ground work
There are flowers of spring I await with great anticipation, because they are the sure signs of the season. And as if a timer went off, many of them appeared during the past week. I always do turns around the place, camera in hand, to see what is around.
The aspen trees started to put out "catkins" several weeks ago and they are in full flower now. They don't smell, and because they lack petals, I did not know catkins were flowers. But these long, slim, drooping, prehistoric-looking things are the pollen-producing mechanisms for many trees, including the aspen, cottonwood, and willows, among others, in New Mexico. They are pollenated by the wind or anemochory, and there is certainly an ample supply of spring wind in New Mexico. Soon they will fall to the ground to be replaced by lovely spring green leaves.
In the mean time, I was on the hunt for Easter daisies, and had my first sighting yesterday, while clipping and deadheading last year's dried plant material. Since they are in the sunflower or Asteraceae family, and therefore driven by the sun each day, you won't see the blooms early in the morning. I probably stepped on some as I started to work. They are pretty darned small and tend to blend into the soil and rocks. Here is a lovely bouquet that measures about two inches across, along with a single flower shown below.
Easter daisies 2020
Easter daisies 5 - 2020
The filaments in the flower here are a study unto themselves.
Easter daisies 3 - 2020
The first narcissus bloomed this week as well - bright, yellow, and awaiting the viewer's accolades.
flowers - narcissus 2 2020
flowers - narcissus 2020
Given the uncertainty in the world, courtesy of COVID-19 among other things, I hope that all of you are finding joy and new discoveries in your surroundings, and that you are staying safe and well. Thank you Marilyn, Barbara, Christina, Terry T., Dianne, TTT, Jean and Sam, Claudia, Ingrid, Steve, and Lisa S. for your comments this week. It was wonderful to hear from you!
until next Monday,
DB
a passion for the image@
Comments
The Lilacs are emerging from winter, as well as the Rhubarb, Hollyhock, and Blue Flax. Buds are swelling on the cherry and apple trees, and already opening on the crab apple trees. I have some honeysuckle on order to support the hummingbirds and bees, and still have perennials and annuals to plant this year, for the same reason. I've planted over 200 tomatoes that I will share with friends/neighbors. I hope to dehydrate many of the Roma types this year for homemade sauces and pizza next winter. I've heard that the season might be shorter this year, due to a predicted grand solar minimum trend. This might take a little extra work, come Fall, to extend the season. I hope the flowers will help make up the difference. More bees, more veggies and fruit.
I so look forward to your blog each week. Have a wonderful week! <3
The cactus flowers are looking great as we walk the neighborhood.
Hunkered down. Stay safe.