The Pink Haze of Spring

Once Spring starts to bloom, we are aware of how lovely it is but often miss individual flowers and plants, as there is so much in bloom.  These are Azalea flowers - close-up and in the garden in waves of pink. These bloom mid to end of May. The first to bloom are the early cherries and the Magnolias.  My Star Magnolia opened yesterday.  The pink Saucer Magnolias are showing colour on their buds.  Perhaps later this week we'll se them blooming.

Seahorse in Blossoms

What makes a great public garden 'great' is the scale and complexity of plantings, structures, paths and other garden elements in the landscape.  Winterthur has expansive naturalistic gardens that are considered the best in North America.  At the house are more structured formal gardens, designed by Marion Coffin.  The drifts of Azaleas and Rhododendrons frame the house in spring so that the formal and informal merge into a showcase display. At this time of year, the azaleas are reflected in the pond so that the seahorse is surrounded by pink waves.