March 8, 2004The Bradford pear trees are starting to bloom everywhere with their white blossoms. Absolutely gorgeous. I love to see them in bloom. They really are the best reminder that Spring is here, coming right after the Japanese magnolias which are still in bloom. Soon, the azaleas will have their turn. I am really lookin forward to that.
March 4, 2004Looking out the window earlier I noticed that my favorite oak tree is startting to bud and leaf out. The tree has been bare for only about two months. Its leaves last through December usually, and it is one of the first trees to bud in early spring, as far as I can tell. What a cheering sight that is. There are some puffy white clouds in back of it now. Spring has definitely arrived.
March 2, 2004Saw my first Japanese magnolia in bloom today, full of purplish-white flowers. So beautiful and welcome a sight. This is the first tree to bloom and bud in our area after the swamp maples out in the countryside. In the city the blooming of the Japanese magnolias foretells the splendor and opulence of the flowering color to come in the weeks ahead: daffodils, tulips, azaleas, wisteria. I'm so glad this time of year has arrived.