We started off May very cool and wet with highs in the upper 40s and lower in the upper 30s but the last few days have been wonderful, sunny with highs in the middle 70s and we have significantly progressed in our growing season. This week Crab Apples and Lilacs have joined other spring flowers and trees still blooming and look great with Tulips, Redbuds that are still blooming. Daffodils and Pears for the most part are done and are loosing flowers. In the garden this week I have decided to go ahead and plant my frost tender annuals in the hopes it will now stay warm. I have also mowed lawn for the 2nd time this season already. In the tree out early and mid trees are now completely leafed out and leaves are nearing full size. Hackberry, Silver Maple, Norway Maple, Elms, Ashes are all kinds of trees which at leaves at this time. All trees including late ones such as Oaks, Lindens, black walnut are at least showing signs of breaking dormancy but they still appear leafless from far away. I would say 75% of the canopy has leaves of some degree of size, this is especially true in Metro Des Moines.
Lilac blooms May 5th 2014
Lilacs are blooming beautifully across Southern Iowa and their smell is great! Lilacs are an old fashioned favorite of many including me. I grew up in a house that was surrounded by beautiful old lilac bushes.
Susan Magnolia May 4th 2014
My Susan Magnolia finally reached full bloom this week and is quite nice. this shrubs has moved with me during my moves across Iowa. This variety I noticed blooms later the other kinds by at least a week and a half, but it is still none less beautiful and it does have a nice fragrance.
I did visit Pella for the Tulip festival. I went during the 1st day of the event and it was cold and drizzly, but it was still a great day. There were 100s of Tulips across the city and I found Pella to be a very nice city. I especially liked the displays of Tulips along the boulevards across the city!
Tulips in a city park May 1st 2014 Pella, IA
This is another scene at the Pella Tulip Festival These were Appledorn Tulips
Tulips along Fleur Drive May 5th 2014 Des Moines, IA
Fleur Drive is one of the most beautiful corridors I've encountered in Des Moines so far. The street is lined with beautiful gardens and right now they are filled with these beautiful tulips.
I leave this spring growth update with one final image of Crab apples in full bloom at Des Moines waterworks park. This was at the Arie Den Boer Arboretum. The smell and scenery at this park was outstanding and beautiful. Its a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful blooms.
This week were expecting several warm days including 90.F on Wednesday with storms breaking out Thursday ( Severe potienal ) This will continue to progress the season at a fast rate over the next few days. We will soon be entering a very summer-like look as leaves reach full size.
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