Late Spring Buds at Our Place

The early spring of 2011 was difficult - cold, snowy, wet, and long. However, by May 4th, spring buds had broken from their winter retreat promising better times. The annual regeneration is always remarkable, not to mention inspiring. I took these photos on May 4 and 5 in attempt to capture the intensity of the spring breakout as well as the tremendous variety of buds in our immediate neighbourhood. I took all of these photos within 100 feet of our front door, thinking it would be fun to compare all the different buds and early flowers.

Apricot Blossoms - Unless the bees show up to pollinate, they will not produce fruit!

 -

Apricot Blossoms up close

Stella Cherry Buds in Bill's Orchard

Maple Tree in our Yard

A Close-Up of Maple Tree

Korean Lilac Near Our Deck

Sour Cherry in Bill's Orchard

Japanese Maple - cultivated in Japan over many centuries

Lilac

Hyacinthe

Forsythia

Periwinkle (Myrtle)

Daffodil

Pansy - First introduced by Lady Monck in 1821

Tulip - One of 109 Species

Euphorbia - There are 2008 species!

Pachysandra - from the Boxwood Family

Budding Shadow on the Wall

Name to be Determined

Robin on the Wire