In our area of Southern California, one of the first deciduous trees to bloom in the new year is the ornamental pear (
Pyrus calleryana). Last weekend, I noticed that buds had appeared. This weekend, it's in full bloom.
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Pyrus calleryana (variety unknown) |
It's not just our ornamental pear that's suddenly burst into bloom - they're all over. I saw half a dozen in bloom in a shopping center parking lot yesterday. I passed others planted along the streets on my commute. For the most part, I don't even notice these trees except when they're in bloom. They've been used almost to excess here. But I have to admit that, when they bloom, they're a welcome reminder that Spring is just around the corner.
With one exception, all of my other deciduous trees remain utterly bare.
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Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' |
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Fig 'Black Mission' |
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Persimmon 'Fuyu' |
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Plum 'Santa Rosa' |
Our lone, self-fruiting cherry, does have some promising nubs.
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Cherry 'Lapins' |
Our orchid tree, which is semi-deciduous, is the major exception in our garden. It put out new leaves late in the last year and started to bloom in early January.
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Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) |
I inherited all these trees, except the Japanese maple, when we bought the house 2 years ago. Most were put in by the prior owner in the year before our purchase so they're still immature trees. A few also have questionable placements. Only the Persimmon bore any significant amount of fruit last year (which the squirrels and the raccoons got to before we did). I have my fingers crossed that they'll all do better this year. Hopefully, more blooms are just a turn of the calendar away...
I'm a CA native and I miss how early spring comes. Callery pears are better choices for CA than here because they're highly susceptible to storm damage. But I love seeing rows of them in bloom. So fabulous! :o)
ReplyDeleteI thought that blog name might signify time spent somewhere in the Southwest. Virginia is certainly a very different gardening environment. I hope your spring comes early.
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