Thursday, July 31, 2008

Tom And Cherry

Despite The Frost, The Blooms Are Appearing

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


The power of Nature never ceases to amaze me. We've had heavy frost every morning, with the lawns looking as if someone's spray-painted them white. We've had ice on the cars every morning. But the cherry and quince trees that began budding three weeks ago are now starting to open coyly into tiny pink starbursts. It's almost as if the branches are covered with minuscule pieces of pink popcorn.

The golden wattle is in full bloom as well, a sure reminder that there is just over a month to go until spring. And the days are getting longer, too. Every evening the sun sets about a minute later and the long evening shadows have a certain golden glow to them.

And if you look carefully at the frame below, you'll see raindrops on the gently curved branches. To a land hit hard by drought, there can be no greater blessing.

22 comments:

Jenn: said...

You really captured the delicacy of the blossoms in that last photo. Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh that is so pretty and I love the way you describe the bud as pink popcorn. Very nice!

Nessa said...

I love the clarity of the small buds surrounded by the softness.

Sam Fox said...

How lovely! I have noticed the wild cherry flowering along the roadsides here too, but they are a deeper pink, not quite as delicate as your wonderful shots, but very cheery. Spring is a comin'!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Blossoms and blessings....wonderful. Isn't it great that we can enjoy the seasons in the opposite hemispheres via blogging! Here in Southern California I am looking forward to Autumn, and you, Spring. I love that.

Lee said...

David, those are so beautiful! We don't have the climate for cherry blossoms in South Texas. So while I've seen pictures of them in full bloom like from Washington DC, I've never seen them opening. Thank you so much for sharing these. :)

Cheers!

dixymiss said...

Lovely. The first signs of Spring take one's breath away...

Christine said...

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Charles Gramlich said...

Gorgeous.

Texas Travelers said...

Beautiful photos. I love the first flower buds on the trees.

No frost here in Texas, it's been 105 for a couple of days in Ft. Worth.

Come visit anytime,
Troy

holly said...

frost eh? well at least the rain we're getting's beating *something*. the welsh have a definition of summer that i am unfamiliar with.

that SAID...i wouldn't mind the frost so much if i could snap stuff like this. beauty, david.

Les Becker said...

Spectacular, David. I need to get clicking - you are putting me to shame!

Cath said...

You are so right - no greater blessing at all. I am amazed at how pink that blossom is in such a harsh climate. Beautiful.

On Tuesday (5th), have a look at my post because there'll be an award for you. I'll be away too so it's a scheduled post for 1am Tuesday (my time zone - so after lunch for you!)

San said...

Luscious.

Leslie: said...

Seems strange to hear about frost in the midst of our summer, but your world will be right-side up in 6 months' time. ;D

Jules~ said...

Simply beautiful. No words can even properly describe.

RiverPoet said...

Beautiful shots of the raindrops and blossoms. Is there anything sweeter than the promise of spring?

Peace - D

Pietro Brosio said...

Wonderful.
So delicate, with pastel colours.

Hilary said...

Lovely! You much have really mild winters to allow that kind of growth mid-season.

i beati said...

I could gaze upon these buds and blooms al day - promises

cheshire wife said...

Great photos as always.

Don't wish for too much rain, you might get more than you want.

Louise said...

Absolutely beautiful. So hard to imagine that happening right now while we're in the throes of summer.