Pink . . . Pink . Pink .

Redbud . . .

Crabapple . . .

 

Another crabapple . . . 

 

And a real apple becoming . . . 

 

Springing

The house above Heck Creek is perched on the slope of a south-facing ridge back in a cove so there isn't a long distance view.  What I do see when I look out my kitchen window is the hill across the way.  I love to watch the changing seasons.

 

 

On a sunny morning in late March, you can see the faintest tinge of green on some of the deciduous trees.  Looking closely, you can see the flowers on the red maples.

 

 

A Sunny Day--Finally!

It was a beautiful day today along Heck Creek.  After days and days of snow, rain, clouds and damp, it was so wonderful to see the sun and blue skies today.  Not a cloud in the sky--just an early rising moon to the east.

I was outside for a bit.  If you looked closely, you could see buds swelling slightly on many plants.   Maybe Spring won't be too much longer in coming.

 

 

Imbolc

On the Deck

 

the Hill across the Way

First Snow

An old Appalachian tradition of walking barefoot in the first snow . . .

 

 

Snow on the hill across the way . . .

 

 

Hydrangea

It's been rainy and unseasonably cool here at the house above Heck Creek.  Yesterday's high was 64 degrees, and today's was 67.  

The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is blooming.  The panicles are so large and heavy (especially with the rain), they can't remain upright.

Winter Flowers

Amaryllis!

Botany note:  The plant family Amaryllidaceae contains 75 genera.  The plants commonly called surprise lily and naked ladies are in the genus Amaryllis.  The winter blooming bulbs we grow inside are actually in the genus Hippeastrum!

-------

Happy Hogmanay

Snaps from Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum--It's as good as fire works! 

---