golden hour

golden hour, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The "golden hour" is that time just before sunset, or just after sunrise, when the light is slanted and golden (hence the name), and gives the world an ethereal quality prized by photographers and filmmakers.

I went over to Pine Hill Cemetery the other day after dinner, and the light was magical indeed.

crabapple blossoms

heraldic, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The crabapple trees in Heritage Park have burst into bloom. I love these deep rosy ones; I'll have to go back and capture the pale pink and white ones tomorrow.



My favorite crabapple over at Pine Hill Cemetery is also starting to blossom.





Most of the tree is still in bud, though.



One of the many reasons I love this time of year!

Grandmothers' Garden, redux

girlish, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I took a walk over to Grandmothers' Garden after supper yesterday and found lots more flowers, thanks to the weekend's very warm temperatures. I was amazed how much had bloomed in just a couple of days!







The setting sun made the magnolias glow:



The maple in the middle of the field is blooming as well, and its leaves are starting to unfurl:



It's so nice to be able to take evening walks again! It wasn't that long ago that we were still in winter's grip, huddling in the cold and dark.

new leaves

submit, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

In addition to flowers, this warm weather is bringing out the leaves on the trees. I found all sorts of tender, young, green leaves at the wildlife sanctuary today!















I love how a lot of them are fuzzy when they're so little!

wonderful tulips

orangerie, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

All this lovely warm weather is bringing out lots of tulips down at Stanley Park.

checking in

delivery, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I walked over to Grandmothers' Garden yesterday evening after work to check on what's growing and blooming there. I found all sorts of lovelies!

rhododendron

welcome, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The rhododendron out in front of the office is starting to bloom. It's a pretty pinkish-purple color, brightening up the drabness of the parking lot.

greening

greening, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The willow tree in the parking lot of Forestiere in East Longmeadow is a lovely spring green today. Its pale green catkins are flowering, defying the grumpy April weather we've been having this week.



The weather dude has promised 80's & 90's for the weekend. I can't wait!

forsythia

layered, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The forsythia hedge at Stanley Park was in full bloom on Sunday. It cuts a cheerful swath of yellow through the field.