​IN PRAISE OF BLOSSOM AND TREES

Daffodils really are the harbinger of spring,  even the cloudy cool weather can’t stop those daffs from their yearly reach for the skies.  Lovely to see them stretching up through the still cold ground, filling the air with their scent and our views with their bright and yellow tones.  All very nice but you really know the big guns of spring are here when the blossom hits town.
It’s been a beautiful and distracting experience travelling about town in the last few weeks,  seeing the masses of gorgeous pink and white blossoms  appearing.   Those great fluffy tracts of flowers can’t help but make your spirits rise.  From whites and perfect pinks to darker plum shades, floating blousily on the ends of their bare branches in a seductive attempt to attract the passing bees.  Hanging over pretty gates and garden fences,  lining streets and starring in parks all over town.  We are happy bystanders in this annual spring show.   It’s a short moment in time to be savoured,  over too soon and all too fleeting ,  ended by a few untimely winds creating swirls of confetti, clearing the branches in preparation for fresh green leaves.   Spring marches on.
Most blossom trees also feature spectacular autumn colours, are a manageable height and sit well in a city streetscape.   The benefits of having trees in our city environments is well documented and leads to residents feeling more connected with nature and a general feeling of well being.   They provide essential shade,  reduce noise and dust,  clean the air and create oxygen, benefit healing and calm people, provide spiritual and creative inspiration and encourage civic pride.  Enjoy your trees,  appreciate their gifts and maybe choose just the right place to plant perhaps one more for your children and grandchildren.