The glorious displays of Spring are not waiting for any official date. Blossoms are everywhere and it is a delightful change after the somberness of the much needed winter rains. The rains are expected to bring a bumper crop of flowery distractions that I am really looking forward to seeing. Meanwhile here are a few of the blossoms in my garden.
Photo 1: Sunlight and blossoms
Photo 2: Blossoming Spring
Photo 3: Blossoming delights
The nearby Tassajara Creek offers wonderful photo opportunities and while I was out trying some scenic outdoor pics I came across this bloom. It reminded me of the Horse Chestnuts I had seen in the UK only the flowers were packed much closer on the stalk. After some research I found out that it is Aesculus Californica, California Buckeye aka California Chestnut. The fruits are poisonous, and they were used as fish poison by the Pomo, Yana, Yokut and Luiseno peoples (Kroeber, 1925). Nifty fishing method…As I walked away from the tree, a Swallowtail Butterfly also made it’s appearance and I was fortunate enough to get a shot of it.
Photo 1: Buckeye in Bloom
Photo 2: California Horse Chestnut
Photo 3: British Horse Chestnut White
Photo 4: British Horse Chestnut Pink
Photo 5: Buckeye along the Creek
Photo 6: Butterfly on Buckeye
Photo 7: And another butterfly pic just for fun
Our local park is coming alive with the sights and sounds of Spring. It is usually rather busy so it took me a while to get the path without people on it. A group of gentleman that had just completed their morning Tai Chi session however was such a lovely sight that I didn’t mind watching them walk down the blossom-lined avenue. A picture of friendship.
Photo 1: Blossom Avenue
Photo 2: Lampposts monitor the avenue
Photo 3: Blossoms galore
Photo 4: Avenue in Bloom
Photo 5: A picture of friendship
Photo 6: Dog with a view
Photo 7: Blossom Avenue Central
The Uckfield Millenium Green is transformed when covered in snow. The striking pink suit was easily visible under the snow covered trees. I enjoyed the contrast.
The contrast between the fresh green tree leaves and the grey moody sky was so striking I had to take a pic before the rain started.