Maybe Too Soon

  One of the first signs of spring in the Deep South is the blooming of the azaleas.  These bushes will be covered with the hot pink, pale pink, white or red flowers as soon as the temperatures warm the least bit.  Most lanes, driveways and fences are lined with the shrubs on longtime estates.  Azaleas are the epitome of the beauty of the place and are the harbingers of springtime.

  This year, at least on the Bayou, the azaleas have few blooms even though it has been warm for some time.  And it is a good thing.  For the next few nights, we are to have freezing temperatures.  The tight-closed buds should fare out well but the few open blooms will suffer.  By morning, the flowers will be droopy and sad looking.  Then, after this three day cool spell, the temperatures will warm again and the azaleas will show their true colors!

  Usually, the bridalwreath shrub blooms at the same time as the azaleas but, while the azaleas are late, the bridalwreath flowered early.  The tiny rose-shaped flowers burst open a week ago making the front yard glorious!  These clustering flowers that are on long draping branches were at one time used during weddings (hence the name).  The long, willowy branches were often twisted into tiaras for the bride and her maids to wear in their hair.  They were also roped into garlands to decorate the church for weddings.  The snow-white blooms are quite showy and provided beautiful, yet cost free decorating.  My shrub is from a cutting from the old farm.  It has been through so much with a fire, hurricanes and droughts but keeps surprising me with beauty year after year.

  Although this cold spell will put a damper on the blooming shrubs, I say it is not long enough nor cold enough.  I yearn for a good cold winter since it has been years since we have had one.  While others wish for spring, I would love for some winter.  The plants, however, really want no part of this!