Bleak Winter

As I glanced at the ‘tiny yard’ this morning, it looked so bleak. Even with small sprouts from the bulbs starting to grow in the ground, everything looks so empty and exposed. I can only contemplate what the summer will bring…color, freshness, warmth and cheer. 


A walk around the neighborhood on a rare sunny afternoon is invigorating. But, the frosty cold season is still upon us. 


I took a good look at our Paperbark Maple tree this week. The peeling copper-orange bark will continue this unusual papery appearance for the rest of its life. Acer griseum is the only maple species with this type of peeling bark. The dark green leaves will come for the summer and then turn a bright fall color. This nice,  small landscape tree adds interest to the tiny front yard.


For now, wintertide continues and I stay snuggled under my throw, reading, waiting for seeds to germinate, sprout, bud and grow!

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