Stairs and Stripes Forever

Coming apart at the seams

Headwaters of Allens Creek

With the current wet weather this drainage swail indeed looks like a creek, but most of the time it is only a trickle. If its path is followed, it indeed becomes Allens Creek, bordering some very nice neighborhoods before eventually draining into Irondequoit Bay and Lake Ontario.

Wet spring

It seems the rain will not stop. Our progressing spring has gone into remission. It is cold and wet.

Of course dampness brings out contrast and saturates colors. Not a bad thing for photographs, but still, I look forward to the return of warm sunshine.

Bleeding heart

There are not many flowers that have names that truly describe their looks. Sunflower is the only other example that comes to mind (the flower looking like a beaming yellow sun).

The bleeding heart plant is an early boomer and grows quickly from the roots each spring. The vibrant pink flower contrasts strongly to the bright green foliage. This is a shade loving plant that is easy to grow. It is a favorite of mine.

The lowly dandelion

Scattered on lawns and gardens this pretty school bus yellow flower is considered a weed and pest that needs to be eradicated. As the season progresses it does loose it's cheerful appeal and threatens the fine green grass lawns.

But it is held in high regard in some places. The University of Rochester has an annual dandelion day, celebrating the bright yellow that, along with blue, forms the official colors of the university.

Snow tree

It is spring, but the blossoms on this tree remind me of snow. It is a pretty sight, but the tiny white tree flowers only last for a few weeks at best.

It occurs to me that maybe I am a little too focused on trees. I think I have more postings that feature trees than anything else. I guess it proves that I love arboriculture, but maybe it is time to move on... need to find something else to photograph.

Tree clump