Around the base of the olive tree, the jonquils have sent up their spring-green spears and tiny teacup-blooms. Just a few are opening. More will probably open if we get the rain that is forecast for tomorrow. We've had a nice rainy season thus far so the jonquils have a beautiful green backdrop of winter grasses and oxalis that showcase the blooms wonderfully.
The loquat tree is sending out its second set of blooms this winter. The first set of blooms were too early in January and ended up shriveled and frostbitten. I was afraid that meant no loquats this year, but apparently the loquat has a back-up plan in place--making my concern was unnecessary.
Every year nature teaches me a little bit more about resiliency and just "going with the flow". The loquat was the first to teach me this year.
Nestled among the brown stems of dormant water iris, garlic and canna lilies, a brilliant (and somewhat tattered) gazania is blooming near the edge of the pond. Every year I watch it do this in the depths of January... every year. I don't know why. It just does. Consistent, resilient, strong and determined this 10+ year old gazania plant has taught and continues to teach me many lessons if I am quiet enough to hear them.
Only another week or two and I know I'll be spotting the first almond tree in bloom on one of our surrounding hills. Then I'll know that spring has truly arrived. In the meantime, I find little harbingers of spring nestled in corners of our little garden... and each one makes me smile.
I love your flowers! My yard is covered in snow and it was -2F today. No signs of spring anywhere yet.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send some lovely spring flowers and warmth your way, Holly.
DeleteHow is that possible?! It's still January and we have at least another 3 months of winter ahead of us. *sigh* More proof that you have an Eden in your back yard.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of the many blessings of being in a Mediterranean climate, Carolynn. We get spring in February. It's why I couldn't imagine living in a colder climate again now that I'm used to this.
DeleteOh Cindy to my spring starved eyes, that have been so blinded by white and will be for such a long time...those photos are stunning. Actually even in summer those photos are stunning.
ReplyDeleteJen
Jen--I thought of you as I was post processing these. Seriously. I'm so happy to know they gave you joy.
DeleteI will have my January spring vicariously via yours! We have sub zero wind chills right now and not a bit of spring in sight. Do you have Cardinals? They are my splash of Gazinnia red :)
ReplyDeleteWe don't have the pleasure of cardinals and I so wish we did! I didn't finally get to see one in real life until we were driving through Missouri about 10 years ago. Such a gorgeous shade of red!
DeleteWhat a lovely spring tour. I love the early CA spring you have. We had that in Palmdale too. Here... spring is still months away. But I'm ok with that.
ReplyDelete{{Hugs}}
What a comforting post Cindy. Thank you! We've just ended out several week long (unusual) cold snap and are back to rain. Yuck! Like you, if I just relax and go with the flow, there are never substantial reasons to worry or get in a fuss. Life, like nature is quite resilient. So many lessons I still have to learn...*sigh* But, I'm learning ever so slowly. Your garden sounds so pretty and peaceful. Thanks for the nice message the other day. :) You made me smile. So, we both talk too much. There's worse things.
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