Laburnum trees have special meaning for me.
They grow profusely here in Victoria BC and are presently in full bloom.
I first became aware of them nearly forty years ago, in southern Ontario, in an English gardening book. I had never seen one growing or in bloom.
It came. It grew. It blossomed! People stopped to admire and inquire. It did not survive a harsh winter. The nursery replaced it. It came …. it grew …. it blossomed …. ditto. The nursery did not offer to replace it and I did not ask when I called to alert them to the fact .
So when I arrived on the west coast twenty years ago and saw them growing in gardens, on boulevards, in nooks and crannies (isn't that a lovely phrase), I was overjoyed.
That feeling has returned each spring ever since.
Comments
2 responses to “Laburnum!”
Karen – the Laburnum is indeed a beautiful tree, especially in spring when it is in full glorius bloom. Here in Toronto the Magnolia trees are finished but the flowering pears and crabapples are in full bloom. In my backyard I have 2 Cornus Kousa (Japanese Flowering Dogwood) trees that also flower magnificently in late spring. I often wish I could share their beauty with more people. I will take a photo and post on my blog this year.
Morning Michelle
Yes, post a picture of your flowering dogwoods, please. It is the provincial flower here and so many dogwood trees now in bloom. I never tried laburnum in Toronto (only Georgetown) so wonder if they do thrive there. Maybe, over the years, a hardy hybrid has been developed. Most worthwhile, if so. Have you seen any in TO?