Tag Archives: Spring

Spring Has Sprung. . . .

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It was the white Winter Rose (Hellebores) that caught my eye. I was on a mission to see what was Springing forth on such a warm day. AND there was plenty to catch my eye as gardeners busily cleared the winter debris off their grounds and scurried to the Garden Centre to find plants to pop into the ground.

I wanted to find unusual things that perhaps get missed on the day-to-day walks. Today was another treasure-trove. . . on my first Spring walk for 2024.

Someone had spruced up this trendy birdhouse for some lucky birds looking for their perfect Spring-time nest. . . .

I had almost missed this rocky frog, sitting peacefully atop his rocky perch and shaded slightly by the drooping leaves.

I never knew that magnolia buds were “furry”–so all winter long I was waiting for pussy willows. Boy, was I wrong!

These fat pink buds began to finally unfurl and will grow into those fat fabulous magnolias that are my favorites.

I knew Oak Bay was big on recycling and this free neighborhood library is an “original.”

Where else would you find a vintage radio converted to a free library?

I’m glad the clever person also loved his/her books. . . .

On my homeward walk back home, I sighted this pair of cheerful blue birds, destined to be placed somewhere in this large garden.

I hope the owners put them somewhere obvious as they are too cute to be hidden . . . .

Almost home and enjoying this first full day of Spring—-my mission was successful and my reward of a triple chocolate brownie almost in my grasp.

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

SEASONS COME AND SEASONS GO

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I was thinking the other day how the seasons are so different in making their entrances.

Spring is shy and coy. She is bashful and loving and filled with Life as her green shoots, young growth and tiny blossoms emerge petal by petal. Suddenly the toddler emerges as a beautiful young lady, dressed in her creams and pinks, mauves and blues, yellows and whites. Spring is filled with innocence and joy.

Summer is passionate and fiery. She is hot-blooded and enthused, eager to show the world what they are missing. She is Spring’s “older” sister, a contradiction of glamor, fun-loving and fully embraces all that Life has to offer. Summer is exuberant and playful.

Autumn is a settling of Summer’s wild abandonment. It was amusing and entertaining while it lasted, but now it’s time to get serious. Autumn is the season to slow down and seriously consider one’s choices. This is the time to contemplate and admire what has been accomplished; to enjoy the bounty. . . .

At last we come to Winter.

It’s interesting to note that Winter is considered the Old Man. Why is that? This season can be cranky and grumpy; difficult and complaining; bad-tempered and crabby. He shows his feelings by tossing snow-storms and rain-storms. But he can show his good side too with displays of winter-berries and holly. Best of all, Winter has a festive spirit as well.

Old Man Winter tends to slow down and hibernate–just like the senior season he is.

But we all know that eventually, shy and bashful Spring will emerge and make her entrance again, proving once more that seasons come and go in their own distinctive ways.

JOYFUL SPRING

thoughts and observations

After a resting Winter, Spring is always a delight to welcome with open arms. I like to search for signs of Spring wherever I do my random walking routes. I hit a looloopalooza day yesterday, when I spotted a bountiful treasure of blooms, popping out of the ground and bursting forth from ornamental bushes as well as boulevard trees.

Daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops all vying for the attention of people passing by. . . .

This beautiful Dogwood tree, in early bloom, is BC’s provincial flower. It is definitely an early Spring surprise.

Whenever I see the simple sight of a row of yellow daffodils, lifting their heads to the warm sun, framed against a white picket fence, it makes me want to whip out my paint brushes and sketch book. . . .but I whipped open my senior cellphone’s camera instead. . . .

Magnolia trees are in various locations. My favorite has always been the deep pink, large as dinner-plate blooms. . . .

I love the sight of Spring crocuses bursting onto bare ground and a sparse lawn; it’s almost as if it couldn’t wait and just wanted to be out of the dark and into the sun.

And a rambling walker has to admire the trees too—-trees prove Spring is here. Pink camellias are in bloom. . . . .

Ornamental cherry blossoms makes the heart sing. . . . . .

Crocuses grow in the most unexpected places—rocky and bare. . . . .

Blossoming trees plus a blooming camellia bush are all positive signs that Spring has arrived in all her finery. YAY, SPRING. . . . .and that means, Summer is not far behind!