the sun, and reminds me of other surprises to come in the change from winter to spring.
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