DC Spring - Azaleas, Dogwood, Tulips and Ducks

It was almost warmer in February than now, but definitely warmer than March. The cherry blossom crop was half ruined by the wierd freezing temps. The poor magnolias were completely frozen out. It's been hotter than heck already, but then cold the next day. One thing is for sure - the ducks are pairing up, the dogwood are in full bloom, the tulips abound, and the azalea season is underway. This is the first walk we took on the mall today after visiting Florida last week. It was only in the 60's with rain sprinkles, but was best sort of lighting for outdoor photographs. The pair of ducks at the Smithsonian American Indian museum had the whole fountain to themselves, as did the pair at the US Botanic Garden. The well known buildings of DC were flanked by tulips; the Hirshhorn gardens were filled with bright colors; and the neighborhood was awash in all things spring. It's a beautiful time to live in the city - but don't tell anyone.

An Early Spring in DC

On our morning walk along the National Mall things are changing dramatically! With the delightfully warmer weather we have had for most of the winter, all the buds are growing and getting ready to burst! We haven't had this wonderful of a winter since we moved here from the Midwest ten years ago. It felt like winter all year 'round there - we couldn't even plant flowers until after Memorial Day for fear of freezing temps. So with the sunny skies and brighter days the trees and shrubs love it, and today the flowers were beginning to show their faces not only in the gardens by the Hirshhorn but all the Smithsonian museums we passed by. Some people are upset there hasn't been any snow, but I am thrilled to have more of the other three seasons. Someone is coming to visit us around cherry blossom time at the end of March. I'm not so sure there will be any blossoms left at the rate things are going - and it's going to stay warmer for the next many days. I'll be sure to take a lot of photos in case she misses it all!