We have reached mid-spring splendor here in Southern Iowa, and what a beautiful place to be at this time of year! I hope everyone is taking in the chance to notice in the changing seasons as we have reached one of the most beautiful stages of the year.  Here on the south side of the state, about two-thirds of all tree species are flowering or in the stage of leafing out. Mid-season trees such as Oak, Elm, Maples are just about to begin to develop leaves. Magnolias and flowering cherries are in full bloom currently and are gracing old neighborhoods with wonderful displays of whites and pinks. Redbud and Flowering Pears are just shy of the flowering stage, as are Lilacs and Flowering crabapples. When one looks across the urban canopy, it is now clearly noticeable that trees are starting to develop leaves, and with warm temperatures this week, I expect trees to start to leaf out even faster now.

I would like to take a little bit of time featuring a stunning Magnolia I noticed over the winter while visiting Winterset. Pictured here is a very old and large Saucer Magnolia located at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Winterset. I wonder what the history is behind this beautiful tree – I have already made contacts to Madison County to try and dig up some history. The courthouse was built in 1876 so this tree could potentially be over 100 years old! You can find this beautiful tree on the Southeast corner of the Madison County Courthouse in Winterset, it is in full bloom now.

There is so much color in the landscape right now from so many different plants and shrubs. This is a PJM Rhododendron in Downtown Des Moines.

Everything is coming together nicely. This is my Magnolia which has finally reached full bloom. This is the Marilyn variety. The smell is very sweet and the flowers are huge! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I purchased this but I am quite happy with it. It blooms at the same time as Saucer, the type of Magnolia I was originally aiming for.

In the spring bulb garden, Tulips and Hyacinths are now the main show. Some of the Daffodils along with the rest of the spring bulbs are fading fast. Now is the time to enjoy area spring flowers! I really noticed the summer perennials have really started to pop up this week. Grasses, Liatris, and Lillies will eventually replace the spring garden as the season progresses into summer.

If you have not noticed the greening-up grass last week, then you must have certainly noticed it this week! After we thunderstorms over the past several days, the grass is so lush and rich green – it almost looks like an image from an enhanced a movie set. It is already almost time to begin mowing lawns, and for some, this has already started.