Today was a beautiful day in Des Moines. We had a high of 85.F here in Fairmount Park, 84.F officially at the airport. Many people were taking advantage of Easter Sunday and spending time outside! Much progress has been made this week in terms of our season as temperatures have been very warm the past couple days in the 70s to middle 80s and we have gotten much needed rain last week. The combination of the nearly 2″ of rain and summer like warmth has lead to very fast progress in a short time frame. We are now sliding into mid spring growth/bloom in the sense that grass is lush green and mowing has started and trees have really started to leaf out.

Plants in bloom this week include, Daffodils which is not a new addition but have reached full bloom earlier this week and Forsythia ( continuing ) New to this week are Magnolias, Grape hyacinths, Wood violets, Tulips, which I’ve seen blooming along the sheltered south side of peoples houses, Siberian squill. Cherry trees are also blooming. In trees species that are leafing out or flowering include, Crab apple, Hackberry, Elm species, Maples and Willows. When looking across the urban canopy in the city there is a spotting of green along with brown. Summer perennials are up and leafing out. Most plants at this point have broken dormancy accept for late trees like Oak species.

Above is a beautiful mixture of spring blooming bulbs and a forsythia shrub I put together, which includes 3 different colors of daffodils. Across south central Iowa, gardens are and parks everywhere are beautiful and full of blooming plants. Magnolias trees grace the city and country landscapes with flowers and wonderful fragrance. People should take the time over the next week to enjoy the beautiful landscape!

Above is a photo of some interesting plants. The grape hyacinths came with the house which are really responding well after I pulled the grass and cut the huge weedy tree that was shading them out earlier this spring. While weeding I left some wood violets and I have really come to love the combination of the 2 blooming together! Also I had to find a place for my home states state flower in my garden, the Wood Violet, Wisconsin state flower.

Above is the Royal Star Magnolia I planted in my front yard this spring. I really fell in love with this Magnolia in 2010 when I planted one in my hometown yard. The flowers are pure white, smaller then Saucer Magnolia and very fragrant! I found out squirrels unfortunately also like Magnolia flower buds and one ate some of the buds before they opened. I had to fence the entire tree off to protect the remaining buds.

Above is a photo of a beautiful Saucer Magnolia tree in my neighborhood. This is the first time I’ve seen one in person as I now live in an area that has a warm enough climate that they can grow! The flowers on these are pale pink and fragrant, the blooms are also very large. The tree its self is larger and stunningly beautiful when covered in flowers! Some day I would love to add one of these this to my lawn.I have a Susan Magnolia in the lawn that has deep purple flowers which has yet up bloom. I will post photos once it flowers.

Coming soon to bloom are continuing Tulips & late Magnolias, ornamental pear, Redbud and Crab apples, all which cover the city and will make for beautiful photos when that time comes.

Today the area saw low to mid 80s for highs. This made for an above normal day. This is the 2nd time parts of the area has seen middle 80 degree highs.

High April 20th

Fairmount Park- My Sta. 85.F
Perry 85.F
Des Moines International 84.F
Pella 84.F
Ankney 82.F
Ames 82.F
Boone 82.F
Newton 82.F
Marshalltown 81.F
Knoxville 81.F