The last week or so since the calendar’s declaration of SPRING has been very typical of early spring in the Colorado foothills.

Late March snow

Early April snow

Aspen Catkins

Notice the Catkins on the Aspen, they are sure signs of spring.  Catkins are skinny clusters of flowers that if pollinated, drop tiny hairlike seeds in early summer.  The seeds need moist soil to geminate, which here in the Rocky Mountain foothills is not a likely find.  It’s a good thing that Aspens primarily propagate by root shoots.

Peach Tree, no blossoms yet

The Peach Tree is 3 years old this year (I believe).  This past winter wasn’t as dry as the last few, but we still didn’t get as much snow as we hoped for.  I was very intentional about shoveling our back patio and heaping the snow around the base of the tree, with the hopes that it would get as much moisture as possible and be productive this summer.

Lilac Bushes

The return of the lilac leaves and blossoms is always a delight.  There are several strong bushes with new shoots every year by our west fence.  Lilacs bring back sweet memories from my childhood, and are likely the reason for my lifelong love of the color of purple.  It is in this cluster of lilac bushes that our flock of ducks and chickens seem to like to hang out.

Post Oak

And finally, the Post Oak, my favorite tree in the yard.  It is always the last to leaf out, but I love how straight and tall it is, like a sentential watching over the driveway entrance.

If you are watching for signs of spring, what have you found?