Spring in California's Central Valley

This winter has been particularly vicious back east, but here in the Sacramento Valley, it was short and mild. For those of you who've never been to California this time of year, usually April has beautiful weather. We're only in mid-March now, though--not even Spring yet--and yet it seems like winter was forever ago. I thought it would be nice to post some pictures from around my yard and neighborhood.

Sacramento is the Camellia Capital of the World. Here's a pink one at my neighbor's:




These red camellias are in my yard.




This magnolia tree is just starting to bloom:



This tree is down the street from my house. It must be evergreen, as it's never lost its leaves. I just love the shape of the canopy, as well as the dark shade...

and its gnarled trunk.


This view down my street was taken towards the sun, hence the dark colors--but notice that the trees are starting to come back to life already.


Three days ago, when I first envisioned taking a picture of this blossoming cherry tree, most of the leaves were pink. Now they're mostly red.


This fruitless mulberry is in my backyard, and before I had it (severely) trimmed a couple weeks ago, was way too big, heavy, and bushy. You might think I've killed it...

but already it's showing tiny signs of life.




I don't know what this bush is in my backyard, but it, too, is starting to bloom.


And all the while, Boomer guards the hot tub.



I've added a new label at left: pictures. Click on it to see the pictures I've posted on this blog. Many of them are also associated with the travel label.