What a progression we have made in a very short time! It has only been four days since my last update, but so much has happened since then. The last four days have brought much warmer temperatures in the 70s and 80s. We received a little more rain last night (0.34″) and these things combined have really pushed spring growth faster than any rate so far this year. Today, the first magnolia of spring has bloomed on my tree, and I have noticed they are blooming around town. They will quickly reach full bloom by Easter Sunday. I have noticed that spring growth is more progressed in the inner city/suburbs of Des Moines because Magnolias near Downtown Des Moines were already in full bloom yesterday when I passed through – they just started today in the outskirts. Magnolias are my favorite tree, and for this reason, this is my first out of two posts that will feature photos of Magnolias. Another post will be made once full bloom is reached in my area.

I am still quite surprised in just how fast things have leafed out here in southern Iowa. Two days ago, Crab Apples had only buds, and now they are leafing out. They join Lilacs and Willow in trees that have small leaves now. Mid season trees such as Red and Silver Maples have started seed development, which is now making them appear to be getting leaves from a distance. Mid-season flowering trees including Ornamental Pears and Redbuds, which usually bloom at the same time, will be blooming shortly in about a week. These things, along with the grass green-up, has really made it look like spring in the area. Looking at spring growth statewide, the farther north and east you are in Iowa, the farther behind you are, and this backward change happens over a short area. Even Des Moines to Ames makes a small difference. Northeastern Iowa is as far as 2 weeks behind the southwestern part. There, the grass has not greened up significantly and most plants remain dormant. The southern part (Des Moines-Omaha-Bloomfield-Keokuk) is at the same state that I am. Although interestingly enough, there is a thin sliver along the Missouri River up to Sioux City that is also at the same stage I am at, even though they are significantly farther north.

Spring bulbs have progressed exponentially, Daffodils were in full bloom by the day after my last update and Hyacinths quickly joined and now today Tulips have just started to flower. There is normally a bit of a separation between Daffodils and Tulips bloom times but warm temperatures tend to blend everything together. Tulips will be in full bloom by the end of next week.

 

In my last photo the Forsythia had not started to bloom but it popped big time over the last 4 days and is already in full bloom which happened in two days. To the left of the Forsythia Tulips can be seen starting to flower. They will be red. Photos will be posted once full bloom is reached. This photo explains the reason why I like spring-flowering bulbs planted with Forsythia because they always seem to meet blooming times which creates a beautiful display. As far as the season goes we are having a typical spring season and we are at where we are supposed to be. Last year which was a cold year we did not reach the stage we are currently at until April 20th, so quite the difference this year.