The Landscapes of Spring

May 12, 2024|American Landscape and Parks

The emerging signs of spring are welcome after a harsh winter. Plants and trees begin to take on new life. Grasses begin to turn green. Springtime brings back the sights and sounds of birds. Colorful flowers continually change the landscape. 

In this edition we are looking at spring in the landscape. The cover features a bloom of the Southern Magnolia Tree. The Magnolia’s stark white blooms and rich green leaves make a beautiful combination. 

Southern Magnolia In Bloom

In springtime wildflowers abound and transform an ordinary pasture into a spectacular scene. 

The next several images feature fields of wildflowers found in Texas. The Indian Paintbrush (shown below) has a distinctive reddish orange bloom.

Another Texas favorite is the Bluebonnet (shown below). The name originates from the flowers shape thought to resemble a vintage woman’s sun hat which was once known as a bonnet. The Bluebonnet and Indian Paintbrush are native to Texas. Propagation of these wildflowers increased during the 1930’s when the Texas State Highway Department began to plant them along the roadside. They are drought tolerant plants that work well in the alkaline soils. 

A Field of Texas Bluebonnets

In the Southern and Eastern United States, the Azalea (Rhododendron) is a popular plant. The image below which features blooming Azalea plants was taken on the campus of Rice University in Houston. 

Azalea Plants in Full Bloom

Another notable part of spring is the refoliation of dormant trees. The leaves begin to bud and often appear lime green as new growth is being established. The image below was taken on the shoreline of Mobile Bay in Alabama. 

Spring Trees Return to Life at Fairhope, Alabama

Washington DC and surrounding areas have adopted the Japanese Cherry Tree. The tree is a prominent feature along the banks of the Potomac River in Washington. The tree’s pink color blooms are spectacular. The image below was taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Washington and Lee University.

Cherry Trees in Bloom in Western Virginia

The deserts of Arizona enjoy an early spring. Flowers accent the landscape around the mountains of Sedona nourished by the early monsoon rains. The rugged beauty of this western landscape features interesting red rock formations complemented by evergreen vegetation. In the image below the mountains in Sedona are accented by blooming dwarf morning glory. 

Mountains of Sedona Arizona

Throughout Arizona flowers such as poppy’s thrive. A Red Poppy invites a visitor in the image below. 

Dea’s Yard in Tucson

Insects carry out their assigned task among the flowers and plants of spring. The image below of an orange and black long-wing butterfly was taken at the tropical gardens at Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

Butterfly Exhibit at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

The Life of a butterfly is short but visually glorious. The image below features the Gulf Fritillary often seen in Florida and Texas.

Gulf Fritillary

Another field of bluebonnets found along Buffalo Bayou in Houston are shown below.

Spring Bluebonnets at Hershey Trail, Houston

Springtime is a great season for the landscape photographer. The subtle lime green color of new folage provides a nice accent. A field of wildflowers blanketing a landscape makes a compelling subject. A single bloom might be missed. It is hard to miss the overwhelming statement of a field of bright bluebonnets. 

Thanks for joining us again. More recent images are included on my website at https://photobykercho.com Craig Kercho