In Blossom

Some days require wisdom and humour to get us through. This is when meeting up with a friend for coffee can be a balm. It also makes me think of remarkable women who've come before me.

Nora Ephron was a great one for doling out an insight, saying something witty, and throwing in a fabulous foodie tip or recipe, to boot.  

A year or so before she died, she wrote a list called 'What I Will Miss'. Among the things she mentioned were spring, the view out the window, and dogwood.

The second half of April and first week or two of May is the season of spring blossoms. There's a parade of blooms as each tree type reaches its peak period.

Since the Niagara region produces an abundance of fruit, it's no surprise that springtime here is packed with petals.

Although the exact timing of bloom can vary by variety and weather conditions from year-to-year, apricot is typically the first fruiting tree to bloom. Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japanese, usually follow. Both these tree blossoms have pale pink and white flowers.

Other fruiting trees that have gorgeous blossoms (and sometimes wonderful fragrance) include plums, apples, peaches, pears, and nectarines. 

It's not uncommon to see bees and other pollinators buzzing and fluttering about the branches. They play a key role in creating the delicious fruits we'll enjoy later in the summer and fall.

In addition to fruit tree blossoms, springtime is rich in blooms of all types. This includes several flowering trees, such as dogwood, magnolia, redbud and tulip trees, to name a few. There're also ornamental versions of fruit trees, such as crabapples and cherries.

Some of these trees have three or four seasons of interest: blossoms in the spring, fruits in the summer, fall colour in the foliage, and sometimes even colourful hips, berries, and stems in the winter.

Now, if you happen to have a tree that's stopped fruiting, don't despair. Old trees can be the perfect backdrop and support for climbing roses and be a key feature in a romantic garden come June.

Regardless of the tree type, one thing's for sure: after winter, ephemeral spring blossoms are met with much love and appreciation. Their fleeting presence makes them all the more precious. It's worth taking a few minutes during this special time of year to gaze upon flowering branches and breathe in their perfume.

   

We wish you a floriferous week, in every way!