That’s right. And for the sake of those of you who do not live here, here is a small sampling of what we have been looking at the last few weeks. (Technically, this is not a travel post since I did not have to travel anywhere to take these pictures. But I am placing it under travel because the purpose is to make those of you who do not live here in Atlanta jealous enough that you will want to come down here and see it for yourself.)
[Click on any of these photos to view an enlarged version.]
Redbud trees are the first to bloom here in Atlanta. They usually bloom around middle to late February, when it is still cold. Redbud blossoms are hearty, and can survive all but the hardest freezes. When the redbuds start to bloom, it means that spring is on the way. (Note the faux-New Orleans design of the houses in the bottom photo, a neighborhood not far from where I live.)
Bradford pears are the next to bloom. They usually bloom at the end of February and during the first two weeks of March. Once they start blooming, it usually means that spring is here.
Daffodils bloom during February and March as well. They are usually at their peak during the end of February and into early March.
Cherry trees are the next to bloom. They usually bloom during the middle and end of March.
Pollen is the bane of Atlanta during the springtime, especially during the first half of April. It gets all over everything and leaves a fine yellow dusting on streets, sidewalks, cars, patios, patio furniture–in short, anything that is out of doors.
This is the view from the balcony of my apartment during the spring. Beautiful, isn’t it?
But the climax of spring in Atlanta comes at the end of March and the beginning of April, when the azaleas and dogwoods bloom. For about two weeks the entire city bursts into bloom, as entire streets and neighborhoods are filled with flowering azaleas and dogwoods. Tulips also bloom during this time of year.
