Redbud Petals

 The redbuds have begun to bloom, Their distinctive lavender-tinged petals forming a haze among the fresh green leaflets of all the other trees. As I approached one early bloomer, it almost looked like someone had laid a small rug out on the sidewalk right under the tree. The falling buds were scattered all over, converging in the cracks, mingling with tiny green leaves of violets that were trying to take root in those same cracks. It was a magical little composition, like a prettily wrapped birthday present. Here today, then blown away in the approaching rains and winds.

Cherry Blossoms

 The cherry trees bloomed this week. They are such a delicate pink. To create the right color for a painting, you would have to mix only one drop of red into a very large quantity of white. The Bradford pears, also blooming right now, offer a subtle comparison between their truly white blossoms and the palest pink possible of the cherry trees. It’s an ephemeral season; masses of fluffy blossoms on Monday, a snowstorm of petals on Thursday, then half-bare branches showing tiny leaflets on Saturday.

Yellow Lenten Rose

 With Easter approaching, Lenten roses are blooming in protected spots under trees that have not yet leafed out. All hellebores are somewhat toxic to people and animals, so perhaps it’s a good thing that most varieties don’t call attention to themselves. They hang their heads, partly hiding their fringy stamens and the colorful sides of the petals. Lenten roses in white, rose and burgundy are common but this is the first yellow one I’ve seen. Its lemony hue is a reminder that they are members of the buttercup family.

Daffodils In A Late Snow

 This past Wednesday it was eighty degrees, Nearly every daffodil in the side yard bloomed, trumpets raised to the sun. The next day, just before lunchtime, I looked out the window to see snowflakes flying by at a very insistent angle. They were the big, wet kind, so large I could almost see their hexagonal shape as they flew by. I ventured out to check on the daffodils. They were already prostrate under a sugar-crystal crust that was beautiful in its own harsh way, but also a reminder that both winter and spring can reign during this liminal season.

Half-Hidden Graffiti

 Last week, I walked along a paved trail that goes under a busy street. Graffiti artists have left their tags on the more sheltered part of an overpass. Crisp, regimented black and white letters contrast with ballooning nicknames and alien-like figures in bright colors. I saw just a sliver as I walked past. In a world of sand and concrete, this fleeting outburst of color and creativity was a welcome surprise. 

Winter Bench

 It’s a nearly black and white world after a snow. Only the brittle oak leaves add a subtle touch of color. No one waited for the school bus. By midmorning the snow in the trees has formed soft ice balls the size of gumdrops. They dropped on my head in a noisy shower as I contemplated the converging lines of the bench and the fence. 

Autumn Colors In the Winter

 We have reached the stage when most of us are tired of winter. The nandina shrubs in my neighborhood have now changed from Christmasy red and green to the faded slightly gold-tinted shades that remind me of autumn. Although the berries remain, most wildlife avoid them,  knowing that they can be toxic. As they shrivel and turn more of an orange-red they serve only as bright decorations till the spring bulbs begin to flower.