Just a Tree

I have two snowdrift crabapple trees in my yard.  They have been here for 44 years.  They struggle through each year and I am always thinking it is their last.  This year we had a very mild winter and the blooms are gorgeous.  I've been taking pictures of one of them each day.  Today they are predicting 2-4 inches of rain and I am guessing if that happens there will be no more flowers.  So, enjoy these blooms with me while we wait for rain.

Enjoying Spring While it Lasted

I live in Michigan.  When it comes to weather, it can mean four seasons in one week.  Last week I ran the A/C and it was too humid to be out in the afternoon.  Today I turned the heat back on.

The Snowdrift crabapple trees opened and immediately got drenched by rain.  It actually looks like there is snow on the ground under them.  Before that happened I did take some more pictures.

This picture below was taken two years ago before two brutal winters.  The much more numerous blossoms are incredible.

While it was cold and windy today, my gardener was here and we did a lot of trimming of dead wood.  The winter has certainly taken its toll the past two years.

I also have a new project we are finishing up and when it is done, I will post pictures.




Inside the house, my Hoya plant that I purchased back in 1975? when I was working in the City has gone wild with blooms.  I still remember buying it at a new plant store that opened in Greektown, way before anyone thought of putting a casino down there.  Hard to take pictures when something is hanging from the ceiling, but here it is on the left.  I don't remember ever having four blossoms at one time.  They are waxy blossoms with a very fragrant aroma.  The blossom on the right is open, the others are closed and will open.  They last quite a long time.

Fall Color before the Snow Flies

They are predicting snow flurries.  Yuck.  Everything is just starting to turn to Fall colors.  Here are a few:

Crabapples just waiting for the birds to devour them:

Viburnum:

 

Hydrangea blooms:

Japanese Maple:

Katsura Tree:

Enjoy your fall while it lasts.

Can Summer be Getting Close?

This week in the garden, despite the frost, seems to indicate that summer is on its way.  I am cutting the grass every five days; the cool nights are really helping it grow.  All of the trees are finally starting to leaf out.  The Snowdrift crabapples are in bloom.  I took this photo from the deck looking over the roof of the house.  I never even think to look at this tree from this direction.

 

It is not fully open yet, but here is a close-up from last Spring.

I am sure it won't be long before I am complaining about the heat.