Grape Hyacinth

They do look like a bunch of purple grapes, don't they?

 

Springtime at the pond

Green is an intense color in the spring.

 

Spring

Right now, most of the country is covered in snow.  

But the first flowering trees are in full bloom here in Raleigh.

A late frost could still freeze the blooms off, but for now, enjoy!

 

Azalea walk

A quiet walk.

 

Springtime

The azaleas are springing open.

 

Lone leaf

Is it the last leaf of fall or the first leaf of spring.  Either way, it was all by itself.

 

Spring green

The trees around the pond are leafing out.

 

First sign of spring

In the middle of January, one tree burst into bloom.

Wisteria

The vines on this old silo turned purple with wisteria flowers!

The dogwoods are out!

Dogwoods look so graceful when they bloom.

Pollen in the lake

The wind pushed pollen that fell into swirly patterns on the edge of Falls Lake.  

The air was smokey with pollen.

Pollen season

Every spring, the sidewalks, cars, and everything outside gets a layer of yellow pollen.  The trees each have a week or two when they send out clouds of yellow pollen.  Maples, Birch, Hickory (above) and most of all Loblolly Pines make the ground turn yellow.

New leaves

Tender new leaves on an understory bush.

Abundant Spring

Spring is here, and the trees are blooming!

Tulip Magnolia

Here comes spring!

survivor

I know our cold snap was nothing like the rest of the country, but it did make a difference for this flowering tree.  Only a few of the early flowers made it through.

Spring in mid-Winter

I know my friends in Northern places don't want to hear it, but yesterday I found this tree in the park.  Not yet in full bloom, but pretty close.  I'm really not gloating, we're supposed to get into the 20's Monday night.  It's just nice to be reminded that spring will come.

Crayola Spring

There's a color in the crayon box called "Spring Green".  Growing up in the west, I never really understood the color, until now.  Here in North Carolina the newest leaves on the tree are a bright glowing green.  The color just makes your eyes happy.

Spring Rain

It's been an up and down spring, rainy and cool, and then sunny and warm.  It makes a nice relief both ways.

Pollen season again

There's a yellow haze in the air.  After a rain the pollen washes into the ponds and streams.  Here a turtle basks out of the pollen.