Royal Star Magnolia May 7th 2013

Spring growth is continuing this week. Weather has been up and down, we had 2 80 degree days here in Rochester, then Thursday it was only 58.F, there was plentiful sunshine some days and an all day rain 1.20″ fell on Thursday. In bloom this week, Magnolias have bloomed and have now reached full bloom. The Magnolia above is my Royal Star Magnolia, I have never seen it so full of flowers! Daffodils and Hyacinths are now past their peak and are on their way out but Tulips are taking the show and are in full bloom. Forsythia have bloomed and are at their peak right now and look great. Redbud trees are just starting to bloom and will soon reach full bloom. We are at least a month behind where we were last year and about a week and a half behind where we should be.

Light pink Magnolia May 7th 2013

This light pink Magnolia is in an area I walk in. The blooms remind of Royal Star blooms but the smell is very weak and the blooms are a faint pink which is easily bleached out by the sun.

Forsythia May 7th 2013

This is the 1st full spring for this Forsythia. I really enjoy the early blooms of this bush, this plant has made it on my list for mush have plants for my new house.

Susan Magnolia May 7th 2013

This is a new Magnolia variety I got for my new house, the blooms are larger and are a very reliable pink color which will not fade. They have a lemony scent, I am looking forword to see how this variety does in my new Iowan landscape.

Tulips May 7th 2013

The Tulips began blooming early this week and have reached full bloom since I’ve taking this picture. These Pink Tulips are in their second spring if this garden. Last year I was disappointing by their dull color, but now that I have added other color Tulips to this garden last fall I really like the combination of the two. I will post a picture once all of the Tulips are blooming.

Norway Maples May 7th 2013

Trees have progressed significant since the snowstorm. Earlier trees and bushes such as Crab Apple and Lilacs are completely leafed out with flower buds exposed and Mid trees are currently leafing out, Aspen, Maple, Elms, Birches, Lindens among others. Late trees such as Oaks and Honey Locusts are starting to break bud and will soon be leafing out. Temperature swings this week onto the cool side may slow things down but a 90+ degree day Tuesday will likely speed things up substantially.