19-3-2018
Two month after planting, the young Braeburn apple tree is showing the tiniest signs of life. If you look very closely, you can see the top bud reddening and fattening a little bit. The tree got through the snow alright and is currently mastering another cold spell.
Meanwhile, the sticky buds of the chestnut tree are swelling impressively, while some trees, like the wild plum, are past the bud stage. Their leaves are already out, in spite of snow and frost.
If you’re out and about in town and country, look out for the clouds of pink and white flowers on ornamental cherries and plums. Their flowers appear before the leaves, and now is the time to admire them.

Photos: Apple tree; Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).