Spring Has Sprung !

 Spring has sprung and nature is awaking, generously  providing us with her beauty. This tree, just beyond our front gate, is a perfect shape and laden with wild cherry blossom.

                                                   

My favourite scenes at this time of year are of blossom and buds on a backdrop of an interesting skyscape.                                                     

Let’s have a close-up of this: it’s blossom of the pear tree, aka pyrus.  Known since pre-historic times, this tree is found throughout Europe, N Africa and Asia, preferring coastal and temperate climates. It produces clusters of white 5-petalled flowers and its wood is used to produce instruments and furniture. It is seen as symbolizing divine sustenance, abundance and longevity.

                                                  

Next we have the prunus dulcis, the sweet almond tree. This is native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. It is one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees and, given the right conditions, can live for up to 100 years. In Jordan there is evidence of domesticated almond trees dating back 5000 years. Its blossom is a delicate pink and Van Gogh was in its thrall, creating many studies of it. The almond kernel, or drupe, enjoys a superfood profile, being an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium as well as being capable of strengthening the immune system. It is understandable, then, that it symbolises sweetness, charm and delicacy.

                                                   

My favourite is the peach tree or prunus persia which produces the most beautiful blooms, ranging along the entire pink spectrum. It was when Alexander the Great conquered Persia around 3000 BC that this tree first became known in Europe. Native to China, that culture holds it dear and believes it to represent immortality. Its wood is used to ward off evil and manufacture weapons, while the blossom is used in the production of cosmetics and perfume. It is associated with luck and prosperity.

                                                 

But this is not just the time to gaze at and admire the surrounding blossom. Just like Nature herself, we have to shake off winter torpor. There is an entire vineyard out there to care for. Here is Minas, having sprayed his vines, ploughing the area and clearing out the weeds.

                                              

And, since we’re talking of tasks, I must go and tend the rosebushes. They’ve been pruned down, their beds cleared and they’ve been fed. Now I see there is too much growth so the foliage needs to be thinned out to allow a free passage of air through the branches to avoid moulds, etc.

                                                

I can’t wait till we can enjoy fresh fruit and beautiful, scented blooms. 😊