Magnificent Magnolia

Today it's Hanami Matsuri (Cherry blossom celebration) in Japan.

The Japanese Cherry (Sakura) is flowering now.

Usually I prefer the smaller flowers of a cherry, apple or pear tree.

But right now the big Magnolia trees in front of this old house are stunning!

I just couldn't pass without taking some photo's...

Pretty Pears

White

When we arrived here in 2006 there was a plum tree in our back yard. In wintertime this area flooded regularly. It was more like a bog garden. The tree itself was a poor looking specimen but the early blossom was to die for. So we held on to this tree for a couple more years but finally we had to cut
it down.

February 2009 we've planted 7 Pyrus chanticleer espaliers on higher ground, parallel to our drive.

We wanted to improve the view from our kitchen window on the 3-layer apartment block next-door.

First the kenderman dug a deep narrow trench all the way to the back of the garden. For that he needed
a power shovel. He really enjoyed using that digger :) He placed a drainage pipe, added a layer of recycled shells and stones and filled up with the original ground and lots of compost.

After 6 years I would say the trees are "coping" but not thriving. A professional told us the trees are infected with a fungus called Venturia inaequalis. But lets try and focus on the bright side.... 

the blossom is gorgeous!

Blossom

Although it's getting colder the blackberry bush is still flowering.

Catkins

Spring

Our pear trees are blossoming. It's just stunning!

Blackthorn

We spotted this blossoming Blackthorn during our walk on sunday.
The Blackthorn in our garden is still asleep :)

Spring

A blossoming Prunus dulcis branche at my windowsill

I could swear spring is in the air!

Temperatures are rising, birds are singing, plant and flower buds are swelling.
I have been seeing a brimstone butterfly (citroentje) although it's still
possible to get some severe frost and snow in March or April.

Gorgeous

Blossom

When we came home today, we noticed that the first flowers
of our pear trees must have opened during the daytime.

Eventually all the pink flowerbuds of our pear trees will transform in beautiful white flowers.
We planted these trees ourselves about 4 years ago and each year we are so glad we did!

Winter Blossom

Cuckoo flower

The cuckoo flower (also known as meadow cress, lady's smock and Cardamine pratensis)

is blossoming!

It's always nice to see this small flower in our field again.

The flowers in our field are increasing every year.

 Thanks to the way my kenderman mows our grass.

Just a few times a year using an old scythe.

The orange tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines), here sitting on a garlic mustard

plant (Alliaria petiolata), loves the cuckoo flower as well.

Is There Anybody Out There?

I know, I've only just begun.
But it would be so nice to hear from you!
And I know you are out there :-)

Just know I really enjoy reading your reactions!

Blooming

The weather got colder so the flowers of the pears will last longer.

But I hear the weatherman talking about possibly snow with Easter!

Blossoming pears

The flowers of the pear trees have just started opening.

Blossoming pears

I can't wait for the pears to flower!

The temperature is rising now.

These pictures were made in 2011.