Walking through Blossom

It's hard not to be awestruck at this time of year... the bursting forth of life, the abundance of colour, and the explosion of blossoms. On this last day of April, this post pays homage to a month of blossom.

The abundant cherry and plum blossoms are such a common part of the landscape it is easy to take them for granted. I've lived here now for five years, and still am amazed by these almost other-worldly transformations of trees. 

It's the end of April... the end of cherry blossom season. Beacon Hill Park.

While the cherry and plum blossoms are pastel pink, rhododendrons are vibrant and ostentatious. This was taken on Niagara Street.

Pink just doesn't stop... Montreal street

Rhododendrons outside James Bay United Church. I like how the pink and rust tones work together.

And of course, there are other colours besides pink! Tulips at the James Bay Inn on Government Street

The bluish-purple of camas. Most of the camas meadows are not fenced, and I'm not sure why this small area in Beacon Hill Park is, other than, perhaps as a study plot. I was surprised at how many more flowers were blooming inside the enclosed area! The white are a few fawn lilies at the end of their blooming season, and there's one yellow non-native daffodil.

I loved this window design at the Visitor Information Centre, with the reflection of the Empress Hotel in the background. The artist is Brianna Bear of the Songhees Nation. Her artist statement speaks to how we view dandelions as "weeds" but, what is a weed, really? She points out how dandelions can be used for teas, and salad greens. (Note: If you look closely, you can see the photographer's reflection in the glass!)

I'll finish this post with a spring image of a different sort.

Delicate Western Sword Fern (native) emerges, with non-native bluebells in the foreground.

Enjoy this season of renewal!