The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is another early bloomer in the eastern US. The blossoms can be pink, white with pink, purple, or yellow. They are sometimes called “Ann Magnolia” or “Ann Star Magnolia.” I took these photos a couple of weeks ago on a gray day at the same park where the cypress live by the lake.
With many branches still bare, the tulip tree blossoms offered a welcome splash of color.
Thursday Tree Love is hosted by Parul Thakur on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” Sarah Ban Breathnach (Brainy Quotes)
Bradford Pear Blossoms with Bumblebee
The Bradford Pear is considered an ornamental tree. Some people say they are invasive. I say they are prolific and lovely. The bees like them, too. With cross pollination, these trees can produce small berry-like fruit that is reportedly not good to eat raw. I hadn’t noticed the fruit before, but I’ll be looking for it. Bradford Pear Trees are occasionally mistaken for dogwoods that will blossom later with broader, more individualized flowers.
I took these first photos at my church. Hopefully we’ll be back in there soon. Do you see the evergreen mistletoe among the white blossoms?
This tree has been here for many years.
Bradford Pear Tree with Mistletoe
See the bees?
The next photos were taken in my neighborhood. The Bradford Pear Trees are relatively small compared the the pine trees and oaks.
This evening, a storm was forecast but never materialized.
“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” John Muir
At the dentist
As yesterday’s dental appointment approached, I became more apprehensive. I’ve always had a fear of needles and knew I’d have to be numbed for the work I needed on my tooth. Dr. Plage’s reassurance helped. He told me exactly what he was going to do and honored my request to talk about his waterfall photo as a distraction during the numbing shot. It wasn’t that bad. The view through the window also helped ease my tension.
I’ve been going to this dental office for many years and have always appreciated the natural setting of pines and young magnolia trees. Any urban office or business park that keeps lots of trees around gets extra points in my book. Medical and dental offices especially need trees nearby.
During the extensive drilling into my tooth, I constantly reminded myself to relax the tightness in my neck, jaw and shoulders. When we got to take a break, the trees were still there, ever green, life-giving, and lovely, waiting on the other side of the window. After my procedure I walked around the building (discreetly and with permission) to take more photos of the trees and landscaping. Here’s some of what I saw around the dentist’s office building located within the city. The trees have been there for years. I hope they remain. You can click on any picture to see it enlarged.
Pine trees behind the building
pine trees and magnolia
Magnolia leaves
Camellia next to the building
Camellia close up
Something with buds in the parking area
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Thursday tree love is hosted by Parul Thakur on the second and forth Thursday of each month. For more tree love, visit:
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus
This tree caught my attention on a recent walk to the little park near our home. I think this is an oak tree. In the summertime, I don’t think I would be as likely to notice her interesting trunk features or the clumps of mistletoe in the upper branches.
Waiting for Spring
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Thursday Tree Love is hosted on the second and fourth Thursday of each month by Parul Thakur.
My husband David identified this tree as a hemlock. We pass by it often on our walks in the neighborhood, and it stands out as different from the live oaks, pines, dogwoods, magnolias, and other trees common to the area.
In my search, I have not found a photo of a hemlock with such spikey looking leaves. What I have learned is that there are many different kinds of hemlock trees and plants. Some are poisonous and some are not, but it’s always good to be careful.
