Blossom Time

It's that spectacular time of year when each day looks different. Two hot days brought speedy growth. The blossoms seemed to grow in just days.



Each tree has its own shade of pink.



Each tree comes to life at its own rhythm. Some have leaves that are almost full, others blossoms and some are just starting to send out the first signs of leaves.



On one of our hot days (Wednesday and Thursday the temperature went up to 30°C) the tulips opened wide. Some closed up again as a cold front came through. Tulip season is not long here. Spring brings rapid change before settling in to the lushness of summer.

Seeing Flowers Everywhere

I'm trying not to write about flowers but they are popping up everywhere. Our sudden summery weather has meant the landscape changes daily. Where there were barely leaves starting, the trees are full; where there were flowers, now there are just leaves and where there was nothing there is now a profusion of blossoms. Nothing lasts in spring time. It is a time of mad growth and change.

Lilacs perfume the air. You can smell them before you see them. Temperature went up to 29°C (just over 84°F). My body takes time to adapt to heat (usually by trying to escape it).

I search out shade, sometimes crossing back and forth across a street as I walk searching out any shade. Walking through the park, I know the shady routes.



Some flowers also seem to relish the shady spots. Forget-me-nots found a perfect spot to flourish.


Tra la! It's May!
The lusty month of May!
That lovely month when ev'ryone goes
Blissfully astray.
Tra la! It's here!
That shocking time of year
When tons of wicked little thoughts
Merrily appear!
(from Camelot - lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner)

Spring in Ottawa

Photos: May 21, 2016

Each year Ottawa plants over a million tulips. Large beds can be seen in many parts of the city. These red and white tulips were bred for Canada's 150th birthday which will take place next year (July 1, 2017).



Last weekends colder than average temperatures have been followed by this weekend's above average temperatures. Spring is in overdrive with everything that can bloom racing to open.



I had to add a photo of the Peace Tower - to prove that these really are photos from Ottawa. Slightly camouflaged by the trees is a crane. Every building on Parliament Hill seems to be undergoing repairs and renovatiosn - cranes and scaffolding are ubiquitous.

More Spring Colours

Blossom time - the air is slightly scented.

Every shade of pink can be seen from dark to very pale.



The leaves are a spring green - that bright new looks.



No more winter white nor skeletal trees - the boughs are heavy with spring splendour.



Soon the delicate lace of leaves will be filled in. The greens will darken - an antidote to the coming hot summer days.

Blossoms and More Blossoms

The air is scented with the many blossoms that have emerged in the last few days. Where not long ago there were bare brunches now everything has come into bloom. Not much fun for the allergy sufferers as all the trees seems to be releasing their pollen simultaneously!



But, oh what a feast for the eyes! There seem to be blossoms in every shade of pink. A profusion of petals!



It is impossible not to stop and stare with delight, to take in the delicacy, to let oneself ponder a single blossom in the midst of the sea of flowers.



Soon this show will be over and green will overtake the pinks. Spring is the season of changes when each day demands that Mother Nature's work be admired.

Walking Through Regent's Park

Photos: March 30, 2015


London has some wonderful, expansive parks. This was my first visit to Regent's Park.I was impressed by the variety of water fowl. It is always a delight to stroll away from the bustle of city streets.



This bird was testing the water, searching for food. Its bright beak looks glued on!



It is always the flowers that catch my eyes. These magnolias were just opening; I like the way they seem to perch on the branches.



The English seem to have a love of formal gardens. This kind of orderly display would be quite foreign to my city's parks.



A bonus of travelling is that I get to experience spring twice. I won't be seeing blossoms like this until some time in May in Montreal.

Glorious May

I think May is the most glorious time of the year. The blossoms blow me away with their beauty. In every shade of pink these trees bring joy around the city.

Walks are not quite as cardio-effective as I stop to admire each tree.



Even the dandelions bring beauty. Time to accept them as flowers and not as weeds. I love to see their sunny faces.

Finally the pond in the park near me is filled with water. Last year it was plagued with leaking and could not hold the water. The quiet reflections add to the peacefulness of the day. Each day new flowers grow, the trees grow their blooms then drop their petals. The magnolias are now just trees with leaves. These fruit trees are taking their time in the spotlight. Lilacs are sharing their heady scent. The scene keeps changing - the merry month of May.

First Blossoms

Blossom covered trees take my breath away. And the first ones sighted are magical. The delicacy, the ephemeral nature, the feeling of joy after a long winter... I just have to stop and drink in their beauty.

Lilacs

Lilacs, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Some may not think of the cemetery as a great place to walk, but I have learned that it is an ideal place for walking. In Montreal, we have a large cemetery on the top of Mount Royal, divided up by religion and separated by fences. Small roads and paths meander through the rows of stones with many trees offering homes for the birds and animals that live on the mountain. Today I wandered with a friend in the Protestant section.



The many flowering trees are in full bloom. Their heavy scent hangs in the air.



And everywhere you can hear the birds singing.  Each part of the cemetery has its own personality, reflecting the denominations of the people buried there. Huge monuments announce the resting places of the wealthy while tiny monuments cover the graves of young babies.




The identical stones of the military graves stand, honouring those who lost their lives in the wars that Canada has fought.



What a peaceful place for a walk. Others, too, were out with cameras, walking dogs and enjoying the sunny spring day.

Day 133: Crab Apple Blossoms

Day 133: Crab Apple Blossoms, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The evening air is heavy with the scent of blossoms. Each day new fragrances make their presence known: crab apples, lilacs and blossoms whose names are not part of my lexicon. Walking is an olfactory experience.

These trees are wearing their finery. The magnolias have cried their tear shaped petals; the trees look bereft as their pale green leaves have not yet grown enough to cover their nakedness. Each year they cycle through the phases of growth reminding us that outer beauty is temporary.