April 26, 2010

The Silver Tree.

Our birch tree is finally almost in full "yellow" bloom. Not even the snow and hail last week could slow down its progress. In fact, the buds at the base of the catkins, which will give rise to new leaves very soon, are now obvious.

I can sense that the sun is very important when it comes to the birch. Some of our trees are ahead of others; this seems to be all depending on their position and exposure to the vital rays. I have just recently realized, that there are many different kinds of birch trees. In fact, some do not display that characteristic white bark, that makes our Scandinavian birch stand out among other trees found in the North. It can therefore be easily distinguished from other kinds and is named the Silver Birch.

As this past weekend was sunny and warm, the change in the images below is more obvious (please click to enlarge). There has been some rearrangement of our garden furniture, but besides that, the birch appears more yellow than brown and a green hue is now visible almost on all the bushes. Cherry tree bloom is imminent and even though not obvious from the pictures below, the first birch tree pollen fills the air.

27 comments:

Avo said...

Digging the lovely pictures and clear writing, which characterize your posts. Always a pleasure to visit.

J Cosmo Newbery said...

They are a lovely tree. A bit too popular with the possums, though.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

it turns greener...
Happy Monday!

Brian Miller said...

smiles. my backyard is in full on green mode! the grape vine is starting to leaf, the pears...lots and lots of green as i look out over the back....

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Oh my, what a lovely tree. You take such grand pictures. I really do enjoy my visits here! Wishing you well! Cathy

Rebecca said...

This is a beautfiul tree....

Always loved weeping willows and my lilac was spectacular last week..The winds did a number on it over the weekend, though...The wisteria is still climbing and in full bloom...Happy Spring!

Sukanya said...

Its always gives us that unique kind of joy when we see our trees turning green :) Lovely pictures and vivid writing as always :)

Cheers,
Sukanya

Julie Hibbard said...

I love to track the return of the green with you! So nice to share the Spring with you! :)

S. Susan Deborah said...

Zuzana:

Again your post shows an eye for detail and interest in landscape. We almost ahve become a virtual part of your home area.

Glad to be around.

Joy always,
Susan

Reading Tea Leaves said...

The difference is just discernible isn't it and proves that every single day nature is nudging forward in her unique way. I love following the progress of your birch tree Zuzana - it has taken on a life of its own! Moving the garden furniture allows you to enjoy each area as as it comes into leaf or bud. Wonderful!

Enjoy the rest of your day, my friend.

Jeanne
xx

Anonymous said...

Don't you just love the gifts we discover daily? Enjoy!!!

Anonymous said...

Your birch tree is coming along nicely and your yard is so beautiful.

Sandy said...

Good Morning Zuzana!
Our River Birch is leafing out in all its glory now. It looks stunning. I love it because when you enter our home - we have a traditional Colonial with the center hall going from front to back - the first thing you see looking down the hallway to the back of the house is our River Birch. It is such a pretty sight. Yours is coming along quite nicely. It's another damp, cold, ugly, wet, dark rainy day here but the trees, shrubs and GRASS is loving all this water. By the time our lawn mowers come this week the grass will be knee high. LOL! It is so thick and dark green. Just a day to relax for us - do some blogging and crocheting and I'm happy. We hope to take a short RV trip at the end of this week when the weather improves to get the RV all set up for our Alaska trip this summer. The time is going by quickly and it will be here before we know it. Have a lovely day dear friend!

Hugs,
Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Lulda Casadaga said...

Well, we have an abundance of blooms here in NO VA. Everyday I notice something new popping up. What a wonderful season! Enjoy!! :)
I would love to read a book under your tree...or maybe take a nap! LOL

Bhushavali said...

Enjoy a sunny warm summer dear.. :)

Musings at Elephanta Caves
Dressed up as a Bridesmaid

steviewren said...

Love how you track the seasonal changes through your birch tree. All the leaves are out on the trees here. Weeds are growing like crazy. I mowed the front yard yesterday and used the leaf blower to clean the walkway, the driveway and some of the flowerbeds. I'm dead today!

Roger Gauthier said...

The weeping silver... Beautiful. OK, you've got an early start on us From The North, but don't fret, we'll beat you on the long run: we'll have snow before you even learn how to whisper the word. :-)

Have a smile...

sprinkles said...

I'm really glad you're doing this each week. It's a wonderful reminder to me to really look at each detail.

Your tree does look like it's getting greener!

Kat_RN said...

I have always liked Birch trees. I have not seen any in our area, but they grow well in the Rocky Mountains where I grew up. Isn't it wonderful to see the season change?
Kat
p.s. I would love to see a picture of your thisles, I did not know they came in any other color.

Rajesh said...

The differences are very much evident. I am glad the weather is very pleasant there.

sallymandy said...

I love your posts about the seasonal changes in your yard! Makes me happy to remember you doing it last year, too. ♥

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Your beautiful garden is slowly awaking dearest Zuzana...I'm so excited to experience this magical transformation through your blog...

Cheers: Evi

Claus said...

There is a visible difference!! Isn't it exciting to appreciate the "green" changes in nature? and how things grow and bloom?!
have a great week ahead!
*hugs*

Kath said...

My neighbour is complaining, she ia allergic to the pollen apparently, but I love my birch, they have white bark, which I have to "help" to peel off!

Zuzana said...

Alesa, Cosmo, Jingle, Brian, Cathy, Rebecca, Sukanya, Julie, Susan, Jeanne, Zuzu, Ladycat, Sandy, Lulda, Mitr, Stevie, Roger, sprinkles, Kat, Rajesh, sallymandy, Evi, Claudia and Kath, it warms my heart to know that you enjoy watching the progress of my tree with me. Indeed, the difference will from now on become exponentially palpable, as the spring is finally catching up.

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by and admire my tree – I always appreciate all your kind comments.

Xoxo
Zuzana

Cheryl Kohan said...

That is a beautiful birch tree...I didn't realize how many varieties there are! I know they can be sensitive to climate. That's a lovely garden, Zuzana.

Zuzana said...

Thank you dear Cheryl, I always enjoy your visits.;) xo