Monday 30 March 2009

'What do the trees look like in your area?'

I have been entranced with Sabino Canyon's images of cacti mingled with deciduous trees in their spring foliage. Diane C. asks us the question 'What do the trees look like in your area?' Here is my response.

The magpie in the above image was an instance of serendipity (also a recent topic of Diane's!) I had not noticed it perch in the sunlit twigs as I took the photograph.


Emerging from the shade of the conifers, you meet the softly coloured trunks of birches.

A tenacious leaf from yesteryear shines among the twigs of a young birch in bud.

Laugh in delight at the wriggly branches of Corylus contorta cascading before red dogwood stems!


Pleached limes make a bold ink-like statement across the March sky.



As the sun lowers its light, the papery bark of Prunus serrula gleams like a mystic aura among pale twigs.


A Spring surge of shimmering green and vermilion!

14 comments:

Diane AZ said...

I am so delighted to see what's happening with the trees in your area and your surprise magpie! Lovely to see the old leaf on the birch with new buds. I've never seen anything like that squiggly Corylus contorta or the Prunus serrula bark that looks aflame! Thank you for sharing all of these marvelous tree pictures.

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Diane - glad you've enjoyed the trees. The squiggly Corylus branches always make me think of permed hair when it has just come out of the rollers!!

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

What great pictures. I just love the birches, they look pretty no matter what season. I'm anxiously watching the leaf buds grow on the Japanese maples!

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Catherine! I love watching buds grow - spring is such a wonderful time.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Phoenix. Beautiful trees. Are you anywhere near Iowa? Minnesota has birch and conifers... just guessing. :-) Love the corylus contorta!!

Phoenix C. said...

Hi Shady Gardener. I'm in the north of the UK. Quite chilly a lot of the time, hence all the cacti being in glasshouses here! I've not visited the US, but would like to some day, blogging has opened my eyes to the diversity of landscape and plantlife!

lynn'sgarden said...

Thanks for these photos, that last one is great! The sunlight does wonderful things in the landscape doesn't it. Thanks also for adding on to my Follow list :)
Lynn

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Lynn. The sunlight on trees and the landscape has always fascinated me. I love the atmosphere it creates.

The Weaver of Grass said...

The daffodils must be almost over at Thorpe Perrow now but they always give a good show. Thanks for visiting my blog - call again.

Phoenix C. said...

Hello Weaver of Grass. Thorp Perrow is a fantastic place. I've not been there to see the daffodils this year - wish I was closer! I love the White Walk too when all the blossom is out.

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

Lovely tree shots!!

Phoenix C. said...

Thank you Monica!

Barbara Martin said...

All things trees and plants are good for the soul.

Phoenix C. said...

I so agree, Barbara!