Springtime in East Texas

Spring is pretty much here in East Texas, at last, even though there have been some bumps along the road in the transition from Winter. My red buds made a very poor showing, leafing out almost at the same time as they flowered, while the forsythia seemed to just keep on blooming much longer than I have ever known them to do before. Last night the weatherman said that there could still be one more frost before Easter this year...on April 15th, which is not only Tax Day, but also the traditional day most old-timers around here say it is safe to plant!  Well, looks like with Global Warming/Climate Change, we just might need to rethink that and move it to April 20th from this year forward!  What do you think?!

Despite of all of that, I have found Spring has shown up this year around my little world, and I thought I would share it with you today.  Are you ready?!

My good friend, Judy, and I decided to have lunch this past Wednesday in the Mast Arboretum on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.  We wanted to check out the azaleas that were in bloom in the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden.  The azaleas around East Texas have been a bit slow in blooming this year due to the unusual weather, but we were certainly not disappointed in what we found on our lunch break. Check it out below.  These photos have NOT been retouched or enhanced in any way, but show just how amazing the colors of Spring are here in Deep East Texas, and specifically in this wonderful garden!

The Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden is a wonderful place to take a walk, snap photos, relax and wonder at the beauty of Nature on one of the many benches along the way.  And a walk through the expanding Mast Arboretum is wonderful, as well.  So, if you are ever near Nacogdoches, stop and take a stroll!

Have you ever noticed the different shades of green in the Spring?!  Seems to me that we make such a Big Fuss over the brilliant colors of Fall, but what about all the gorgeous shades of green in the Spring?!  Look at these photos again, and check out the greens in your yard and along the byways you travel this coming week. Try not to let the colorful flowers keep you from enjoying the greens, and remember, come Autumn these same greens will be those awesome "Fall Colors"!  

Of course, it just wouldn't be Springtime in Texas without our beautiful bluebonnets!  These photos were taken last week in front of just one home along my way to and from town.  

The bluebonnets seem to have lasted much longer this year than I remember, and I just realized I haven't seen the Indian paintbrush yet!  They have been a favorite of mine since the second grade because they combine two of my special loves:  Native Americans and paintbrushes!  Kind of silly, maybe, but that is how it is with me!

Back here at HeartSong Farm, things are Spring-ing up also.

I found this cute little fellow admiring his reflection
in one of the buckets I collect rain water in off the back porch!

My Lady Banks roses are starting to green up, almost ready to bloom!

Well, that is it for now from HeartSong Farm.  Happy Spring!