Spring Snowballs

 The days when a plant is just past its peak can be the most interesting. We've had a dramatic, but very localized snowfall this week when a Chinese Snowball Tree began dropping its petals. The floral precipitation covered the grass, resurrecting a childhood memory of waking up on an early-winter morning to discover that the first snowfall has left a half-hearted coat of white that not quite covered the grass. It raised our hopes of having sledding adventures. This snowfall predicts the green days of summer, perfect days to spend sitting outside with friends.