Sure Signs that Spring is Here, Part Deux

I have been busy collecting more photographic evidence

that spring truly is here.

The college girls don shorts and flip-flops.

I'm sure the young men appreciate that.

Daffodils bloom downtown.



My hyacinths are blooming.

The Cleveland Select pear trees

burst into bloom.

Close-up of the flowers.

Caterpillars begin moving in the garden.

This is the larva of the Giant Leopard Moth.

Accounts conflict on whether the
bristles can cause a rash if touched.

Redbud trees bloom on the Clear Creek Trail.

Spring rains swell the creeks.

Eastern Redbud.

The lake level is high.

A blue heron takes flight.

The lake is not yet at flood stage.

Boaters are out on the lake.

A gentleman fishes.

The deer missed this tulip in my garden.

I had forgotten that I still had tulips

as the deer eat them before they can bloom.

The dogwoods and fothergilla in bloom.

A bee visits the fothergilla flowers.

Dogwood "in bloom."

Remember,

the "petals" are actually bracts that frame

the cluster of tiny flowers in the center.

Lichen on the trunk of the dogwood.

Lichen is a composite organism,

formed by a symbiotic association

of an algae and a fungus.

Lichen does not hurt the tree

and is a sign of clean air.

My rhododendrons are blooming.

A prostrate azalea peeks out from

beneath the barberry bushes.

This is a lovely shade of pink.

I am thinking the barberries need to go

as they are taking over the space.

Welcome spring.

Welcome flowers of all kinds.

Gardens and Kittens

Don't ask me why gardens and kittens go together in my mind. Just. Don't. Ask. There, feel better?

I went out into my garden in a very light rain (hey, we'll take any rain we can get!) to get these pictures from the garden.

I have to admit to a particular fondness for these tropical beauties. Yes, that's right. Impatiens are perennial tropical plants. They just act as annuals in our cold climes. So now you know.

The fothergilla gardenii are in full bloom now.

As are the dogwoods. Please note that the beautiful "flowers" that you admire on dogwood trees are not actually part of the flowers at all. The true flowers are the small 'buds' in the center of the bracts. The bracts are specialized leaves that frame the true flowers.


Healthy lichen cover one of my dogwood trees. If you see this on one of your trees, do not be alarmed. The lichen do not harm the plant and in fact, lichen can only flourish in an environment that is relatively free of pollution. So this is a good thing, all right?

Lichen is a composite, symbiotic organism, consisting of both algae and fungus. They rely on each other and in this form cannot live without the other.

And now back to the dogwood bracts. Not blooms. Got it? Good.

I like this photo. But that's just me.

The old fashioned bleeding heart is blooming.

As are some of the pinks (dianthus or annual carnations).

Some nice, tasteful garden art is never amiss.

Well, these columbine are being rather shy. Le sigh. And isn't it a tragedy that this beautiful flower must now always be linked with the stupidity of men?

And really LE SIGH. Unfortunately, this is very representative of my garden right now. Quite frankly, the garden is a mess, but given that I had to use my rescue inhaler after just walking around the garden to take these pictures, I think that you can understand.

I was happy to hear that the plans for our new deck have been drawn up and that we have a contractor ready to bid on this puppy. Can you see it? All of those weeds, including the horrible thorny tree that insists upon returning year after year next to the back door to the garage will soon be a distant memory.

I can see it. I can live it. I need it!

Now, on to the kitten.

We had company over this weekend, including our dear nine-year-old niece. Minx was a good little host and entertained the young girl. And I have to admit that I'm not sure who was entertaining whom. But, boy was the poor kitty worn out afterwards.

You know, I told myself that I wasn't going to put out a glass of water on my desk for Minx like Midnight had had. However, Minx had put his head into my water glass one too many times and I caved in. Minx is very happy.

Me? Well, I guess I am very happy too. And that is a good thing.

Spring Blooms, I

I am happy to report that the first of my flowers have burst into bloom.

My first flowers of the season. The crocus have not yet opened for the day.

A couple of hours later and the crocus have awakened.

The Cleveland Select Pear trees are beginning to bud out.

One of these plants is not like the other. Can you guess? That's right, it's the rosemary, because unlike the thyme and the chives, it is dead. While the chives have already started growing for the year, the thyme will need just a bit more time. (Oh, I'm funny.)

And now we have the first plant I have potted this year. You know, I can never remember if I am planting plants, potting pots, planting pots, or potting plants.

Later in the day and the crocus are even more beautiful.

Lichen on one of my dogwood trees. The good news? The presence of lichen indicates that we have a healthy, relatively polution-free environment. The better news? Lichens do not in any way, shape or form harm the host plant.

Oh, I am a happy gardener, indeed.