Azaleas in an explosion of colors
I've been out and about enjoying the spring colors. Each week brings something new and colorful. This week, it's the lilacs, azaleas, dogwoods, and the last of the tulips. Here are just a few examples of each for your enjoyment! (Click on images to enlarge.)
Azaleas are part of the rhododendron family and can be found in 10,000 registered or named varieties! Some of these flowering bushes have muted colors, but most are bright and lively, blanketing their plant in explosive colors. These are but a few of the many to be enjoyed. In the early morning, before sunrise, they give off an exquisite, clean fragrance.
Syringa vulgaris, or common lilac
Syringa, or lilac, is part of the olive family. The most common is Syringa vulgaris, or the common lilac. These beauties are on the grounds of Pierce Mill, one of the last mills on Rock Creek.
Tulips at Pierce Mill
There are nearly 100 varieties of tulips, which are part of the lily family (Liliaceae.) Tulips have become synonymous with Holland, but these flowers are also native to Africa, Central Asia, and China. In 2004, a tulip was named after First Lady Laura Bush. It's called the Tulipa Laura Bush.
Cornus florida, or flowering dogwoods
There are approximately 50 varieties of dogwoods. The most common in this area is Cornus florida, or flowering dogwood, a tree that blossoms in white, pink, or red.
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 4/08
10 comments:
what a joy, what a wonder! splendid!
Enjoyed your spring display.
The US National Arboretum is always worth a visit this time of year.
National Arboretum
Lara: Thank you! We usually have beautiful Spring seasons here, but this year seems to be particularly spectacular.
Rosebay: I love the National Arboretum! In fact, I was saying to a friend a few days ago that I need to go over there again. It's only a couple of miles from my home.
Really a wonderful display...I'd be biased to say though that I like the tulips more =D I like them most second to the cherry blossoms.
I know you also remember how it is in Vienna, but this year was particularly difficult, the number pf pollen allergy affected people are higher than the former years...How is it with the allergies there?
Giselle: I've been lucky not to suffer from allergies, although this year I'm noticing that sometimes, when I'm outside amongst all this beauty, my eyes feel a little like they have sand in them. But it isn't so bad that I'm miserable or have to take medicine for it. As I said, I'm lucky.
Many, many people suffer horrible allergies here and for them this time of year is utter misery. The pollen counts are quite high and are part of the daily weather reports on the local news stations.
I often wonder if increased pollen counts are just an normal part of nature or is it one more bad side effect/byproduct of global warming?
I'm sorry you suffer from allergies. I hope my photos are a nice way to enjoy Spring's beauty without all the misery.
Ooh, I love all that vivid color!
These Lilac look similiar to Wisteria. I'm in awe of all of the beautiful color and I breathless over dogwood. I only saw one of these varieties up in Monterey, CA and I was in love. I wish we could have them here.
Maya: Fun colors, huh?
Andrea: Isn't it interesting what will grow in some parts of the U.S., but not others? And even what will grow in one part of a state, but not another? I've been seeing a lot of wisteria around here, but haven't had a chance to photograph it. It's quite lovely, though, isn't it?
HI-
Just wanted to drop in and thank you for your informational blog! I was on google looking for info on what Pierce Mill looks like, and your site was really helpful. I'm a CA photographer coming out to DC early October for some family sessions that will be around Pierce Mill.
thanks again,
Wendy
Blue Lily Photography (dot com)
Wendy: Your comment is precisely why I write my blog the way I do! I hope it will be a tool for those who are visiting our city to learn about the places, both known and lesser known, that make Washington interesting.
Did you also see the entry titled "Industrious" with a picture of the mill building?
Anyway--thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'm glad I could be of help!
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