One of my favorite trees is currently coming into (bract) bloom – the Chinese dogwood. Unlike its American cousin, this species sets its flowers on display after the foliage has leafed out. Here are charms to both, though I happen to prefer the later blooming period of these as the weather is usually (ahem) nicer by this point in the year. Clearly that’s not the case this year.
Rain or shine, the blooms are coming on, and after a reasonably mild winter they are happily intact. (Especially frigid seasons will diminish the blooms, which are set by the fall.) I’ve noticed that in the splendid rhododendron plants in the neighborhood too – a mild winter makes for a spectacular floral show.
