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.