Story Behind the Photo: Redbud Tree
Spring has official ‘sprung’ in the Tampa Bay area. After a cooler than average winter, the temperatures have warmed up into the upper 70′s with abundant sunshine. There is virtually no humidity and thanks to some nice afternoon breezes, the air is filled with the sweet perfume of the blooming citrus trees. While I love to see the delicate flowers on the tangelo tree in my back yard each spring, it’s not quite as impressive as the instant burst of color of many other flowering trees that stay dormant over the winter a little further to the north. Living in the Southeastern US for the majority of my life, there was a familiar pattern to spring. First the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths would emerge, sometimes before the last snow or freeze of the winter. Next up was the brilliant yellow of forsythia bushes and the bright pinks of redbud trees which seemed to bloom overnight. From here, the ornamental pear trees and cherry trees would bloom, followed by azaleas and dogwoods, filling the landscape with a sea of color.
I often thought of spring as a “reward” for the dreary days of winter, and always tried to soak it in before the hot, humid days of summer rolled in. Living in a tropical climate in Florida means that there isn’t the same ‘great awakening’ in the spring, and I truly miss the spring flowers. On a trip to California a few years ago in late March, I was delighted to find several plants and trees in-bloom, reminding me of the spring days I enjoyed living in the Southeast. This photo is of a redbud tree taken in downtown Sonoma, California.
Doesn’t it feel GOOD!? Temps finally coming around here in Texas as well. About damn time.
Great image too, very fitting!
March 2, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Thanks Derrick! The weather does feel great!
March 2, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Oh I soo much long for this period but I think we’ll have to wait until May to see tree flowers like these and the temps are also to long for. I remember when I visited Florida in mid/end Feb 4 yrs ago. It was a really nice time and perfect temps for me. Thank you soo much for raising my hope that the spring will come this year too
. Thanks for sharing a lovely photo.
March 3, 2011 at 12:43 am
I’m glad you enjoyed it Anki! Spring will come, I promise!
March 3, 2011 at 9:59 am
What a cheerful photo, that color is amazing and cheer me up completely after a busy stressful day. Great job, love your works!
March 14, 2011 at 4:28 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Redbuds do have truly amazing color!
March 14, 2011 at 4:48 pm