Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Spring Loaded

About two weeks earlier than last year, the fruity ornamentals amongst us have erupted. Genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae encompasses the cherries and plums, and cherry plums, and apricots, and quinces, and even peaches — Callery pears also blooming now are another genus w/in Rosaceae– and these small-blossomed beauties are out and about now all over the place, from around the corner……to along Clinton Street:…to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden:At the BBG, all the blossoms brought out the insects, of which I am predicting a bumper year: saw my first Honeybees of the year, as well as hovering carpenter bees, bumble bees, and at least one other species; three species of butterfly, with Cabbage whites all over; lots of flies.

mthew

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5 responses to “Spring Loaded”

  1. Out Walking the Dog

    Or Spring Overloaded, Matthew. What a gorgeous series of photos, but almost like a sugar rush. Whew. I need to get out & look at some dead leaves for balance.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Well, now that the Callery pears are out, it can be overwhelming, but I take these little gems over the behemoths of the saucer magnolias, which rot like flesh once they fall.

      Reply
  2. View From the Back 40 « Backyard and Beyond

    […] hazards of early blooming: tonight’s forecasted hard freeze may KO the ornamental fruit and magnolia blossoms that have run riot for the last week. Or, then again, our […]

    Reply
  3. meemsnyc

    Wow! It’s amazing that the cherry blossoms are already in bloom! Incredible.

    Reply
  4. Sweet, Tart « Backyard and Beyond

    […] they were lucky, because they did not get hit by a frost afterwards. See third picture down on my March 22 post for this plum in bloom. Now it’s full of […]

    Reply

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