Saturday (May 31) offered sunnier weather than Friday; which I assume was probably good for business on the second day of our spring market. Personally I did not feel inclined to join the market crowd a second time, though, so did not extend my walk that day further than to the southern end of the city park, to check on some of the purple rhododendrons there - which are seriously impressive when in bloom:
Closer to home, there is a Golden Rain tree (Laburnum) in bloom. These always bring back childhood memories for me, as my grandparents had a whole hedge of them in their garden.
On Sunday it was raining; but there was a break in the downpour in the afternoon, and I managed a short walk (snapping a few raindrop photos without getting too wet myself):
Rhododendron (left) and azaleas (right), and a glimps of the chapel in the background.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Google image search tells me that these green leaves are hostas (also known as funkia) - a name I tend to forget from one summer to the next...
I also noticed some "wild" roses (dog rose) in bloom.
(Like with many other flowers this spring, it seems a bit early?)
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet..."
Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II
Those are some beautiful colours especially with the rain drops on them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy. Azaleas and rhododendron are especially tempting for close-ups as they're at the right height and I don't have to bend down to the ground! (lol)
DeleteYour rhododendron shots are gorgeous!!! Abundant intense color. And the golden Rain Tree is so pretty. I have never seen one here.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I don't think you have them in the US. Wikipedia tells me they're native to the mountain areas of southern Europe.
Deletethese are much better than another trip to the market and all are gorgeous.. wow and wow. love the pics, the colors the HUGE BUSHES!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. Feels like I've taken a million photos of rhododendron and azaleas this spring... I'll have to clear some of them from my Google Photos account or I'll soon have reached my limit there... ;-)
DeleteBeautiful photos, Dawn! I love the colours and details.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. :)
DeleteYour weekend sounds like a gentle balance of nostalgia and nature. Those blooming rhododendrons and golden rain trees must have offered a lovely, quiet contrast to the bustle of the market.
ReplyDeleteRo, I do often find that I prefer the "quiet" walks to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
DeleteThe rhododendron in the city park are proper trees! A wonderful display of purple.
ReplyDeleteMy sister has planted a hosta in her allotment earlier this year, it is coming along nicely, but much of her vegetable plot has been eaten by slugs already, in spite of her putting "anti-slug rings" around each young plant.
Meike, one advantage of just enjoying the greenery and flowers in cemeteries and parks is that the actual "gardening" is not my job... ;-)
DeleteThe plants are beautiful - your weather this year has brought out the best in them! I love hostas too, but don't think they will grow here - they seem to thrive in a cooler, damp climate.
ReplyDeleteA gentle walk away from the crowds is relaxing and soothing and flowering shrubs and trees make it even lovelier.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I totally agree.
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