Of Petals and Snowflakes

Hello hello!

I was on my way to tell you a short tale about the curious nature of well, nature…

When somehow, an adventure of weather in a bizarre high desert emerged from my thoughts (and my camera).

A story project of epically pointless proportions to be sure.

But a tale nonetheless.

And a true tale at that, I'll have you know.

So you begin by asking – where have these petite botanicals come from?

At least, I hope you are asking that so that I may begin my explanation that includes (but not limited to), soft feathery ice, colorful petals and 55' of separation. Possibly with some fur thrown in for good measure – of course.

It all began in February you see, with beautiful scrumptious days of rain droplets and sun that lead to a carpet of green covering the entire country house ground.

The majority of it being wild chamomile, also known as pineapple weed.

Which incidentally, emits the most glorious scent of – you guessed it, pineapple.

Let me preface this by saying that in my location, up the mountain at about 3300', there is often snow once a year.  The kind of snow that lasts 2 days at most, usually stopping by in the month of February. Every few years it really sticks and sometimes it melts instantly upon hitting the ground.

But this year, spring had sprung early, at least a little.

50's and 60's (F) that everyone loves, swirled around for days.

And then, out of nowhere, it snowed.

Like fairy tale Christmas snow.

Real magical beautiful snow.

Everyone was really happy because it even snowed in lower elevation parts of Arizona where they usually don't get the little flakes we get up here.

It was the main topic on the news and everyone was overjoyed.

It was beautiful, and it added the most decorative dusting of powered sugar (to fancy up the place) that you could ever ask for.

Pretty thing, that fresh snow.

We roamed around our garden, enjoying the novelty of it all.

Last year it snowed but it didn't stick for more than a few hours.

This lasted a long time.

Like 24 hours long 🙂

The next morning it was sun sun sunny times.

And a few days later the temps crawled up and up and up.

Until it was 86' – can you even believe that?

From a snow day to 86'?

And so, all the stone fruit tree blossoms unfurled.

Plum trees…

(eating citrus a bunch too)

And the peach blossoms, I love them so.

(apricots too, farther down below)

And then today, it turned 55' and will now rain for a week.

Perfect because that 86' started to wilt the ground that is absolutely positively covered in green.

Something I am not ready to see go just yet.

Thick lush green everywhere.

Lots of wild mustard.

All sorts of teensy ground flowers.

And as I said, wild chamomile dreams beyond compare.

The pups just roll in it and love it.

I love how when you walk through chamomile the firm golden buds make sounds on your shoes like dropping gumballs.

Miles smells so good after snoozing in the pineapple weed chamomile.

Of course, I had to run around taking photos of the beautiful fresh blossoms.

My heart skipped a beat, spring, such a beyond lovely time.

Spring is short here in the land of sun, so I am making sure to savor it.

The apricot blossoms (below) always smell like milk and honey and maybe a teensy touch of spice.

How I love them so.

I carefully collected a little bit of the garden findings for myself.

Verbena and henbit, rosemary and violets too.

And so, just like that, spring has begun in the land of sun.

Can you believe it?

I know many of you are still in snow and cold, so I thought I'd share this with you.

How the fruit tree blossoms love the cold snaps.

And how hopeful and lovely spring is.

I feel like I could fill up a whole page with all the things I need and want to do.

I threw open the doors of the gypsy wagon even.

Time to dust it all out and have some fun.

But first, a week of rain.

Luckily I've pruned over 100 rose bushes combined, at two houses.

I've fertilized the soil with organic matter.

I've planted hundreds of seeds.

And I've filled up my "I can't wait" cup.

I can't wait to see all the growing things jolt up, I just can't.

One of my greatest joys in life.

How about yours?

The magic of spring!

I wish you all good things always my friends.

And lovely nature times to you as well <3

I best be off for now.

 

Wishes, magic and stars abound – always.

 

Love, V

 

See you soon, xoxo!