FALSE SPRING - REAL GIFT

We almost never see early Spring flowers, at least the kind that grow in moderate climates, because at that time of the year we're still in Florida  -- where all the blooms are the more flamboyant kind.  

 

But this year, November in Oregon gave us a going-away gift.  The weather there was strange   --  warmer Autumn temperatures than usual in addition to the normal rains.    

  Buds were beginning to unfurl on a couple of the rhododendron bushes in our son-in-law and daughter's yard.  And there were catkins on the pussy willow bushes.

In the more typical seasonal scene below, on the same day I took the flower pictures  our daughter was outside raking the black walnut leaves.

 

   (I helped by taking her picture.)  

 

 It is a little worrisome to think what will happen if there's a hard freeze later-- and there probably will be.  After all winter hasn't even really started yet.  (We're in Florida for the rest of the season, so we'll  only know the fate of these lovely flowers when we hear from the leaf raker!)   

 

Thanks to Nick at FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS and Denice at TODAY'S FLOWERS  on Sunday

Comments

[ann nz]

Puss willow is a Chinese New Year plant, I wonder if this is too early for them.

[NatureFootstep]

global warming it seems. :(
Welcome back. Looking forward to see a lot from the trip soon :)

[Nan]

Gosh, your daughter looks like I did before my hair turned white. :<)

[Rambling Woods]

It shouldn't be raining here now near Buffalo NY...the lack of snow led us to a very dry summer..here is hoping..lovely flowers Sallie...hugs.. Michelle

[Modern Mom]

Lovely photos.

[SandyCarlson]

The weather patterns have been very strange these past several years. Come what may, kids get to do the raking,itingin though!

[Red Nomad OZ]

The detail of your first shot is awesome!! And I'm with you on the 'helping-by-photographing' thing - that's the best, if not ONLY way to do it!!!

[ann nz]

puss willows are Chinese new year plants for decoration. Far,ers will cry if they bloom too early/

[Gattina]

It seems that the weather went mad in the whole world ! We too didn't really have an autumn, the leaves on the trees stayed green until mid November before a strong wind blue everything away. It also was very warm for the season.

[LifeRamblings]

The pussywillow is amazingly gorgeous.

[Sally in WA]

Wow! That is a huge tree trunk. Glad I don't have to rake those leaves!

[laura k]

i LOVE the pussy willow picture!!
at first glance i thought they were frosty buds!!

we have ONE azalea flower blooming!! they don't usually bloom until march!!

[ken schneider]

Here in Florida the maple buds are swelling even before all the leaves have fallen. As you know, our flower (and vegetable garden) season is just getting underway.

[Luna Miranda]

the tree looks really ancient! pretty buds in the top photo.

[lindyloumacinitaly]

Our plants in our garden in Italy were behaving in a similar way in November. The world weather is strange!

[CameraCruise]

Beautiful photos!
The weather is so strange these days.
Here we have new snow records.
Have a great weekend.
Mette

[Arti]

Such delightful captures! I will keep my fingers crossed for what the leaf raker will have to say :)

[Rainfield (雨田）]

I have rains keep falling.

Is it also a false "winter"?

[HAZEL]

We experienced the same until winter recently burst forth with severe frosts. I hope the gales did not reach you? My Internet was off from teatime yesterday until 09-00 owing to "weather"!

[Phil]

We haven't seen those false starts for year or two mainly because we've had "proper" winters. It would be nice to see shots of that huge old tree when you get back from all that sun and warmth.

[Stewart M]

Im also very willing to help in the green by providing photographic evidence of other peoples work!

My busy week was really caused by my failure to look at my own diary!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

[Annie]

What strange flowers at this time o the year ! Nothing like this here. Cold and snow are present and the birds back home near the feeders...

[diane]

It must have been nice to spend time with the leaf raker.

[Carletta]

LOVE that moss covered tree! Narnia or the Hobbit come to mind. :) I have never seen a walnut tree that big in my life.
Lovely shots Sallie!

[ladyfi]

Those are lovely shots! I hope the buds survive!

[Mick]

I love the pussy willows. Haven't seen them for years!

[Gaelyn]

Nothing normal about weather, unfortunately.

[Pam :)]

me again.. after whopping black walnut add a (tree)
or everyone will think I'm a nutty nut-cast :)

[Pam :)]

I haven't seen pussy willows and rhododendrons in ages. That is one whopping black walnut, I love the moss! You did a fabulous job of helping your daughter, Sallie.. well done my friend ~:)

[Carver]

Beautiful shots. That happens a lot here. The false spring flowers get frozen but that's beautiful too.

[Lavender Dreams]

We've had mild weather here in Florida so far! We love it! Enjoy your week and Happy holidays!

[Gail Dixon]

I remember the rhododendrons well on my last trip to Portland. They bloom so profusely there. I cannot get over the size of that tree beside your daughter; it is mammoth! When old man winter hits, those plants are going to be sorry they tried to bloom. :(

[Eileen]

Lovely images, Sallie! I really love that big tree in the photo with your daughter. I am glad you had a great time in Oregon!

[Carole M.]

I really love the pussy-willow photograph

[TexWisGirl]

you were a HUGE help w/ the chores. :)

we had a false spring, too, but it enabled some of the trees to push out a few leaves after blossoming again.

[Colin Huggins]

Hi
What an interesting tree with all that moss (??) growing on it. Your daughter must be a bird lover as well as a good leaf raker! The bird houses in the tree. Any occupants yet?
Colin (Brisbane. Australia)
Weather report: Friday 14th 6.30am.
Presently fine and cloudless - blink and the clouds will appear. That's what it is like in the summer months here.

[Gunilla]

I hope there won't be any bigger damage and that you will still get flowers in the spring.