Summary

The web content is a reflective piece celebrating the beauty and joy of flowering trees throughout the seasons, particularly in New England, and their significance in lifting spirits, especially after winter.

Abstract

The article captures the essence of seasonal transformation through the lens of flowering trees in New England. It describes the anticipation of spring's arrival, marked by the blossoming of various trees such as apple, pear, magnolia, and quince, and the accompanying awakening of nature. The author expresses a deep appreciation for the visual feast provided by these trees, from the red mist of silver maple blooms to the delicate beauty of magnolia flowers. The narrative extends into summer, acknowledging the flowering shrubs that continue the spectacle beneath the tree canopy. Even as autumn approaches and fewer trees bloom, the European spindle tree is noted for its persistent beauty and the role of birds in its propagation. The piece concludes by acknowledging the end of the treetop bloom season, yet recognizing the colorful display put on by the trees before they shed their leaves for winter.

Opinions

The author holds a strong affection for flowering trees, viewing them as a source of joy and a harbinger of spring's arrival.
There is a sense of wonder in the way the author describes the transformation of the landscape as trees come into bloom.
The author appreciates the diversity of flowering times among different tree species, which extends the season of beauty.
The beauty of flowering trees is seen as a means to raise one's gaze and spirits, especially after the dormancy of winter.
The author notes the invasive nature of some non-native trees, like the European spindle tree, but still acknowledges their beauty and the ecological interactions with birds.
The piece suggests that even the end of the blooming season offers a final colorful display, which is cherished by the author.

RECIPROCAL NATURE PROMPT

Flowering Trees Keep Us Looking Up

And feeling joy as nature stands tall and celebrates

Photo by William J Spirdione (magnolia tree in bloom)

When I think about flowering trees I think first about spring.

Growing up and living my whole life in New England our long winters have us waiting for color in the trees. White and pink blooms covering whole orchards of apple trees above the bright yellow dandelion blooms. Bees buzzing and the long green grass swaying in the breeze.

I am already looking forward to the spring flowering spectacular

Photo by William J Spirdione (pear tree)

Each tree has its own flowering time on nature’s calendar. It brings joy watching the changes of color in the canopy.

Photo by William J Spirdione (magnolia flower buds in spring)

Looking up at the rapidly expanding magnolia flower buds,

I turn and spring is here with the silver maple blooms. Each individual bloom so insignificant.

Photo by William J Spirdione (Pear with silver maple above)

Together in its multitudes a red mist raises the eyes and spirits. Especially after the garden and forest’s long cold winter rest.

Photo by William J Spirdione (quince tree)

So many trees burst into bloom as the weather gets progressively warmer.

Any walk or drive under the flowering trees lining the road brings joy.

photo by William J Spirdione (magnolia tree)

Quince blooms sit atop flat green leaves while magnolia blooms are large saucers held delicately above its still naked branches.

Both raise the eyes with the magnificence of flowering trees.

Photo by William J Spirdione (beauty bush)

As spring turns to summer the flowering shrubs, the lilacs, the beauty bush, the butterfly bush, rhododendrons and azaleas, hydrangeas, hibiscus, weigelas, so many more, all take their turn just below the canopy. We will leave them for another time.

This story is about the trees

Photo by William J Spirdione (European spindle tree)

And now that autumn has reached the trees

only a few trees are in flower in the soon to be below freezing temperatures. Most are not native and some are invasive like the beautiful European spindle tree running its way down the roadside. What looks like flowers are ripening fruits, poisonous to us, that are attractive to birds who eat and spread the small tree further with their droppings.

It is always a beautiful sight to see.

Photo by William J Spirdione (red oak tree)

While we may not have many more treetop blooms to enjoy

the flowering trees still give us one more colorful Autumn show before they bare their branches for winter.

Written in response to Dr. Preeti Singh and her Reciprocal nature prompt ‘flowering trees’. Please read about the joy flowering trees can bring us, and more information about the prompt below…

The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms Splashed Color In My Life

Flowering trees bring joy to our lives

medium.com

Come see the cherry trees in bloom with Joyce Nielsen…

What a Glorious Sight To See Cherry Trees in Bloom in Washington, DC

Every spring around the end of March, our nation’s Capitol grounds transform. Over 3700 flowering cherry trees burst…

medium.co

See sun shine through the rain with Monoreena Acharjee Majumdar…

Silhouettes My Shadows Don’t Meet

Yeoubi- The sun Shining Through Rain

medium.com

Thank you, Reciprocal, and its editors, Sahil Patel, Yana Bostongirl, and Dr. Preeti Singh, for all the continuing support you give to the writers of this fine publication.